Interview - Lauren Rogers
A graphic designer with 12+ years industry experience working with a broad range of clients ranging from large corporate clients through to working with start-up businesses. Lauren is a design force to be reckoned with having brands like QLD Government, The Body Shop and Public Transport Victoria under her belt.
Tell us how you ended up here as a freelancer? Where did it all begin?
Since Graduating I have always freelanced on the side of my full time jobs in design agencies. I left to live in London and realised I could do the freelance gig full-time, so upon returning to Australia I had a goal to eventually do it full-time again, unsure if Brisbane had the same demand.
Eventually after 2 years working full-time (and freelancing on the side) I made the leap to freelance and now work mostly directly with clients growing my small design studio.
What was your last “real” job?
Working as a graphic designer in a design studio.
What inspired you to start freelancing? Was there a ‘moment’ that made you realise it was time?
When I had an influx of enquiries on my personal website I realised my services were in demand and I had enough clients to leave my job for freelance.
How did you prepare to start working for yourself?
I spent a while working very hard, coming home to freelance work in the evenings while maintaining my full-time job. I did lots of research but nothing can prepare you for it. Once you begin doing it full-time is when you start figuring things out.
What was your biggest fear before you started freelancing? Any tips to overcome these fears?
My biggest fear was not having enough work to pay the bills, luckily there has been a steady flow of work, it’s important to remember to have a mindset of abundance and when things get quiet, either take a break or get out there and market yourself.
I think there will always be ups and downs, I learnt the lesson to take a break rather than stressing about not having enough work.
In three emojis, describe your life as a freelancer…
🤪 🖥 🥂
Walk us through a typical work day?
Morning: I generally begin my day with emails and admin. Sometimes I go to my local café and have a nice strong coffee to do the mundane tasks first, organise my calendar and to do list for the day and get started on a few smaller design projects.
Afternoon: I focus on doing design work during the day, if I have a large branding job I will generally spend the day working on just one project. Lately I’ve had lots of smaller jobs to try and get through so have been jumping between a few things.
Evening: In the evenings I try to get to the gym to move my body and do art class once a week to socialise and do more hands on creative projects.
I don’t work in the evenings anymore, I find it much better for my work life balance to get done what needs to get done during the day and have time away from the screen in the evenings.
Name three qualities you need to succeed as a freelancer?
Persistence, Passion and Independence.
How has COVID-19 impacted your everyday life?
Working for yourself is already quite isolating so COVID-19 has just added to the feeling of isolation, that’s where groups like CoolWow are so good to keep up the social interaction.
I know we’re not supposed to have favourites, but can you share a favourite client project of yours?
Working at The Body Shop on their gift packaging range would be one of my favourite experiences, I learnt so much and enjoyed focusing entirely on beautiful packaging.
Best thing about freelancing?
It has to be the freedom and flexibility. I love being able to schedule my own work day.
Suckiest thing about freelancing?
I’d say the suckiest thing would be being 100% responsible for finding new work and not having a team to help push you through when you’re not feeling your most creative.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out on their freelancer journey?
Don’t give up, there will seem like times you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel but it will always get better. There will no doubt be tough times but then there are times when you realise working for yourself has been the best decision you’ve made.
What’s next for you in business?
Working with larger clients and developing some passion projects that ignite my creativity.
This or that
Tea or coffee? Coffee
Introvert or extrovert? Introvert
Earlybird or night owl? Earlybird
Home office or coworking space? Co-working space
Emails or calls? Email
Paper or digital to-do list? Paper
Books or podcasts? Books