Alexia Sparks
Q What do you do?
“I’m half college student, half freelancer.”
I design brand identities from scratch for women in creative and service-based industries (ex: photographers, other designers, social media managers) to help them create a home out of their business. I'm beginning to roll out web design services on Squarespace (and soon, Showit).
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
The first step was signing up for the ilovecreatives Squarespace Online Course back in October 2020, but I got crazy imposter syndrome and took a major break from Level 3. After a series of fortunate events, I found a design podcast in May of 2021 that introduced me to the idea of brand design, and the host of the podcast had a story that was very similar to my own. She launched her first course a month later, teaching the basics of the Adobe creative suite and brand design. I signed up for her course in July, and by September I had graduated and launched my own design business. Then I had the courage to jump back into the Squarespace course, build my own website for 3.3, and hit that trophyyy!
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Because I'm Alexia and my business name is Studio Alexia, I'm pretty much marketing myself to my clients which can be a nightmare for my imposter syndrome. I always try to keep it authentic (keeping it real on my IG stories and keeping all copy very conversational and ~me~). I think my design style sets me apart, too, as I don't have one specific "look" for all of my projects. Instead, they all have a general vibe about them (see: soft, feminine, airy, and generally pretty if I say so myself) but adapted to the needs of each project, of course. Instead of taking a specific style, clients come to me because they like my general vibes.
Q What are you working on right now?
I'm currently working with a previous client on her Showit website at an hourly rate as her website director. This mutually benefits both of us, as Showit is a popular platform in my niche and I want to learn the ropes of it, and she gets my design + copywriting expertise! I'm also about to start beta web projects on Squarespace with two of my previous branding clients. Otherwise, I'm trying to work on marketing to my dream clients so I can get more consistent branding projects during my last semester of university.
Q What’s your style?
I like to call my design style "dreamy." My projects generally have a soft, feminine vibe to them, with more emphasis on typography-heavy logos rather than playful imagery. I want people to look at my work and think "wow, that's pretty!" as opposed to adjectives like bold or trendy. My latest two projects, Eden Greene Photo (passion project) and Love in Bloom (client work), are the best examples of my style.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I want to feel more confident in my web design skills because I think that's what will put me in high demand in my niche — everyone wants a designer who will handcraft your brand AND do your website for you. Graduating from ILC Squarespace course was the first step for me, but I want to get more comfortable with real client sites and learning Showit as an alternative platform, too.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I feel frustrated that I'm not getting clients. I've had a few ghost me, and a cold email to a dream client was politely declined. Other than the web projects I have starting soon with previous clients, I have no clients and therefore no income. I need to start on a passive income stream (like making templates for my audience of brand designers) but keep scaring myself out from starting it.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I think I would hire a business coach/mentor who can walk me through the things that I know I need to do, but have no clue how to get there (ex: starting passive income, marketing better, designing biz tips in general). I feel like I need all-around help and have no knowledge of how to start.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I believe everything happens for a reason, so I don't know if I have anything groundbreaking for this answer. Maybe I would go back in time to the girl who chose English Literature as her major 4 years ago and told her to minor in graphic design in some capacity, or take some marketing classes to help Current Me. Or I would go back to when I was first starting out my business in September and tell myself I'm doing such a good job, I just don't know it yet.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
How to stop being my own worst obstacle in my business. Also see: how to become a confident designer.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I'm looking for more branding projects from women in creative industries. Whether that's rebranding an already established business or helping first-time freelancers establish themselves, I'm in.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal job is working with a wedding photographer with a soft yet editorial style on their brand identity & website. But all of my past clients have so far been dream clients because they all work with such kindness and appreciation for service providers. Anyone who treats people with kindness is my kinda gal.
Q: What is your rate?
My base branding package currently starts at $1000, with my signature package (building a brand in a week) starting at $1500. Extra brand collateral (print design, packaging, Instagram makeover) comes at an extra investment cost. I'm rolling out beta web pricing right now, so all web projects start at $2500 until the end of 2022.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
The inquiry form on my website has all the info I look for in a potential inquiry — I pay special attention to the "blind date" question. I also take emails but prefer inquiries to come through my site's form :)
Q Who is a creative you admire?
My mentor & friend who started this journey for me, Alyssa Nguyen
instagram @atnndesign
All my design besties down below!
Savannah Austen— instagram @austen.studios
Whitney Kerney (my ultimate design muse) — instagram @wkcreative
Daria at Twenty Creatives
Jess Sysengrath
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
People watching. And Studio Ghibli movies.
This member profile was originally published in May 2022.