We were lucky to catch up with Jimmy Viquez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jimmy, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

If I were starting over as a freelance designer, I’d focus more on finding a niche early on instead of trying to appeal to everyone. By narrowing down my services and building expertise in one specific area, I could have set myself apart faster and been able to charge higher rates sooner. Additionally, I’d make it a priority to build my brand from the start—consistently sharing my work on platforms like Instagram and Behance to create visibility and establish myself as an expert in that space. This would have accelerated my ability to attract the right clients early on. I’d also invest in fostering long-term relationships with clients rather than just focusing on new projects. Repeat business and referrals are so important for sustainable growth, and nurturing those connections would have streamlined that process. Automating parts of my workflow, like invoicing and project management, is another thing I’d do differently to save time. Lastly, I would have more confidence in valuing my work from the start, setting my rates at what my services are truly worth. This approach would have gotten me to where I am today much faster and with less effort.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Jimmy Viquez, a freelance graphic designer. In short, I help businesses create distinctive visual identities that resonate with their target audiences, driving success through strategic and impactful design solutions. My creative journey began with a love for Los Angeles street art, which evolved into an interest in lettering and eventually led me to graphic design. I discovered a deep passion for transforming something old into something new and creating something from nothing, which naturally led me to dive headfirst into brand identity design. I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of clients, from streetwear brands to niche industries like vaping. What sets me apart is my experience working behind the scenes with small business entrepreneurs, which has given me a deep understanding of the challenges they face—whether it’s building a brand with limited resources or navigating competitive markets. I leverage this insight to help my clients create unique brands that stand out, both in design and beyond. What I’m most proud of is the people I’ve been able to help, each with their unique challenges and goals. Whether I’m designing identities or crafting logos, my goal is always to create timeless, functional work. I prioritize designs that not only look good but also serve a purpose, driving growth and success for businesses in their industries.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Absolutely! One of the memorable experiences in my design career was designing an entire booth for an international event. The team I was working with faced a language barrier with an international booth vendor, but since I spoke Spanish, I took charge of communication. This allowed me to discuss possibilities with the vendor and work collaboratively to refine the booth design. I designed the entire layout, including the placement of walls, counters, and seating, and used programs like Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Stager to create large-scale visuals that highlighted the company’s products. Despite the tight deadline and the pressure of having the design ready for print production, I managed to get everything done on time. This project taught me the importance of taking charge and finding creative solutions when facing obstacles.

Another example of resilience was when I first started my freelance design business and faced a period of slow client engagement. Instead of getting discouraged, I used that time to refine my skills, revamp my portfolio, and work on personal projects, which eventually led to the launch of my current website. By turning a challenging situation into an opportunity for growth, I was able to strengthen my brand and attract more clients. This period taught me that resilience isn’t just about overcoming obstacles but also about using those moments to improve and evolve.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a graphic designer is knowing that my work makes a positive impact, helping people connect with ideas, brands, or experiences. Seeing how my designs can contribute to someone’s success or bring joy to their audience is deeply fulfilling. The fact that I can bring these concepts to life and see them resonate with others is what fuels my passion for creativity every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jimmyviquez.design/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimmyviquez/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimmyviquezdesign
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmyviquez/
• Other: https://www.behance.net/jimmyviquez