Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Holt.
Emily, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always been interested in working in a creative field, but I first discovered my love for graphic design in high school while working in a tiny tee-shirt printing shop back in 2005. Looking back, I was designing laughable stuff for school clubs and private events, but I was officially hooked. Shortly after, I headed to Denton for a degree in a communication design and minor in marketing at the University of North Texas.
I interned at a few shops around Dallas, graduated, and spent a few years at a design studio and at a digital marketing agency. I was taking freelance on the side the entire time and dreamed of one day working for myself. When work was steady enough and it seemed like I could really make it work, I put in 6 weeks notice at my job (I really loved the company and its people). I was absolutely terrified, but so, so excited.
I’ve been working as a one-girl studio ever since! I love having the freedom to work directly with my clients and really get to know their dreams and business goals. I get really passionate about what I’m creating for them when they’re really passionate about what they’re doing – it’s a great little cycle of excitement. I focus primarily on branding (building identity designs from the ground up or refreshing existing brands), print design, and illustration.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Oh goodness. Yes and no. I’ve been very lucky in that I’ve been able to stay busy since I made the leap into freelance, but running a business is a constant learning curve. Figuring out things like contracts, on-boarding processes, and managing timelines was definitely a new beast for me when I first opened my own studio, and I have to say, I haven’t met anybody who ever feels like they have it 100% figured out forever. With new tools and technology constantly changing, things can always be updated and tweaked.
I’ve adjusted a lot of processes (and created more) and learned what works for me as both a business and a person. Something a lot of new designers forget is that a big chunk of your time isn’t spent actually designing. You’re answering emails, building quotes, invoicing, keeping portfolios updated and managing your online presence (still figuring that one out). It’s a lot of work, but as a creative, balancing that with doing what you really love is key.
As a one-lady studio, I’ve learned the importance of avoiding burn-out. I’m a champ at overworking myself, so after excessive 60+ hour work weeks for about 2 years, I’ve been trying to take big steps to make sure I’m doing two things: taking vacations to refresh and get inspired and working on personal projects, like the little stationery brand I started up this year (Tiny Treehouse C0, www.tinytreehouse.co). These help me be a better designer for my clients because I’m mentally available to pour a part of my heart into their brand rather than just trucking along to meet a deadline.
Emily Fights Crime – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Emily Fights Crime is a one-lady graphic design studio that focuses primarily on branding (building identity designs from the ground up or refreshing existing brands), print design, and illustration. I strive to create good design for good people, and I love working with small businesses, start-ups, and the socially-conscious.
Rather than just designing a logo and sending you on your way, I go through a full process with my clients to ensure they have a great visual foundation for their brand voice. After we’ve researched, created, and revised, they walk away with not just a logo but with a clear direction of their company’s visual style all wrapped up in a brand guidelines document.
When it seems like a fit, I also work with companies that may already have a gorgeous logo and a well-established brand and need to refresh their print material (menus, packaging, etc) or have quarterly magazines that need some love. I’m rarely working on projects within the same industry in any given month, and I love that. My clients keep me on my toes and I’m always solving new problems and deep diving into a new world, whether it be for a performing arts theatre, a beauty brand, or a restaurant.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Oh, good question. Success is such a tricky word. A lot of folks relate it to money, but I’ve started to equate success to fulfillment.
The line between business and personal success is a blurry one for me since so much of my heart gets poured into my work. When I feel truly fulfilled working on projects, am loving the results, and know the client is happy and 100% trusting me to do what’s best for their brand, I consider that success. Because of that, I’ve learned to work with clients who I would be totally game to go out and grab a coffee with just to chat. With communication being such a core element in the design, we have to be riding similar wavelengths.
However, with that blurry line comes a new challenge – work/life balance. You really do need both to be your best self, so my version of success contains that fulfillment through creating right along with fulfillment and being inspired by just living. I often find inspiration in the little stuff, like walking the dog on a new trail with my husband.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.emilyfightscrime.com
- Email: hello@emilyfightscrime.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/emilyfightscrime
- Other: www.tinytreehouse.co
Image Credit:
Emily Fights Crime, MK Sadler, Brad Holt
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