We're super excited to feature Kelly of Kelly Elliott Creative on the blog today. She's a talented graphic designer and photographer and we're super envious of all of her savvy skill. Kelly knows just how important first impressions are so the best surprise of today is the design discount she's offering exclusively to Midwest Bloggers. This is HUGE people!
Name: Kelly Elliott
Location: My office is based out of my home in Nevada,
Iowa but I work with clients from all over the state. Actually, I have been
fortunate enough to work with clients from all over the United States and even
abroad.
Occupation: Graphic Designer & Photographer
Hobbies: I try to travel with any free days I can
manage to find, gardening, reading and finding unique home decor is also high
on my list. Although nothing trumps spending time with my uber loveable mutt,
Max.
I couldn’t live without my…. Camera. I'm constantly
thinking in "photo frames" almost every moment of everyday.
What is Kelly Elliott Creative?
I
am a print graphic designer and offer any print design service that one could
possibly need. From brand design to magazine layout to collaborating with
brides over their perfect wedding invitation. I do definitely favor a boutique
custom style in my design and could never say no to creating something as
simple as a custom note card set. I also am a portrait photographer who works
with everyone from brand new little babes to engaged couples.
Of all the creative aspects of your job, which part is your
favorite?
When a client gives me full and unlimited creative control. That
is when I do my best work and when a true custom piece is created. I love a
good challenge and delivering that final product to a client.
Are you a full-time, one-woman show?
I am! I am
the designer, the photographer, the receipt keeper, the secretary, the lone
drinker of unhealthy amounts of coffee, the sole creative force and the list
could go on. While I often dream about having a partner who is crazy enough to
take on this venture with me it's been really great for me to take the plunge
of being a business owner and having to figure everything out from taxes to
work flow all on my own. While it may not just be me forever, I'm embracing it
for the time being and feel empowered by the obstacles I've navigated on my
own.
When & why did you start Kelly
Elliott Creative?
I softly started my business 5 years ago without
really knowing if it would be what I would do full time or not. However, it
quickly became 10 hour plus days so I made things official in 2011. I always
pictured myself owning my own business - even in high school before I even knew
what it would ever be. I've been a creative sole from the start and definitely
dreamed of supporting myself by selling whatever I was creating, I just didn't
know it would be as a graphic designer. I'm the type that puts my whole being
into anything that I'm doing and have always had the feeling that if I'm going
to pour myself into my work I wanted to be doing it for me. Working 15 hour
days is a whole lot more rewarding (and bearable) when I'm doing it to make my
own business a success rather than for the big man/woman who is never in his
office. It's definitely not the easy way out but it's the only way for me to
never feel like I really have to go to work because I absolutely love what I
do.
What's some advice you can give to those who want to start
their own business?
To expect to work harder than you can ever imagine but
at the same time you will be rewarded and surprised and what each day brings.
There is nothing comparable to being contacted by new (and old) clients because
of the work you do and the product you produce. Expect to have your fair share
of days when you wonder what you go yourself into or think that it'd be much
easier to have a big company name backing you up but, you'll quickly look back
and realize that the worst days or experiences are what pushed you through to
success. It certainly isn't easy and it's not for everyone but just one
positive experience or client praise can put you on cloud nine and then all of
those big obstacles or failed moments are quickly forgotten. Now matter how
busy or behind you are it's easy to put yourself on the back burner as a
business owner but, you really have to carve out time for yourself and get away
from emails and deadlines for a bit each week just enjoy the small things and
to still really have a life. Otherwise you won't ultimately be happy and you
will lose your drive to make your business a success. And remember, when
all else fails a nap is usually the answer - I resort to this...more times than
most adults would find acceptable. :)
What kind of degree do you have?
I have a BFA in
Graphic Design from Iowa State University. I still miss long nights at the
College of Design building, it was the best decision I could have made to apply
to that program.
What’s your favorite thing about Kelly
Elliott Creative?
That I get to put my creative stamp on so many
pieces big and little. Getting to work with my clients and providing them with
high quality, unique design and photography gives me the ultimate
satisfaction. I love people and getting to talk with them, collaborate
with them and ultimately dream big with them, is the best part of any design
job or photo session.
When you’re not working on design, what can you be found
doing?
Flying on a plane somewhere near or far or researching about my
next trip or... just staring at my computer screen drooling over travel images
and blogs wondering how I'm ever going to go everywhere I want to in one
lifetime. Finding time to meet over coffee or indulging in a long dinner with
good conversation and ridiculous amounts of laughter with my dearest friends is
always a top priority. Napping in the sunshine and planning my next interior
decor redesign are things I love. Giving back or doing something to make
someonelse's day are two things I don't ever have enough extra time for.
What’s the best piece of design advice you can offer a
blogger?
To always stay current and ahead of the next trend. As a designer
reading blogs is a part of my daily routine, they fill me full of inspiration
and often motivate me to do something a little more unique or unexpected. The
blogs I quickly lose interest in are those that don't have their own
personality or that are filled with ideas, inspiration or design that I can
find anywhere. I go to blogs to find vendors and new designs that I've never
heard of before or to be inspired to think about an upcoming project just a
little differently.
What other tips + tricks do blogger need to know?
To
reach out and network all that you can. Small business owners especially love
these kind of relationships and are often times willing to collaborate or help
with styling sessions, creating a solid brand and promoting your blog to their
clients, etc.
What is the biggest mistake people make in design? How can
they fix this?
Making the the decision to work with a professional but not
allowing them to really use their creative knowledge or full potential. A true
designer doesn't just make something to have it be pretty. There is a reason
for every little detail of a professionally designed piece. No matter the size
of the project from the color palette to the font pairings to the page layout,
everything is carefully decided and executed based on principles and
experience.
We hear you’re offering one heck of a Midwest Blogger’s
design deal…25% off business cards with an order of 100 cards.
Offer ends May 31st, 2014.
