Diep Le
Design & Co-Founder of Has Merit Studio / Shopify and Squarespace Expert
Vienna, AT
www.hasmerit.co / www.dieplecreative.com
instagram @dieplecreative
Q What do you do?
“What you see me do regularly: I’m a creative designer meaning anything graphic and digital design (including web design, social media, email marketing, presentation and pitch deck design… 👓 💻 ).”
What I want you to see me do more often: I design and build custom websites on the www 🌐
But overall: I’m a business owner with goals and aspirations to grow and expand just like everyone else :)
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
In 2018, I decided to transition my career from Hospitality to Graphic Design (which is also a service provider *smile*).
I remember the first time I called myself a designer was at a local get-together and someone asked me what my occupation was. Previously I was hesitant to answer (*imposter syndrome am i right*), however something has changed at this moment and it has been great since!
In 2019 I landed my first graphic design jobs in Vienna but then came COVID and I got let go from the company.
In 2020, during the multiple lockdowns and the hardship of finding a job I’ve decided to start freelancing and improving my skill set in not only graphic design but Web Design and also Coding).
Since 2021 I’m a proud business owner of my creative venture with many many ups and downs. Yet I enjoy every moment of it including those when *cry-throwing-up* is a term I’d used to describe myself at the time.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Flexibility, speed, efficiency and appealing works are some of the characteristics I’d humbly called my merits.
Q What are you working on right now?
A landing page for a financial product that involves exciting exclusive perks and benefits for its members, as well as an ecommerce design and development for a wellness product that will be launched in partnership with one of the most elite online retail companies worldwide. (*so exciting for the opportunities —i got butterflies in the stomach as typing this* )
Q What’s your style?
I like to browse through Milled, Godly, Landbook and ilovecreatives to keep inspired by other creatives.
Like Austin Kleon noted in his book - ’Steal Like an Artist’: “every idea that comes to existence is based on something that already exists”. Hence I like to be inspired and learn from others in order to adapt and create something on my own.
However, If I have to describe my design preferences, it would be editorial, neutral, imagery focused with a fun twist.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Balancing work and life yet create more without burning out.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
A Social Media Manager and/or someone who can help with structuring my day-to-day business operation. These skills are vital 🌟
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
To myself 1-2 years ago: don’t be afraid to invest in yourself and your skill, no matter how scary it might seem. Since then, I’ve finally decided to invest in some programs, courses to answer my need of improving what I have been lacking professionally and mentally - my opportunities have multiplied.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Scaling up, getting clients, getting organized and how to have a fulfilling creative career without getting burnout.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
More e-commerce design and development projects. I'd also be interest in offer creative services in the digital space.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
All of the most pleasant work experiences for me all have something in common:
They are open for exploration and ideation.
They trust me with my expertises and not trying to hand-hold me in every step.
They give polite, clear and constructive feedback with the mutual understanding that we have the same goal.
They set and respect a healthy collaborative relationship.
*And finally they are punctual in payments haha*
Until this day, I’m proud and so blessed to have them as my clients and that we are still working together. Of course this would go both ways and I am doing my best to self-educate/self-prepare so that anyone who reaches out for an opportunity working together will receive the services they deserve.
Q What is your rate?
My hourly rate at this moment is $100 for new clients but I’m open and prefer to negotiate a flat rate depending on the project and scope. (example: a custom Design + Build is typically start at 3500$ for Shopify and $2500 for Squarespace)
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
You can start in a typical professional way by sending me an email, book a free call. Or get more intimate and personal with a DM on Instagram. Or get creative and send me a handwritten letter via raven - this should work too!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Alice Sung — love her design and aesthetics. Got the chance to work together on some project and I was always in awe of how talented she is.
Rachel from Squarestylist — one of the best educators for designers period
Alyssa Nguyen — she’s great in what she does and so much fun to follow on social media
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
A regular dedicated me-time! 🧖🏻♀️
This member profile was updated in January 2023.