Kristina Camane
Q What do you do?
“Hello! I am a London-based graphic and digital designer.”
My work is focused on Shopify e-commerce and custom website design. I collaborate with a software developer to deliver fully functional websites.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I first studied at Riga Art and Media School where I learned design theory and how to use a range of graphic software programmes. I then moved to London and later graduated from the London College of Fashion with a Bachelor's degree in Womenswear. I initially began my career working for fashion brands across different clothing design and production roles. Through interacting and observing different departments in the fashion field, I discovered that I increasingly preferred tasks related to graphic design and visual communication. I had many sleepless nights contemplating whether it was a smart choice to switch career. Luckily for me, I shared my plans with a few brands that I was working with at the time and they proposed that I stay with them as a freelance graphic designer. So I did, and have never looked back.
I proceeded working for fashion companies and independent artists designing lookbooks, catalogues, email templates, website and social media content, collateral materials, and brand presentations. During that time, I worked with a client whose e-commerce store was hosted on the Shopify platform. I got to learn about Shopify systems, website design, user experience, and gained so much valuable information from my client’s perspective.
Once the Covid pandemic hit and my schedule was opened up, I started collaborating with a software engineer to develop our own Shopify design template, Composed Objects. I have designed our template with an independent client in mind, someone with time constraints and a limited budget. Seeing the hardships faced by independent businesses during and after Covid, it felt right to create a beautiful and affordable digital product. Once the template was up and running, I decided to continue designing and executing fully functional websites in collaboration with my trusted developer.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I am constantly learning, researching, and finding new ways to improve my work. I like to push myself to be a better designer by staying curious, ambitious, and challenging myself with each new project. I was also told by many friends and clients that I am a very compassionate person, and really know how to listen to what people say. By nature, I am a very calm and introverted person, so I like to take in all the information I am given, analyse it, and come up with a design that answers the client's needs and gives their product/service value.
Q What are you working on right now?
I am working with the most demanding client there is — I have started redesigning my own website!
Q What’s your style?
My work style is refined and product/photography-focused. I always strive to design the visual elements to be great companions that accentuate the client’s work, instead of taking attention away from it. composedobjects.com website is the best representation of my style.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I would love to do more branding and creative direction work in order to lay a sound foundation for a brand’s digital designs. Sometimes I am asked to use a font or an image that a client had produced with printed materials in mind, and it just doesn’t translate well to a digital product. It is always great to be included in the early stages of a project.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I wish there was at least one day a week when all photography was banned in museums and galleries. I find it frustrating when, after traveling and paying for a pricey exhibition ticket, I find myself not being able to even see the art because there are 20 people in front of me taking a photo of a photo that they will probably never look at.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Mental health is so important for a healthy life and productivity levels, so I would like for someone to come by during lunch time and bring 5 puppies so then I can rub their bellies!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would tell my 20-years old self to find like-minded friends I could trust, to learn to stand-up for myself, and to always sign a contract! The time and energy I would have saved if all those things happened sooner…
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I would like to learn more about UX design practices. This year, I have finished an online Google UX Design course but I would like to dig deeper and perhaps shadow a UX researcher.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I would like to continue designing websites for independent brands and designers. Whether you are interested in designing a one-page website promoting your services or want to create a fully custom Shopify design for your growing brand, I will be happy to hear from you.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I want to work with different clients and not be tied to one industry. It would be amazing to design a website for a furniture maker, then make an e-commerce shop for a beauty brand, and go on to follow it up with a portfolio website for a professional dog groomer.
Q What is your rate?
My rate depends on the size of the project, the complexity of the work, and the timeframe. As an example, our Shopify design template price is £2500. Just email me a few lines about your business and project details and we can have a call to discuss it further!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
You can email me at camane.kristina@gmail.com
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Melina Jusczyk is a costume designer I have had a chance to work with. Not only is she a great designer, she also has the nicest personality. Go hire her for your theatre and movie productions before someone like A24 snatches her.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I visit galleries and collect art books.
This member profile was originally published in August 2023