Can you introduce yourself in a few sentences?

I’m an independent designer based in a small town in the UK. Side-project enthusiast, and aspiring writer (still picking up steam on that one). Sausage dog mum is 99% of my personality. Currently working on the new design column for Social Capital, and building up Head Office with my thoughts on things.

What do you do for work?

I’m a freelance digital designer specialising in brand/web working mostly within the tech startup space. I’ve worked in various roles from Lead Designer to Studio Manager. Aside from designing nice things, I love to obsess over design systems and have always quietly observed how people work together and how things get done, so for me, designing a team process and setting up a project plan is just as fun as wireframing a website.

How did you get to where you are today?

In a way I fell into what I do. When I was 11, designing a Wix website to sell my handmade jewellery just seemed like a fun way to spend a weekend. I wasn’t aware of graphic design as a career. When I was 16, I left school and got a job in a design and print shop in my small town. I spent two years typesetting magazines, designing logos for local businesses, and learning print processes and techniques. Following that, I moved on and worked in several studios, but I fell out the industry and found myself working in a call centre then a dental practice. I remember the day I bought my domain name to go full time freelance sat at the desk in between patients. I still have my receptionist name badge.

Freelancing of course comes with a lot of flexibility; when you work, who you work with, and where you work from. My most humbling story is finding myself sin casa and working from anywhere with wifi. My head office went from the home office to hotels, a caravan, even my car. The reality of freelance. You can be running a workshop out of your driver's seat with a virtual office background on, and no one knows you have your life’s possessions packed to the rafters of your Mini Cooper. Makes for a good story.

What does living a good life mean to you?

I could write a book on this. I think at the centre of it all, a good life to me is built on a good sense of self and making a conscious effort to have a healthy relationship with your mind and body. From there, you can really live life in full colour. Be intentional with your time. Be confident in your place in the world. If you get lost, come back to yourself. Look for what you love, and if you haven’t found it, keep looking. Let go of opinions and worries about people’s thoughts. When you get familiar with those things, go out and see the world. Don’t wait for people–do what you want to do. Try different things, learn new skills, do every possible thing in every possible way. Life is finite, so experience everything you can. And remember that gratitude makes even the smallest moments significant.

What’s something you wish you’d known 5 years ago?

To show an interest in what people are working on, collaborate on projects, ask for help, tell people your ideas. It will make your career much more diverse and enjoyable.

Who’s someone you look up to?

Aaron Draplin was one of my earliest inspirations as a junior designer. He did a mini docuseries with Vans called The Art of the Side Hustle. You can’t not see the world differently after watching him. The way he gets excited about the tiny emblems on packaging that go unnoticed, or how he sees ‘making it in the little leagues’ just as honourable as the big stuff.

What’s the best life lesson you’ve learnt?

Not only to be happy alone, but to prioritise time alone too. Just as you would prioritise spending time with a friend or a loved one, make an effort to spend time with yourself.

What do you dream about?

I always dreamt about having a little design studio out in a small European town. One with a polished concrete floor and a fancy coffee machine. Somewhere people poke their heads in to say hello on their lunch break. Nowadays, I dream of buying a little piece of land so I can rescue animals. That’s one for the future. In the meantime I’m working towards running multiple businesses that I love, well.

What is one thing you recommend?

I’d recommend learning to cook. Experiment with flavour and take pride in your presentation. It’s an act of self-care to fuel your body, and the process of cooking for yourself or others is just as good as eating it.

What song would be the soundtrack to your life?

It’s a toss up between Vienna by Billy Joel and Forever by Labrinth.

Finally, give us a hotspot in your city, or a city you love!

My favourite local spot is the little coffee shop down the road for my usual hazelnut oat latte, The Mill in Lisbon for the best french toast, and Petit Tapas in Barcelona for pretty much everything on the menu (go for the burrata and vegan croquettes).