Catharine Gibson
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I do the splits when I want to show off. I sew my own clothes as a hobby.”
For work, I do all things marketing.That means I spend a lot of my time doing graphic design, taking photos, and managing social media accounts. I make videos, brochures, book covers, logos, PDFs, and websites.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I did a lot of free work to get where I'm at now. I'm self taught so it's those people who let me create something for them when I had no experience at all... who got me to where I'm at now. Those customers who took a chance on me and let me build my portfolio, they propelled me to bigger jobs and larger opportunities. Thank you to all of my amazing customers who let me step into their world and express myself.
How do you stand out in your field?
I'm just plain great to work with, I always over-deliver. My work is consistent (and speaks for itself).I don't call a project 'done' until my customers and I are both COMPLETELY IN LOVE with the product. We're talking 'paint me like one of your french girls' in love.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Right now I'm creating more downloadable worksheets for my website. These worksheets help business owners manage their time better, learn more about marketing topics (like copywriting), and provide some self-discovery prompts for those 'personal-growth-junkies'.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My perspective is to keep things clean. I want my products to be clutter free.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I'd like to focus more in the publishing field. Formatting ebooks, creating covers, and other promotional materials for writers.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I'm frustrated that I've only focused on local clients up to this point. It feels limiting to only reach out to my local area.
I'm ready to expand my network and build relationships with more amazing dynamic creatives like YOU 😁
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I'd hire someone to do administrative work like sending invoices, responding to new inquiries, culling out the email inbox - that kind of stuff.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
If I could go back to myself when I was 16 years old, I'd tell myself:"You're doing exactly what you need to be doing. Just keep being you. Hold onto your unique perspective, this feeling of greatness you have - It's your creativity bursting to get out and it's your superpower."
It feels so important to acknowledge my younger-self for just being herself. I never questioned my creative drive and it's become my fuel in life. Just being me is the best thing I've ever done.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
If I had a business strategist, I think I would get a lot out of their knowledge and expertise.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm looking for clients who have something to say, they just need help 'making it look good'.
I love that feeling when a client sends me a word document of text and together we transform it into an aesthetic masterpiece that's really a reflection of who they are.
It's not an ebook, it's art!
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I just worked with a non-profit called Dress for Success. This client was doing amazing work in the community (helping women get into the workforce). They needed business cards, brochures, and had a HUGE fundraiser coming up.
I was able to take their vision and create an engaging social media campaign, I designed a brand that felt cohesive and strong, and I was on hand when they needed letterhead, t-shirts, posters, and other visuals made.
It felt amazing to bring their powerful work to life through visuals.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
I usually charge per project but I can be hired hourly at $150 per hour.
My logos start at $1,000 and my social media campaigns $3,000.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
If someone can show me their world, give me a piece of their personality, and just send me an email 📧
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Easy. I avoid the outside.
This member profile was originally published in June 2020.