Libby Connolly
Libby Connolly
Independent Brand Designer / Art Director
Portland, ME
www.libbyconnolly.com
instagram @studio.of.libby
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dribbble
linkedIn
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I use my unique eye for design to craft thoughtful identities and branded content for conscious brands who push boundaries. ”
With a unique taste for all things luxe, a kitchen-sink approach, and playful personality, I like to merge these worlds together to create authentic visual experiences.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I definitely fall under the awkward, underdog category. Growing up I was never the popular kid. Instead I gravitated towards the artsy and musically-inclined crowd. I knew I wanted to pursue the arts after high school, but didn’t really know what that looked like as a career. It wasn’t until I was in school pursuing my BFA that I took a Graphic Design 101 course on a whim. It all clicked. After taking my first typography course I was hooked. Since graduating I’ve worked diligently for small studios and agencies in Maine. After getting my footing in the industry I finally decided I could do it on my own. And here we are.
How do you stand out in your field?
I like to test limits. I never, ever chose the safe approach. To me, that’s incredibly boring. If you want to make an impact you should be unapologetic in who you are and what you do. I think that seeps into my work a lot. I’m not afraid of ‘scaring’ a client with something really bold.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Right now I’m contracting with a few studios working on identity and packaging projects and starting to build a client base of my own. I think I’m still in the legwork phase of just starting out. I’ve definitely started to see the hard work pay off, but there’s still a lot to do.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Sophisticated but likes to have a good time. I think to date the best project that represents this is Clover Cannabis Co. It’s refined and packed with a whole lot of personality.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Team-building and leadership. Since going out on my own I’ve definitely missed this. The hope is though that one day I’ll be in position to start team-building again for my own studio.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Taxes. Need I say more? In general, the overhead in the first year of starting a solo biz is definitely more than I expected.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
New Business / Marketing. In an ideal world, I’d just be doing the creative work and not worrying about what’s coming in. That said, connecting with new people can be incredibly rewarding too.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I wish I could have told my teenage, still-figuring-it-out self not to worry about what other people think. You weren’t meant to blend in. It will all make sense later.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
How to scale your business without working 40+ hours, and how to generate more client leads.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Primarily branding and packaging projects right now. However, I’d also be down to collaborate on a passion project. A deck of cards has been high on my list for a very long time.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal client is open to new ideas and values good design and what that process entails. They’re communicative and can articulate well, and get genuinely excited when we hit the right notes.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Shoot me an email! My door is always open.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Don’t work more than you live.
This member profile was originally published in October 2020.