Anita Cheung
Anita
Cheung
Designer / Photographer / Brand & Creative Consultant
Vancouver, BC
www.createwithneets.com
instagram @ineeeda
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I work with businesses and individuals on all things creative and brand.”
Whether it's designing logos and brand identities, art-directing and shooting content, or custom-building websites and strategy; I am a one-stop shop for getting folks with a seed of an idea to a fully-fledged brand.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
A lot of my learning was in-field. I launched three businesses in my early twenties (actually co-founding Canada's first modern meditation studio) and did most, if not all of the branding, strategy, and design work involved. I called on my experience as a nerdy 10 year old- designing websites while other kids got to go to sleepaway summer camp, and after I gave up my role with the studio, I wanted to focus on freelancing as a way to help elevate others' voices and ideas. In particular, I love working with women, women of colour, and other marginalized folks.
How do you stand out in your field?
My tagline is "I have good ideas and I get shit done." For many of my clients, I have walked their walk (and continue to do so) as an entrepreneur and understand the importance of timeliness, agility, and budget, without compromising on look and feel.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
At this very moment, I am working with a cannabis educator and thought leader on her rebrand as legalization has come into effect in Canada. I am also branding a local boutique space designated for pop up shops and finishing up a fun personal shoot/ series featuring editorials styled after famous authors. All of this while continuing to grow my own business- Betty for which I am a one woman design, development, and operations show. Ta-da!
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I love experimenting with colour and unconventional design. While a lot of my work began as "minimalist" and "neutral" (see: http://woctalks.org- which I designed and shot), I am just starting to pivot and shift into projects that I am interested in. These are bolder, louder, a little experimental and stand out in their industry. (See: https://inbedwithbetty.com/ --> leaps and bounds from any near competitor in the typically stark meditation/ "wellness" world.)
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I would love to focus more on flexing my creativity in photoshoots- in particular, using photography as a medium for impactful messages. (see: https://girlsareawesome.com/arts/photography/put-glitter-anita-cheungs-sparkly-sensual-photos-female-sexuality). I am also interested in developing my skills in package design and working with companies who are eager to be a little more experimental with their web presence in general.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Mostly just finding time for all of the personal creative work/ my own creative practice- it always ends up falling to the bottom of the list even though I enjoy doing it so much and I know they're great portfolio builders!
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Can this person be connected telepathically to me? I'd love for them to handle all of my emails and life errands that pull me out of doing deep work.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I wish I could have told myself to go to art school when I was graduating high school! I loved design and coding and being a nerd growing up but I pushed it aside for "real life"- only to come back to it now.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Two things: I am so fascinated by UX design, and also by videography and creating powerful films.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I am looking for opportunities with slightly larger companies who are interested in an experience and breathing life into their brand (rather than simply branding individuals)- preferably companies that are product based or location-based so that there is more collateral to work with. My dream list includes: Beauty products, lingerie, food and beverage, magazines and books, and musicians/ bands.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
A client that allows me full creative control and a hefty budget to boot. Someone who is excited to try new things, to think outside of the box, and to create a well-rounded experience around their brand (Rather than a static website or social media profile). Bonus points if this client is doing good for the world.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
I price per project based off of "x" number of hours with an hourly rate pre-set at the beginning of the project for any overtime or overflow. This depends based on whether it's a full package deal (identity, photoshoot, website, etc.) or "a la carte" items (packaging, printed goods, identity only, etc.)
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
hello@anitacheung.ca is the best email to reach me at. I'd love to hear about budget, scope, and your BIG VISION of what's possible.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Journalling my thoughts/ Curiosity is Key/ Meditate Daily
This member profile was originally published in November 2018.