Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurie Williamson.
Hi Laurie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a freelance copywriter and graphic designer based in Plano, Texas. I enjoy working on ad campaigns, video scripts, brochures, websites, social media marketing, direct mail, sales materials, and more. Most of my clients are ad agencies and graphic design firms in the Dallas area. Working together with these agencies, I’ve had the pleasure of creating content for major brands, including Chick-fil-A, Pizza Hut, Lavazza, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Hilton and Purple; as well as DFW-based organizations like Baylor Scott & White Health, Methodist Health System, University of Texas at Dallas Callier Center for Communication Disorders, Mutts, The Rustic, and Kaleidoscope Park.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in communication design from UNT, and began my career at Squires & Company in Dallas. Later, I worked for Imaginaria Creative in Plano. I launched Rare Type in 2007, and have been serving clients in the Dallas area for over 18 years.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I love my job and am grateful for all my clients—and I especially enjoy the freedom of being self-employed, which allows me to set my own hours and take time off when needed. So for the most part, things have gone pretty smoothly. One of the challenges of working freelance is that I am responsible for my income, my health insurance, and my retirement planning. I have to plan ahead to make sure I’m cultivating business today, so that I’ll have work to do tomorrow.
When things get slow, I use that time to work on my portfolio, market my business, attend networking events, and learn new skills. Instead of a company-sponsored 401K, I have Roth IRAs and other investments. It took some time to learn about investing, but it was well worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of Rare Type, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Rare Type specializes in copywriting and is known as a helpful partner for graphic designers and art directors. Since I began my career as a graphic designer (and still do graphic design work on the side), I understand what designers are looking for, and can write the kind of copy you need. I know that shorter headlines are better, I can write to your word count, and I can match the tone of voice that’s right for your project—whether it needs to strike an emotional chord, have a sense of humor, or convey a complex idea in a simple way. I also love helping with creative concepts, and can develop headlines as well as visual ideas for ad campaigns, video scripts, annual reports, and more.
While copywriting is my primary focus, my degree is in graphic design and advertising, and I have a number of graphic design clients I’ve worked with for many years. I can help with logo design, direct mail, brochures, ads, billboards, sales sheets, presentations, and more. Specialty projects include museum exhibits, vehicle wraps, and trade show graphics.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Writing, artistic ability, creativity, and the ability to work well with others are the most important qualities related to my professional success. Beyond these, I would add experience, which tells me what works and what doesn’t, education and practice to sharpen my skills, and work ethic, a willingness to do what it takes to reach my goals. I know that my own qualities aren’t the only ones contributing to my success. I’ve been fortunate to meet and develop great working relationships with some very talented people, and those relationships have allowed my business to thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.raretype.net
