Laura Craig

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your business?

My name is Laura Craig from Laura Craig Design Creative Studio and I'm a Freelance Graphic Designer living and working in Belfast, using bold imagery and typography to creatively empower clients working in the arts, culture and music. I have worked on a variety of diverse projects that range from branding, poster illustration, social media content creation, web design and more with clients who are passionate about what they do and how they can change things up. I love working with other creatives such as theatre makers, musicians, charities and helping them find what makes them unique and give them the visual tools they need to expand and show off the work they are doing.

What inspired you to start your own business? 

I started my creative studio in 2019 with the aim of connecting and working with passionate people within the arts, culture and music sectors. I had the idea of going freelance when I was in university and had attended lunchtime talks by local designers but wasn’t sure how to do it. A few stuck out to me as they were young and not long out of university themselves, they were instrumental in my confidence to put myself out there at the beginning. I worked remotely (pre-pandemic!) as a layout designer after graduating which I think really helped me to believe that I could work for myself independently as I had the experience of structuring my days and projects.

Can you tell us about a typical day in your business? 

I have been lucky to work in various design roles during my time as a freelancer. I've worked in studios, for agencies and in my own studio. My schedule fluctuates with projects but I like to keep a good schedule and make sure I set time aside to work on my own business admin and marketing. Currently in my own studio I do a lot of zoom meetings with either the clients I’m working with or the art directors from agencies that I occasionally work with. When I’m working I stay caffeinated and love a good true crime podcast.

What do you love about what you do? 

I love getting to know my clients and finding out what makes them unique. I’ve always loved seeing behind the scenes and figuring out what will showcase their business in the best way. I’ve always been a big researcher and even in my personal life I love finding out everything I can about things I’m interested in which serves me well as a brand designer. I also love having the chance to continue learning new techniques.

What do you find most challenging? 

Switching off. Constantly checking my emails isn’t very productive so I try to block off time when I won’t check any messages and focus. 

Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 years? 

Not knowing what comes next can be terrifying but it’s one of the things that excites me most about being a freelancer. Working with more amazing clients and expanding my business would be my main goal. I would love to collaborate with other designers and illustrators either in a collective, a shared studio or set up a collaborative agency.

What do you wish you had known when you started your business? 

That I am more capable than I feel and that I should never let my inner critic stop me from putting the work in.

What do you enjoy outside your business? 

Music. I’m a huge music fan and spend most of my free time listening to music, going to concerts and collecting vinyl. I can’t play an instrument but being into music led me to volunteering and later become a part of the creative team behind Girls Rock School Northern Ireland. A feminist music collective using music to empower young girls, women and gender diverse youth through instrument lessons, workshops, art and self-confidence at summer rock camps and music events.

Our theme this year for Womenfolk is Balance - how do you bring balance to your life? Any advice for other creative business owners? 

Find what works for you, a 9-5 doesn’t work for everyone. Balance was the thing I struggled with the most when I first began working as a freelancer and I felt like I needed to be working/on call all the time but I began to work on my own schedule and figure out what works best for me. I block off time for specific tasks and always use lists.

anything else you would like to share?

I got involved with Girls Rock School Northern Ireland at a time when I was a bit lost before I started my business. I messaged on a whim not even sure if I would meet up with them because of nerves but it has turned into one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It allowed me to grow as a creative and meet incredible people who are all passionate and making important changes to our society. Sometimes the unconventional route can lead you to the best place.

Where can people find out more about your business? 

Website - www.lauracraigdesign.co.uk/
Instagram - @lauracraigdesign
Twitter - @designedbylcd