I sent off 11 questions to designers in the early to mid stages of their careers, asking them a set of questions that help us get to know them a little bit. This week’s article features Freelance Graphic Artist, Charlotte Humphries.
Q1. To start, could you tell us who you are and where you work?
I'm Charlotte, and I'm a self-employed / freelance graphic artist. I work from home, which is a boat.
Q2. Did you study design or are you self-taught? If you did study, how did you find it, do you think a degree is necessary these days?
I didn't study design, but I did study illustration. So, to some extent in the world of graphic design, I am self-taught. I've therefore always had a bit of imposter syndrome calling myself a graphic designer, so to avoid feeling like I'm conning people, or to play to my strengths, I call myself a graphic artist.
I don't think a degree is absolutely necessary, but I do think it can be helpful - mainly because you get 3 + years to hone your craft and portfolio before going out into the "real world" / workplace. I think having that time and space to focus on those things can be valuable.
Q3. Is there anything you felt unprepared for going into work?
My degree didn't teach me how to deal with clients, particularly in regards to my own terms and conditions when it comes to a job, or how to price a job. Those are the things I felt particularly unprepared for, and am still trying to perfect now.
Q4. Do you work from home or go into the office? Do you like your situation or would you change it?
I work from home. Before Covid, my partner Calum (who is an illustrator) and I worked in a few different shared studios. There are pros and cons to both. The pros of being in an office or shared studio, are that you are around people so there is that social element, and you also get a healthy work/home-life separation. The pros of working from home are that you don't have to fork out every month for a studio, and you also don't have to fork out for transport getting to and from work. I personally enjoy working from home and I wouldn't change it now. I feel a lot less stressed overall!
Q5. How do you feel about freelancing/side projects, do you feel a pressure to do these?
N/A
Q6. What are you working on right now?
I am currently working on some design for a collectable cassette tape and an accompanying magazine, called Next Wave. The client is a record label called Chalkpit Cassette Club, an imprint of Chalkpit Records. I have worked long-term with Chalkpit, collaborating with them over the years on everything from their branding, some merch, and now on this new cassette imprint. The Next Wave cassette and zine showcases up and coming artists, and I'm now working on VOL 2. The branding and aesthetic I have built is meant to feel modern, whilst referencing the golden era of analogue and cassette culture.
I'm also working on some vinyl packaging/design for a jazz trio. My partner Calum is making the illustrations for this, and I am building the overall design and typographic elements of the packaging. It's great to be able to collaborate with Calum - we work very well together, often sharing a creative vision and we both respect each other's craft.
As for things unrelated to design; my obsession is long distance running. Right now, I am training for a hilly 50k in Wales at the beginning of September, and for my first 100k at the end of September, which my friend and I are running in aid of a fantastic charity called Grief Encounter.
Q7. Do you listen to music when you work? If so, what do you listen to? (very welcome to drop a playlist)
I generally listen to music when working. I have an eclectic range of taste, from New Wave, Synth Pop, Folk, Disco, Italo Disco, Heavy Metal and many, many, more. The common thread is that I basically love anything cheesy. Right now, I have Pet Shop Boys on repeat.
Q8. What have you been consuming lately?
I am a real consumer, so I won't bombard you with a massive list - but I've recently enjoyed Steven Bartlett's podcast called The Diary Of A CEO.
Q9. What do you do in times when you don’t feel inspired or motivated?
Spend time focusing on the things that matter to me most. Relationships/friendships, eating nice food, walking, running, getting outdoors etc.
Q10. Is there anyone you look up to or turn to for advice?
My partner Calum. It's an incredible gift being in a relationship with someone who completely gets you. I also look up to my younger brother a lot. He is bold and brave, sticks to his guns and is unashamedly himself - I aspire to be like that in life.
Q11. Finally, what are you most excited about as your career progresses, are there any particular goals you have?