Charlene Timbol
Q What do you do?
“I’m a freelance Brand + Web Designer, and I elevate websites through intentional & strategic design for purposeful brands ♡”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
In April 2022, I just finished a Social Media internship and was exploring areas in Marketing I would want to specialize in since it's very broad. At this point, I've been following ilovecreatives and I keep seeing the Squarespace Design Course. I got really curious and finally bought the course. I enjoyed it so much that I thought this could be my specialty! I finished the course in June 2022 and only a month later came across Squarestylist's Standout Squarespace course so I can learn more about customizing sites with CSS. Through that community, I was able to book my first client in November 2022 and was able to connect to another designer (Aroha Visuals) in December 2022 who contracts me for a mix of web design and development projects! Since then, I've been in continuous learning mode for every project I get to work on. Now, I'm feeling more confident to start my freelancing journey and book my own clients!
Q How do you stand out in your field?
This is something I keep asking myself to be honest. I'm inspired by a lot of Web Designers I follow on social media, but I think it's the combination of my values and my unique background in Marketing that give me a distinct edge. Collaboration and intentionality lie at the heart of my creative process. I take the time to understand the client's vision, values, and goals before diving into the world of design. It's in this space that my love for design seamlessly intertwines with my strategic marketing expertise. The blend of these two passions allows me to meticulously craft websites that authentically embody the client's brand identity and effectively resonate with their target audience.
Q What are you working on right now?
Since December 2022, I've been doing contract work for another designer. I'm slowly feeling more confident with my work now, so just recently I launched my website (EEEEEE!!!) and now am trying to strategize how I can find leads and book clients of my own. It's a scary process, but also very exciting!
Q What’s your style?
I like minimal and editorial layouts A LOT. I think that's my comfort zone, so now I'm trying to explore more fun and vibrant styles that can really stretch my creativity.
Would love to work with brands like cool.haus and baggu.com
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I'd love to work on more branding projects! Whenever I work on client websites, their branding is already set. I'd love to be able to do craft that part of the project and see that come to life so I'm involved in each part of the process.
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?
Show up for yourself and do the work, the rest will follow!
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. I'd also like to work with other designers and/or agencies who are looking to outsource the development of their client's websites. I find that in every web development project, there's always a new thing/animation I learn to do.
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, and designers or agencies who are looking to grow their design business and outsource the website development side.
Q What is your rate?
Each project is unique, with varying scope. 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?
They can reach out through my instagram @mindfulcharlene to say heeeey 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?
Podcasts, read design books, go through pinterest, video tutorials, take a nap on extra hard days.
This member profile was originally published in June 2023