Aimee Guzman
Aimee Guzman
Designer / Founder of Little Trailer Studio
Los Angeles, CA
www.littletrailerstudio.com
Instagram @aimeegzmn
Instagram @littletrailerstudio
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WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I help businesses stand out from the crowd, find their niche, and level up their business through branding and strategy.”
Basically I make sure that when you share your biz to the world, your ideal audience will connect with you, and your brand will stand out from the crowd because the foundation we've built together highlights what makes you unique and your brand looks stellar!
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I have a degree in Theater and LGBTQ studies (yes that’s a thing!) but a couple years "in the real world" led me to finding graphic design! So after getting fired from my corporate job, I went back to school for graphic design (read more on that in this article). Fast forward to a couple more years and I started my own design business called Little Trailer Studio. There are a lot of tiny steps that I took in between those big steps and if you wanna know more feel free to reach out for a coffee date!
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
People lack the confidence to be themselves and create their own path to success. It's easy to see what other people have done to become successful and then want to copy it. But you'll find more success when you dig deep down and build a strategy that reflects your brand and your unique point of view.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I'm currently working on my upcoming branding workshop!
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My design style revolves around leaving room for imagination. When you leave room for imagination and allow the viewer to connect the dots it creates a more lasting impression. For example, logos that are too literal lack excitement and leave no room for imagination. My aesthetic is sophisticated with a touch of charm and whimsy, one friend called my aesthetic “the feminine Wes Anderson” (talk about quite the compliment!). My perspective on branding is that your brand shouldn’t rely on one sole thing (i.e. only your logo, only your Instagram, only your website). I have a wholistic approach to branding and each brand I create starts by asking a lot of questions and getting to the core of what the brand is and who it serves, and then of course creating a brand identity and website that looks the bomb!
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
It’s hard to do work both on the business and in the business. I’m always navigating the waters of designer and business owner. Sometimes I think I’d like to focus more on design, other days I’m feeling quite in the mood for biz so it really just depends on the season I’m in!
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I am currently a one woman show, so I could use an extra set of hands helping with little things like business development, marketing, client/project management.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would have that person take care of any and all tech problems! Or someone that can take over the entire client on-boarding process and admin work for projects. If there's anyone here that's up for that feel free to get in touch! :)
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I would have told myself that starting my own biz won't be easy but that it will all work out just fine. Actually, better than fine!
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would like to gain more insight on when is the right time to hire your first employee and grow the biz.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Branding for lifestyle businesses who need help taking their business to the next level or business that started off as a side-hustle and are now ready for it to become a real thing. If you’re having trouble booking clients or getting that ideal customer it could be your branding and how you present yourself to the world. I ask a lot of questions to really understand what makes your business unique and how we can position your business in the right niche to create loyal fans. After going through a very in-depth discovery process I take that and create a brand identity (logo, icons, illustrations, color palette, typography palette etc) and website (I work within the Squarespace, Showit and Wordpress platforms). I believe branding is one of the most important stages of starting your business, so I never jump to a solution without doing the research first.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal collaboration would be exactly that -- a collaboration! I love to work with clients that understand and enjoy the process and aren't quick to jump to solutions before we do our homework. I like to think of it as if we’re partners in this. If you feel like your business has been stagnant it could be time for a brand refresh! The types of businesses I love to work with are businesses with a really unique point of view, lifestyle brands, boutique restaurants, and solopreneurs. I especially love when a client is not afraid to be themselves, they know their business is unique and they want the brand and strategy to reflect that. What makes you different is your best tool to create a memorable brand! Seriously, I could geek out on this stuff all day long.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Please inquire for pricing details or schedule a call with me! :)
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
In addition to your preferred form of communication, what would you like the intro to include (i.e. budget, scope, a hilarious GIF, etc.)
Email me with a blurb about you and your project! Tell me about some biz issues you've been dealing with and let's get the conversation going! aimee@littletrailerstudio.com
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Adventuring around LA on public transit. :)
This member profile was originally published in November 2016.