Catherine Marsh
Catherine Marsh
Designer / Strategist / Web Developer and Founder of Like A Girl
South East Queensland, Australia
www.imcatherinegrace.com
www.likeagirlproject.com
Instagram @imcatherinegrace
twitter @imcatherinegm
Facebook.com/CatherineGracePhotography
Pinterest
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I work with passionate creatives to craft killer brands through designing their brand identity, brainstorming strategy for their brands and developing amazing digital experiences.”
I never know how to answer this question, I juggle so many hats and I'm the epitome of a slashie. The hats I wear include: designer, front end developer, strategist, and media correspondent.
Primarily, I work with passionate creatives to craft killer brands through designing their brand identity, brainstorming strategy for their brands and developing amazing digital experiences. If that still sounds too fancy: I make creative brands look good, brainstorm ideas to help them reach their target audience and bend code to my will so they can have an amazing website.
I also write for several pop-culture sites, including The Geekly Planet and I am the founder of Like A Girl, a project that aims to connect, inspire and encourage women around the world by sharing the stories of kick ass women.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
Hard work, lots of late nights and the encouragement and support of amazing friends. I'm a completely self taught designer and web developer, so to get to where I am now has taken a lot of googling, trial and error, frustration, and determination to succeed.
I initially became involved in the creative world through blogging, and at the time I was planning on becoming a full time photographer. However, after getting continually more frustrated with my mediocre blogger template I set out to learn how to make it look good. From there I quickly discovered my passion for coding and design. Soon friends asked me to start designing their blogs for them and I opened my business in 2012. Partly so I could do what I love and partly so I didn't have to start working in retail ;). The rest they say, is history.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
Initiative and adaptability. The design and digital world is constantly evolving and it really stands out if you take the initiative to learn new practices or educate yourself so you're easily adaptable and at the forefront of what's happening.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Aside from the current client projects I have right now, I have been working to refine my client processes, business offerings and strategy for the year.
At the beginning of the year I sat down and wrote down all the things that were frustrating me about business last year. A few things that stood out on that list were: the time it was taking to bring new clients on board, a lack of consistency in my project management process (projects were all over the place) and I was also spending a lot of my time educating clients about my services. I've since: written up process for bringing new clients on board, defined my process for each type of project that I commonly work on (design, development, strategy, photography) and created an information package for new clients. Those changes alone have already been immensely helpful and I'm loving having more time to focus on projects.
Oh, and I'm also creating content and interviewing kick-ass women for Like A Girl.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Light, airy, bold, pops of colour, vibrant, lively, feisty and modern would be the adjectives I would choose to describe my style. This mood board is probably the best representation.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Public relations. I had the opportunity to do some public relations in a professional capacity last year and I absolutely loved it. I seriously love what I do right now, but I wish I had the time to further develop my skills in that area and offer it as a service.
I'd also love to expand my web development skills beyond front end development.
Oh, and wish I had more time for my photography.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
The things that immediately come to mind are marketing to my target audience, bringing in new clients and taxes.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HOUR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Someone to do my taxes and accounting. That way I can spend more time focused on what I really love. That, or someone to help me out with Like A Girl.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Don't work for free, don't undermine your value, and always have a contract.
It's always been really hard for me to determine how much my services are worth. Now, though I feel I am at a point where I'm comfortable standing by my rates. But yeah, there were certainly times when I didn't get paid what I was worth or compromised my value for the sake of having work. Working for free or a discount never ever paid off.
Also, have a contract, always. Even if it's for quick bug fixes. Have a contract.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I'd love to talk and pick someone's brain about juggling multiple businesses/projects at once.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Branding and digital projects with talented and passionate creatives.
WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?
I want to work with passionate creatives who are hard-working, determined and understand the importance of a brand’s identity and a strong web presence. Clients who trust my judgement, understand that the services I provide are an investment, want to work alongside me and are willing to get their hands dirty. I'll be fully invested in the project so I don't want to work with people who are only half in.
I want to work with storytellers, go-getters, adventurers, ceiling smashers, brave souls and passionate people. People who are courageous, people who are determined, and people who care.
WHAT IS YOUR RATE?
Many of my clients chose to mix and match services so the total for each project varies. For each project I take into account the services the client requires and the scope of the project and from there develop a quote for the client to approve.
I rarely work for an hourly rate unless it's an ongoing project.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Send me an email or fill out my contact form, I love to connect with people and I'm always up for making new friends.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
I observe the world around me.
This member profile was originally published in March 2016.