Margaret Royena
Margaret Royena
Designer / Brand Builder / Digital Nomad / Founder of Popbrand Co
Saskatoon, SK
www.popbrand.co
instagram @popbrandco
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I develop designs that make my clients stand out of the scroll, through websites, graphics, and marketing campaigns. ”
Every brand has its own unique identity, and I get to help share that story in a style that reaches their audience, and let’s them stand out of the scroll! I like my coffee fresh, my conversation bubbly, and my deliverables impeccable.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I got my degree for Industrial Design at Emily Carr University of Art & Design. It was during that program I noticed my love for graphic and web design. After graduation, I landed a job at 4Cats Art Studio as a Junior Designer. The environment there was fast-paced, I came to understand the world of Marketing and E-Commerce. However, discovered that the corporate lifestyle wasn’t for me. So I packed my bags, moved to Saskatoon, (currently building a home with my partner inside a city bus) and hustled my way to creating my own design consultancy.
How do you stand out in your field?
Persistence and the need to learn something new. Technology plays a huge role in the design industry and is ever changing. If you’re unaware of how it is evolving, you can’t expect to acquire the tools or the skills you need to grow alongside it.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
A couple things. Currently, running my own design studio called Popbrand Co, where we design websites, do branding, and print material. I’ve also been working with The Well Collaborative creating promotional material and soon their website!
When I am not at the office, you can catch my partner and I building away at our home on wheels (yes, that’s right, we got a city bus and we’re converting it!). To quote Lorde, “I am never not chasing a million things I want”.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I’d describe my style as modern, dynamic, with hints of playfulness.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I’d wish to invest my time in more 3D modeling and animation. Just cause it would elevate some of the projects that I’m currently working on, and open up new possibilities in the future. Second, learning how to code CSS animations to enhance the experience on a website. I’m a fast learner, who constantly tries to find new and experimental ways to improve my craft.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
An obstacle I’m encountering right now would be, how to strategically plan the most efficient way of expanding my business as I continuingly gain more clients. I am currently assembling a dream team to help me with the influx of projects coming in and am constantly wanting to improve how to delegate work effectively.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Someone who can take on the role as a Creative Personal Assistant. I would love someone who understands what I’m building, from aesthetics to having similar core values. Someone who’s personable, a project management wizard, isn’t afraid to tell me their opinion, and ultimately enjoys the creative process.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
In the words of Sofia Amoroso, “Don’t compare your hustle to their highlight reel”. Comparing can hinder growth and your time can be invested in improving your skills. Be patient, don’t second guess, and just put your work out there!
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I’d love to talk to someone who understands my work and can guide me as I deal with how to grow my business. I value feedback from mentors who have found ways to overcome failure and constantly redefine what success means to them. I’d also love to know how they cultivate their creative thinking and convert it into actionable steps.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I’d love to do more playful website designs with quirky photography or even videos! So if you’re an experimental photographer or videographer reading this, please feel free to contact me!
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal clients are looking for dynamic, experimental and playful ways to brand themselves and are receptive to design direction.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Ultimately, payment depends on the project. If it’s a full range of design involving marketing and websites, I’ll set up a package and invoice by deliverables. I do offer a range of Branding, Digital, or Print services. And if suitable, I can charge by the hour.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
If someone already have a project in mind, they can fill out the my Creative Brief. Or, contact me by email for more information
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Explore, Learn, Appreciate, Connect, And Evolve.
This member profile was originally published in December 2018.