Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Dooley

Hi Katie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I’m very grateful that I figured out what I love to do at an early age. In school, I loved projects like book reports and science fairs because I got to make the information look pretty and interesting.

When I entered high school I learned that graphic design was a career I could pursue. My school offered a program called Communication Technology which explored photography, videography and graphic design. I was hooked! I knew then that I was going to be a graphic designer and I went on to do my post-secondary diploma in Graphic Design.

After graduating, I realized how competitive the market for young designers is. I kept thinking, “If only someone would give me a chance!”. That was when I decided I needed to create my own opportunity, and I branched out on my own as a freelance designer.

What started as Katie Dooley Designs has since transformed into Paper Lime Creative, a boutique agency in Edmonton, Canada.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

I don’t believe that any entrepreneurial journey is smooth! If someone tells you so they aren’t telling you everything.

Early on, one of my challenges was figuring out with whom I liked to work. As a young freelancer, I would work with anyone to get some money in the bank. It was a few years in when I realized I didn’t want to do any more B2C work and switched to B2B design only.

Another big challenge was figuring out my worth and pricing myself competitively. I look back to the early years and realize how much I was underselling myself. This not only hurt me but the entire industry! I truly believe I would be much further ahead now if I had charged more back in those days.

Otherwise, as a project-based business, it is a continuous routine to stay top of mind. I’ve put systems in place to consistently reach out to new and established clients.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

Paper Lime Creative specializes in rebranding services for businesses. We help businesses get through those awkward teenage years. These are the years when business owners transition from doing everything themselves to developing a trusted team. We love taking branding off their plates while making them stand out in their industry and look more professional.

I am most proud of the transformations we provide. When a business gets a new brand that truly represents the work they want to do, and then they integrate it into their culture, that’s what makes me feel like a proud mom!

Paper Lime Creative is known for being helpful! It’s the word that comes up most on our Google Reviews. Marketing, in general, can be an industry where industry professionals don’t like sharing. Sometimes everything can feel like a trade secret. We work hard to have a collaborative process and don’t hide anything from our clients. We want them to feel like they have their fingerprints on the brand, even though they’ve gotten Paper Lime Creative to do the work.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?

I’ve had so many mentors over the years! I don’t think I would’ve made it this far without all the help I’ve received.

The first person that comes to mind is one of my university instructors, Patrick. He taught me for two years and he was my favourite instructor. Very compassionate and willing to take the extra time to help students. I remember shortly after I graduated and I was navigating the tough job market – I just wanted to quit. We had a very frank conversation about the challenges of the design industry: the good, the bad and the ugly. Needless to say, I didn’t quit, but it definitely helped me put things into perspective.

After I started my business, I had a fabulous business coach, Dawn. She helped me set up early systems, contracts, and everything I needed to be a successful and professional business owner. She also helped with personal blocks that were affecting my business. Thinking you’re not good enough to be a business owner is definitely detrimental to growing your business. Dawn and I continue to be good friends to this day.

While I’ve had many, I’ll leave this at three or it could go on forever! Lastly, my business sister-in-arms, Danielle. She’s a content writer, so we’ve collaborated a lot over the years and have similar business models. Our businesses are also the same age, so we’ve gone through a lot of ups and downs together. It’s so amazing having someone who understands the world of creative entrepreneurship.

Pricing:

• Logo starts at $1250
• Rebranding starts at $4000

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.paperlime.ca
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paperlimecreative
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paperlimecreative
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6YnD79KrC8PqkLIDHrM0HO?si=379f3fca539d4562