Elisa Gilis
Q What do you do?
“I’m a brand + web designer, web developer and founder of my own studio offering intentional and thoughtful brand and web design for socially conscious female entrepreneurs.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
Oh, it's been a journey! I already knew I wanted to be a graphic designer when I was 15. Easy, right? In my mind, I'd go to Uni, get my degree, and get a job in an agency. Done.
Well... I did go to Uni. Got an internship in London. Added to my skills by learning web design and front-end development. Got a job in an agency as a front-end developer; Everything was going according to plan.
2 years later, I found myself miserable and burnt out, questioning if I even belonged in this industry. So I stepped out. I quit my job and moved to Melbourne, Australia. After taking a break for a few months, I slowly started working as a freelance designer and eventually launched my own studio. Now I get to work with amazing women making a difference in the world. Legit dream job!
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Partnership, transparency, and support.
I want to be more than a pixel-pusher for my clients. I'm here to truly support them and be their partner through the whole process. I care to be transparent, kind, and honest from the start. This means not ambushing my clients with a sales pitch, honour their feelings and thought processes, and letting them make an informed decision about working together. Mental health is also very important to me. As someone with generalized anxiety and depression, I care to make sure my client's feelings and energy flow are respected, which is reflected in my process.
Q What are you working on right now?
I just wrapped up a branding project for an Australian sustainable fashion label. I'm now working with a previous client – an astrologer – on updates to her brand, which I love. Clients turned friends are the best!
Q What’s your style?
My style is colourful, modern, and minimal. I love to use typography and colours together for more impact.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I love them all equally to be honest!
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Many things frustrate me in the online entrepreneurial space, but one thing that annoys the hell out of me is how we seem to be bypassing mental health issues and re-branding them as "mindset blocks". Not everything is a mindset issue. And most coaches aren't qualified to treat those issues. Doctors and therapists are.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Definitely marketing a project case study, I hate doing it!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I wish I'd told my 20-year-old self, that there's more than one way to succeed. And that your definition of success might not be the one most represented.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I'd be super interested in learning more about advanced SEO!
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Brand and web design+development projects.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I love to work with women in the wellness/mental health/spiritual industry. Clients who are looking to make our time together with true collaboration.
Q: What is your rate?
Branding starts at $2500 AUD.
Website design and development starts at $3000 AUD.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
The best way to inquire about a project is to fill in the contact form on my website.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Amber Ladd / Brand Designer and Squarespace Developer
She's a true inspiration and so good at what she does! Always down to chat all things biz and mental health, too.
instagram @byamberladd
Adriana from Zana Creative / Brand designer
A designer friend and sweet, talented soul.
instagram @zanacreative__
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I love to seek inspiration from other industries, such as interior design, photography, painting...
This member profile was originally published in April 2022.