Kate Miss
Kate Miss
Designer / Owner, Kate Miss Creative Studio
Highland Park, Los Angeles
www.katemiss.com
Instagram @katemiss
twitter @katemiss
Pinterest
Dribbble
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’ve grown to really focus on helping small businesses take their branding and web presence up a notch”
I elevate visual experiences with a clean, modern, and playful approach. With over 10 years of experience under my belt, I've grown to really focus on helping small businesses take their branding and web presence up a notch to aid them in growing and being noticed in a world of so much noise. As an owner of my own creative studio and a jewelry business on the side for many years, I understand both sides of the business and what good design can do for your brand. Besides branding, some of my specialties are e-commerce design, Squarespace, hand lettering, and packaging.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I've been creative for as long as I can remember, always hand making cards and gifts for my family as a kid, teaching myself how to use Photoshop and code website as a teenager, so it was pretty much a given I'd go to art school. After graduating with a degree in Graphic Design & Illustration, I moved from Seattle to NYC and worked for several companies as an in-house graphic designer before moving to LA and striking out on my own.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
I think some design can lack meaning and depth, and sometimes it's incredibly obvious that it doesn't know the audience it's speaking to. Sometimes this can be because a designer was pushed by a client to design something they felt passionate about but really isn't working - it's our job as designers to balance that relationship and be honest with our clients because they hired us as experts. We also need to understand that when they're asking for something it might not be communicated correctly - if they want something to be bigger and you know that will look awful, what are they really looking for - more visual impact? Maybe it's not bigger they're looking for. Having a good relationship with my clients is so incredibly important to me!
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Lots of branding! A few fellow jewelry designers, a bourbon label, some Shopify shops, helping a catering business give their brand a facelift and visual clarity, and helping a big name designer in LA open a beautiful retail store.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
It's funny, I try to be such a jack of trades and nimble in the design community, but as soon as I started a Dribbble account, I noticed some reoccurring themes: I like clean type, hand lettering is one of my calling cards, I love color and have a bit of a "West Coast" aesthetic.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I wish I had more time and motivation to learn how to do front-end developing myself. I can get by, but for the most part I rely on other talented developers for that side of certain projects, and I know I could expand my business with that knowledge. Someday!
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I have a jewelry business on the side and it feels like everyone is a jewelry designer these days - it's hard to figure out how to stand out and be my own voice in the business. Really hunkering down trying to figure that out right now!
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HOUR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Every aspect of the money side of my business! Planning, budgeting - that's the least fun part of owning your own business.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
You are the only you there is - respect that and know that you can not and will never please everyone. And save money, lots of money. Don't buy those shoes.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Budgeting and financial planning, client contracts. More of that fun stuff!
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Branding, e-commerce design, web design, editorial layout, packaging - but open to so much more!
WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?
Someone that shares a similar vision and respects my aesthetic and knowledge, and a project we're mutually excited about!
WHAT IS YOUR RATE?
Branding and websites start at $1,500. Hourly jobs are $65/hour - but usually only for ongoing, piecemeal-type jobs or retainers.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
email me: katemiss@gmail.com, and tell me about what you're looking for. I also have a quote form on my website if you prefer a little more structure!
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Love yourself.
This member profile was originally published in June 2016.