Ashley Urban
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am a creative freelance extraordinaire! I specialize in fine art and illustration, photography, writing, vintage fashion styling, and floral/interior design”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
The list is endless. But it always starts the same: I find deep inspiration in the endless small beauties around me that most would overlook. I have an unrelenting appreciation for the sophistication, quality and uniqueness of historic fashion, art, and architecture. I have no choice but to operate my every movement and effort in life through a creative lens, which I have spent years refining. My philosophy is that everything I do must be an art form. Everything creative in this world is centered around understanding design, harmony and composition. So I've spent my life mastering the understanding of these concepts through my writing, fine art, photography and design skills applied to an endless array of creative expression.
My passions have driven me to travel and exhibit art all over the world, create and design my own brand from the ground up, be a published writer, photographer, artist, model and entrepreneur. As long as I am doing something creative, I am taking steps every day to be the best version of myself. Which is an expressive, inspiring and artistic person who wants to help drive others to create and see beauty all around them.
HOW DO YOU STAND OUT IN YOUR FIELD?
I am a Renaissance woman. My personal style, my artistic endeavors, and my eye for design are distinctly refined as an observer can recognize immediately.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I'm currently working on building up my textile design portfolio to license my artworks and illustrations for print and surface design. I am also working on developing my blog which explores my philosophies in why understanding creativity, fashion and design can enhance our lives.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My style is very feminine, polished and modest. Anyone that knows me will tell you that I have a very distinct and sophisticated fashion sense. I wear vintage clothing from the 1940's - 1970's almost exclusively. You can see examples on my instagram, @TheAshleyUrban (be sure to check out my highlights called, 'Daily Style'), and on my website.
WE ALL HAVE MULTIPLE SKILLS OR WORK IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD FOCUS ON MORE?
I'd like to focus more on my fine art, illustration and design. I also absolutely love taking photos, and would love to try my hand at freelance writing.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
My biggest frustration has been my own fear of not being good enough to succeed in the industries of art, fashion and writing. It has also been extremely taxing to single handedly juggle all of the components that go into creating everything that I do. This is why I'm here, trying to narrow my focus and refine just a few of my skills with the right company instead of trying to build an entire empire alone.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Build my social media following and edit my photos and content.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I do not wish to go back in time. Instead, I want to continue to remind myself everyday that I need to appreciate the moment I'm in currently and all of the steps I took to get there, and be proud of what I've accomplished thus far. I'd tell myself to never give up on my creative vision, no matter how it is received (or unseen) by others. I'd tell myself that I'll find the perfect company to work for, a company that appreciates and utilizes my creative skills, and a company that recognizes the asset that I am.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would like to understand the inner workings of utilizing SEO, and understand how to build a truly intellectually engaged following on social media and my blog.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
In order of interest: Illustration, freelance writing, product photography, fashion styling, floral and interior design
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I want a client or employer that respects my time and appreciates and trusts my creative vision. Someone who excels in communication. I wish for flexibility in my schedule. A client that does not play games and wants to accomplish big, bold and beautiful things!
My dream jobs are: Designing scarves for Hermes. Illustrating textile designs, or fashion illustrations or creating window displays for couture brands. Being an editor of a publication like Vogue or Harpers. I would love to eventually help people through my blog and through coaching by guiding individuals to find their passion for creative expression and helping them to understand the importance and vastness of good design.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
For most of my services, my rate breaks down to approximately $30 - $60 per hour. I've done so many freelance jobs, it's hard to encapsulate my pay rate. It is vastly dependent on the specific project or task. I am flexible and open to discussion.
WHO IS A CREATIVE THAT HAS HELPED YOU ELEVATE YOUR WORK?
Leonardo DaVinci and Diana Vreeland! Leonardo because he's one of the greatest artists of all time, as well as an architect, writer, genius and DREAMER! Diana because she is a fashion icon, an amazingly witty and hilarious writer, a dynamic socialite, and a person that sees beauty and enormous excitement in things or people overlooked. She was a marvelous storyteller and had a passion for adventure and a deep understanding of fashion and style.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
A budget and project proposal would be great. A Pinterest board or some visual cues for what their vision is would be very helpful. Hilarious GIFs are always welcome.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Find inspiration everywhere.
This member profile was originally published in June 2019.