Charlene Timbol
Q What do you do?
“I’m a freelance designer specializing in web design and now dabbling into branding. I love turning cool ideas into one-of-a-kind, visually exciting experiences that are as fun as they are unforgettable. I’m also a part of the ilovecreatives Team (woo woo!) as the Web Coordinator.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
In early 2022, I started as a social media intern at a start-up, where I mainly focused on creating video content. While I enjoyed making content, I was eager to explore other areas of marketing since it’s such a broad field. Toward the end of my internship, I had the opportunity to dive into some web-related projects, and that’s when my curiosity really sparked. I loved exploring the digital experience and designing it all. Around this time, I had been following ilovecreatives for a while and kept seeing their Squarespace Design Course. I felt it could be the perfect way to feed my curiosity, so I decided to take the course after doing some research—and I’m so glad I did! I had so much fun that I thought this could be my specialty!
I finished the course in June 2022 and after that did a lot more practice with developing squarespace websites with custom css. I was locked in! 🤓 By November 2022, I landed my first-ever contract gig, where I focused on Squarespace development for a few months, working alongside another designer. It was an incredible opportunity to explore Squarespace's full potential and really see how much I could push its limits. By May 2023, I gained the confidence to start taking on more freelance projects in both web design and development, and I even launched my own website, Mindful Charlene. Since then, I’ve been in constant learning mode, tackling every project as a new opportunity to grow. Now, I’m more confident than ever in my abilities and ready to take on bigger projects and book clients at a rate that truly feels right for me.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I'm a curious person first and a creative person second—that’s what I think sets me apart. I prioritize understanding a client's vision, values, and business goals by asking lots of questions before diving into the design process. I want to get to the heart of their needs so I can approach each project with a clear sense of purpose and spark creative solutions through design (and my marketing brain comes into play too). For me, it’s not just about ticking off deliverables—it’s about becoming a part of their team, collaborating closely, and solving real problems that move the needle for their business.
Also, I think there’s always something new to learn, no matter how many years of experience you have. That’s why I’m constantly looking for ways to improve my craft—whether it’s studying other people’s processes, discovering new approaches to design, learning a new software or taking a different ilovecreatives course.
Q What are you working on right now?
I’m currently working on a new brand identity for a friend of mine who’s a local artist here in Calgary. Don’t want to share much yet until it’s done and I can show you! But I’m just very excited!
Q What’s your style?
My style has definitely evolved from minimalist and neutral to something more playful and colorful, with a touch of refinement. Total opposites, I know! But I learned to love incorporating colors whenever I can—whether through the projects I work on or my personal style. But of course, I’m always flexible and adapt to what the client needs.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Definitely more branding projects! There’s something incredibly fulfilling about taking an idea from the very beginning and watching it evolve through every stage and finally seeing it come to life. And to think that it’s someone’s passion project that you help build—there’s really no better feeling.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
NETWORKING. Approaching people and trying to sell my services in person is just daunting to me. I can reach out to people on socials without a sweat, but networking in events is a completely different world.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Manage my finances, invoices, and contracts.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Don’t stress too much about defining your style. I think that naturally unfolds the more you get to work on different projects whether that’s paid or just passion projects. You find things you like and don’t like, and sometimes that changes too depending on your mood and as you grow. It doesn’t have to be so definite, much of the fun is in the process anyway. So just continue experimenting and enjoy it!
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I'd love to learn more about how I can charge clients with confidence.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Ideally, I'd love to work on projects that start out with Branding and then turn into a Web Design and Development project. I would love to be able to work with a client from the very start and when they finally launch their business! That's honestly THE dream.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal clients are small business owners and creatives, who are hoping to start and launch their new business venture and/or wanting to give it a fresh new look.
Q What is your rate?
Typically with a web design and web development project, it starts at $3500 USD. Let’s jump on a call though, we can hash out the details together and come up with a custom quote that works with your needs and budget.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
You can reach out through my instagram @mindfulcharlene and/or fill out my form at mindfulcharlene.ca/home#contact
Q Who is a creative you admire?
I love how the brands that they create are vibrant and fun, but they have a unique way of elevating it in such a way that it's polished and refined.
@m.b.i.r.d
@alleywaydesigns
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Learn something new, listen to podcasts of other creatives, read design books, go through pinterest and get inspired, or even a nap on extra hard days.
This member profile was originally published in June 2023, Updated February 2025.