Chloe Heath
Chloe Heath
Graphic + Interior Designer
New York, NY
chloeheath.com
instagram: @chloeheath.design
email: chloe@chloeheath.com
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“To put it simply, I’m a designer. I’m the founder of my own firm, where I offer both graphic design and interior design services to a range of inspiring clients.”
On the graphic design side, I focus on creating holistic branding experiences, which can be anything from a brand’s name and strategy to their logo and print or digital applications. On the interior design side, I serve clients directly through residential design, which can happen in person or via e-design. Whether clients are looking to refresh their living room or need help furnishing a completely new home, I help them achieve their goals with their taste and lifestyle in mind.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I’ve been working across creative industries for almost a decade. My career started as a stylist in fashion and interiors, before I narrowed in on graphic design after earning my BFA. After moving to New York City, I worked as an in-house designer and art director at a beauty startup after serving as a lead designer at multiple creative agencies. Through those experiences, I discovered that my love for tangible design experiences, like print and packaging, aligns with my passion for designing physical spaces. I chose to lean into this inkling, and pursued continued education in interior design at Pratt Institute to sharpen my skill set. I also had the opportunity to work under some amazing women running their own successful firms, like Ariel Okin and Jennifer Hunter, who I learned from immensely.
HOW DO YOU STAND OUT IN YOUR FIELD?
I’m working across two fields in my business by offering both graphic and interior design, so my approach is definitely unique in itself. I think having a good design sensibility shouldn’t limit you to one medium, in the same way fine artists often explore multiple mediums. I’m constantly gathering inspiration from so many outlets (art, travel, or the book I’m currently reading), and those influences can serve me whether I’m designing a bedroom or a logo.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I just completed the interior design of a Victorian home in a historic district of Louisville, Kentucky, and I’m also contracting for two other New York based firms who have a range of projects based in NYC. On the branding side, I’m currently working on a hotel project in upstate New York and with an interior design firm based in Charleston.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Refined and elegant, with a contemporary leaning. My goal with all of my work is to create something that demonstrates awareness of its influences, but ultimately feels new and timeless.
WE ALL HAVE MULTIPLE SKILLS OR WORK IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD FOCUS ON MORE?
Right now I’d love to take on more interior design clients. Much of my interiors work has been focused on supporting other firms (which I love, don’t get me wrong!), but I’m excited to take on more of my own clients and work directly with them from the beginning to end phases of a project.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Instagram! It can be such an amazing tool for discovering creatives, finding inspiration, or connecting with others, and it can also be such a distraction and barrier to reality. I have a tough time with instagram because it’s a great way to connect with potential clients and get my name out there, but it’s also very easy to overemphasize its importance or only show the pretty side of life. And let’s be real, it’s addicting!
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would definitely hire someone to manage my social media accounts. I would love to not worry about what to post or editing photos and writing captions. That would let me focus more energy towards client work and creative tasks.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Throughout all of my career transitions, I wish I would’ve reminded myself that when you’re working hard and trusting your gut, you are doing your best. It might be cliche, but every change or turn in the road has taught me something, even when it wasn’t what I had planned.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I’d love to talk to more business-minded designers and firm owners. While there is so much value in having a creative background and education, I think it’s equally valuable to have some knowledge of what’s required to run a business. It’s empowering to not need to rely on so many others to run the day-to-day and know what questions to ask when you do need support. When I launched my studio, I spent hours researching business entity structures, project management systems, and accounting software. I’m grateful there isn’t one part of my business that I fully rely on someone else to manage for me.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I’m currently opening my availability for more residential interior design projects. But in general, I’m always open to opportunities that use design as a key component in the projects’ success, whether that be through graphic or interior design. In my experience, the most successful projects I work on are those where the client understands and believes in the impact of design on the overall outcome. I do my work because I truly believe design is a powerful tool to communicate an idea, feeling, or lifestyle, and any projects that align with this approach are ones I’m excited to work on!
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal collaboration is simply with clients who are open-minded and engaged throughout the process.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
It truly depends on the scope of the project and the goal of the client. Before I price anything, I like to thoroughly understand what my client’s ideal outcome is, and then I price according to the time and resources needed to achieve that goal. I mostly price projects on a flat fee structure or a combo of a flat fee and hourly rate. If you’re curious about a project estimate, don’t hesitate to reach out!
WHO IS A CREATIVE THAT HAS HELPED YOU ELEVATE YOUR WORK?
Ah how to only list a few! Here’s a handful who are always inspiring me:
Ariel Okin, Jennifer Hunter, Nicole Rogers, Kathy Nguyen, Maud Passini, Jessica Gidari, Syndee Mejia, and a million more!
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
They should email me! Then I’ll usually suggest jumping on the phone or meeting for coffee.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Travel, antiquing, reading, and doing everything I can to eliminate stress.
This member profile was originally published in June 2019.