Sarah Williams
Q What do you do?
“I create thoughtful design solutions that serve a purpose.”
My approach is rooted in research with the end-goal always to inform, inspire and strengthen brand trust. My capabilities include: branding, packaging, art direction, print, and web design.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I moved to NYC after school and landed work in a variety of settings from in-house, agency and freelance design gigs. All have given me some great industry knowledge and diverse experiences. I learned quickly how to be nimble in a small but mighty team, to ask for what you need and the importance of surrounding yourself with people you can learn from.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I push myself to look outside of the obvious inspiration channels we’re accustomed to these days (Pinterest being a big one). There’s so much value in looking at history, our own experiences and mediums outside of the design world that can bring some unique insights to light. In a world of constant visual consumption, it’s important for me to understand the context behind something.
Q What are you working on right now?
I’m currently working on a branding project for a local sourdough bakery.
Q What’s your style?
I can’t say I have a specific style or taste! It tends to vary depending on the client/campaign/project.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Photo styling and art direction! Being able to visually and physically capture compositions and be playful with materiality and ambiance is such a fun way to bring a brand to life.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Self promoting tends to be up at the top of the list. I love meeting fellow creatives and chatting about all things creative, but self promotion can feel awkward and doesn’t feel the most natural 😵💫
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Cooking! As much as I love to cook for myself, it is a lot of prep work and when you’re in the creative zone it’s tough to break the momentum.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Oh boy! I could write a book for her. But these will suffice:
Life is good and you have the time. Make time for family, friends and passions outside of work. They have a way of coming back around and inspiring the work you do.
Keep going! Keep pushing the concept, keep learning that new software or skill, keep asking the ‘why’ and keep moving towards your goals (however small) everyday.
Celebrate the wins 🙂
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
3D modeling and animation. There is so much innovation happening in that space.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m always open to collaborate, but ideally I’m really excited about helping small businesses launch their brand into the world. It could be a restaurant or e-commerce brand, as long as they’re passionate and excited about what they’re doing I’m happy to be a part of bringing it to life.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Working with kind people with a vision is always the ideal collaboration. There truly is nothing better than having an honest collab built on a foundation of innovation, creativity and a mutual desire to create something special.
Q What is your rate?
It all depends on the ask. Feel free to reach out for my rates at Hisarahawilliams@gmail.com
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Drop me a line at Hisarahawilliams@gmail.com ! Tell me about your project, budget and scope.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Yes, this might be a shameless friend plug, but they are also truly lovely, kind people that make some incredible design work and I would say their names in a room full of opportunities any day.
Vanessa Hopkins
Nikki Mcdonald
Carlos Dominguez
Brigid Reale
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
By being a lifelong learner!
This member profile was originally published in December 2022.