Linda Danh
Linda Danh
Graphic Designer / Illustrator.
Los Angeles, CA
www.hellolindadanh.com
instagram @hellolindadanh
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a multi-disciplinary creative—a one [wo]man band, so to speak—with a background in graphic design and a deft hand for illustration, hand lettering and photography.”
I specialize in helping my clients realize their brand vision through printed and digital visuals that run the gamut from logos and packaging design to email and social marketing materials.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
My formative years were spent drawing, which evolved into teaching myself how to illustrate in Paint Shop Pro (throwback, anyone?) and Photoshop 7 before stepping foot into high school.
Fast forward to university—I got my BFA in graphic design and interned for a photographer where I discovered and learned invaluable skills for editing and curating photos.
Post graduation, I spent time working at an ad agency before taking the leap into freelance with various clients in the food/beverage and fashion industries. I moved to LA over six years ago and have since spent my time helping transform the visual communication strategy of small startups in events, beauty, and wellness.
How do you stand out in your field?
Versatility and a hands-on approach has always been at the core of what I do. I’ve grown to love the incorporation of hand drawn elements in my digital work to showcase the harmony and discord of nature’s design. As we all coexist in an imperfect world, it’s sometimes refreshing to forego expectations and perfection.
In combination with a passion for sustainability and teaming with brands with earth-conscious intentions, I've built a portfolio of both print design and digital projects that has given me the understanding to oversee campaigns in both physical and online spaces.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Recently I’ve found time to help friends in the LA BIPOC community create and translate their ideas into visually unique, standalone brands. I’ve spent the better part of 2020 working with outdoor enthusiasts, yoga and wellness specialists, healing elixirs and beyond. These brands excite me most, as their values and missions are 100% aligned with my own.
I’m currently working on a few projects—packaging collaboration for a beautiful coconut-fused elixir, brand identity for a photographer and logo design for a friend's outdoor lifestyle channel.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Simply put, my eye is drawn towards designs that are soft, clean and minimal. At the moment, this aesthetic has been filtered through the lens of organic imperfection—indicating a human touch influenced by Japanese principles (by far, my favorite country to visit).
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Illustration, especially for the food and beverage industry. Food is one of my love languages and fusing it with design is a combination after my own heart. I'm seeking to gain more experience in package design or branding for a restaurant.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Nothing is ever perfect on the first try in the creative process—something I've known for myself as a creative, but my wish is that others took this more into accountability.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would likely have someone help me find and maintain new business and finances.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Take [more] risks. Change is constant.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would discuss sustainability and alternative options to packaging with an expert. Design is a part of the first steps in creating a tangible product, and understanding earth-friendly materials in the production phase is valuable in the scope of protecting our planet.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I would love to do more outdoor collaborations or restaurant branding—and more specifically, tea or coffee packaging!
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal project would be designing for a local cafe or coffee/tea brand. There's so much novelty in working with small businesses, knowing that visuals could be fun and open-ended. It also aligns with my own core values in supporting local.
Who is a creative that has helped you elevate your work?
Marco Antonio and Kai Williams. Both have helped me evolve to my higher self inside and outside of design. They’ve helped boost me up in seeing my potential, when or if I lose sight of my path.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Email me at hellolindadanh@gmail.com!
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Traveling, movement, / being in the great outdoors. / A true wanderlust
This member profile was originally published in February 2021.