Carrie Radford
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am a designer and photographer based out of Washington D.C!”
I focus on web design, branding, and photography for small businesses!
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
Due to the military, my husband and I have moved A LOT, meaning I have had the opportunity to dabble in A LOT of jobs. Because of this, I have narrowed down what I love to do. After working as a wedding photographer, art director, creative manager, podcast manager, and marketing manager I have been able to take all those skills and jobs and merge them into what I love to do now! It's been a huge learning experience jumping in all sorts of rolls, but it's led me to where I am today.
How do you stand out in your field?
I have been on all ends of the process. Because of all my roles in past jobs, I have the skills it takes to take a client from start to finish -- whether that is branding, photography, social media strategy, marketing, email design, web design, etc.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Currently working on a friend's music website as well as creating a website for my pottery!
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I love quirky things that are still clean! I am working to define my style but I love a clean website that also has a twist or aspect to it that is unexpected. I also love playing around with font combinations as well as sizes.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I would like to focus more on web design for smaller businesses so there is more room for creativity.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I think right now since I have kept "Web Design" my side gig I haven't really marketing myself to get new clients, which can be frustrating (which is all on me). I think getting over the initial hump of telling everyone and offering your services can be a bit overwhelming and feel like a "task" I haven't got to yet.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Definitely help me look for potential clients and write pitches.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Be way more confident in who you are!
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Honestly all things coding -- I know a decent amount but would love a bit more insight of where to start diving in more and what is the most beneficial as a designer.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Web design with the side of branding! Because I have a photography and design background it's fun to be able to take a concept through the entire process of branding, photography, and web design.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I love the idea of working with local businesses. For example, a new coffee shop opened in D.C and I would love to help them develop their brand and style through photography and implement and design that for their website.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Currently my hourly is $50, I am still sorting out what that would look like for web design projects.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Email is great with the budget/scope!
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
I love dabbling in new things-- for the past few years I have become obsessed with pottery!
This member profile was originally published in May 2020.