Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Forest Shipp. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Forest, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

Success is such a subjective concept. To me, success boils down to achieving something that brings pride and joy. Almost three years ago, I was fresh out of college and working on a contract-to-hire position for a small tech startup in Kansas. It was my first major opportunity as a college graduate to prove I belonged in the field. From the outside looking in, people might have thought, “Wow, what a great opportunity! He’s doing so well.”

But to me, it felt far from a success. I was flown out to meet the team, tour the office, and even look at apartments in case I landed the role permanently. While the experience was exciting, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. I felt like I didn’t belonged, and my contributions felt uninspired—like I was the wrong tool for the job.

It would have been easy to say, “Look, I have a job out of college; I’m successful!” But that wasn’t how I felt. Fast forward to today, and despite the ups and downs of freelancing, I feel far more successful. Right now, many of my contracts have wrapped up, and I’m in a dry spell, actively searching for new work. But even in this moment, I feel more aligned with my definition of success. Here’s why:

1. I measure success by fulfillment, not metrics. On paper, having a steady job looked great, but as humans, we crave more than stability. In that contract-to-hire role, I didn’t feel like I was growing or making a meaningful impact, no matter how “successful” it seemed. Now, even during slow periods, I find fulfillment in passion projects and creating designs that resonate with me and my clients.

2. I’m more in tune with my values and goals. I’ve learned to prioritize what truly matters to me. Recently, I cut ties with a long-time client because the relationship had become too frustrating and unproductive. From the outside, someone might ask, “Why give up a client when you’re in a dry spell?” The answer is simple: I value my time and mental well-being. I’d rather focus on work that excites me than spend energy on projects that leave me feeling undervalued. Walking away was difficult, but staying would have been even more difficult. My choice brought me peace and reaffirmed my commitment to my goals.

3. I trust my process. Freelancing is unpredictable and, at times, unforgiving, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned to trust in my skills, my ability to adapt, and the process of finding new opportunities. Each contract, dry spell, or passion project is a chance to grow, refine my craft, and push myself to new heights.

Ultimately, success for me is about finding fulfillment in my work. The money will come, but it means little if I’m not taking care of my mind, body, and soul.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Certainly! I’m Forest Shipp—your friendly neighborhood freelance graphic designer. Some know me as “that deaf kid,” others as @professional_deaf_asian, and a surprising number of people think I look like Steve Aoki. (Spoiler: I don’t.)

My journey into graphic design was as accidental as it gets. I started college as a business major because, like many, I had no idea what I wanted to do. Then a professor in my freshman seminar saw something in me and suggested I check out the art department, specifically graphic design. I had no clue what graphic design even was, but I figured, Why not? It couldn’t feel less productive than my business courses. Fast forward four years, and I graduated with a BFA in graphic design, realizing I’d found something I liked.

Freelancing wasn’t the plan either—it kind of found me. After trying out a few in-office roles, I realized the traditional 9-to-5 just wasn’t for me. Burnout came fast, and the inspiration came slow. Like many creatives, I thrive at odd hours, working late at night with low-vibe music playing in the background while the world sleeps So, I took the leap into freelancing, knowing it would be unpredictable and challenging, but also full of potential.

I kept my business name simple: Forest Shipp. Shocking, I know. I wanted my brand to reflect me as a human first, designer second. By keeping my name front and center, I ensure my work is approachable, personal, and authentic.

As for the design work I do—what don’t I do? My services include everything from branding and digital ads to web design, business cards, flyers, booklets, thumbnails, layouts, UX/UI, short-form videos, SEO, copywriting, and wayfinding. I’m constantly expanding my skill set, so if a client needs something different, I’ll dive in and learn. My philosophy is simple: If you ask, I’m willing to learn and grow.

The real value I bring to clients is being a stress-free, reliable creative partner. Whether you have a clear vision, a rough idea, or no idea at all, I’ll meet you where you are. Need something done to spec? I’ve got you. Want creative input? I’ll provide it. Not sure what you want? I’ll bring drafts to the table. My goal is to ease stress, not add to it, and to be the designer you can count on—whether that’s daily or sporadically.

It’s weird. What I’m most proud of isn’t just my work or achievements, but my mentality. In a world that moves fast and can be overwhelming, I’ve cultivated a resilient, positive mindset that keeps me grounded. I’ve learned how to stop spiraling into doubt and instead use my energy to focus on what matters—creating, growing, and supporting others. Having a mind that works with me instead of against me has been transformative, and I’m proud of the positive impact I’ve been able to have on those around me.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Authenticity is everything. In a world where we spend more and more time online, being true to yourself is the key to building a meaningful audience. Post what genuinely matters to you, not what you think will get the most likes or go viral. When you’re authentic, the right audience will find you, connect with you, and grow alongside you. Too many people get stuck chasing trends or curating the “perfect” feed, but that often leads to burnout or feeling disconnected from your content.

When I started out, I wasn’t focused on building an audience. I was posting positive affirmations that I needed to hear for myself. I didn’t aim for the most polished or fastest-growing feed; I just shared things that resonated with me. Over time, I found that what spoke to me also spoke to others, and my audience began to grow organically.

If you’re just starting out, here’s my best advice: be authentic and consistent. Authenticity ensures your content is meaningful to you and it will resonate with others on its own. Consistency helps your audience know when to expect new posts and keeps you on the radar of social media algorithms, which reward regular activity.

I’ll admit, I’m not as consistent as I used to be—life and other commitments have pulled me in different directions—but I still value being true to myself and using my platform to speak my mind. Focus less on what will look good to others and more on what feels good for you. That’s where the magic happens.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Being a creative person can be incredibly draining. There’s often an expectation that designers consistently produce amazing work at lightning speed, but here’s the truth: most of my design files? They’re crappy rough drafts. Depending on the day and my mindset, I might find the perfect creative solution in an hour—or I might be stuck in a rut for days. Creativity doesn’t follow deadlines; it follows the designer’s headspace, the resources they have, and the time they’re given to explore.

Good design takes time. There’s a misconception that a designer can whip up something incredible in just a few hours for a few hundred dollars. In reality, the creative process is an art form, one that’s often undervalued—especially now with the rise of AI and new technology. I’ve had clients demand incredibly fast turnaround times and expect amazing results. While explaining the process sometimes helps, not everyone understands the effort and thought that go into quality design.

Quick turnarounds are sometimes necessary, but expecting same-day results for a complex project is unrealistic. It adds unnecessary stress to both the designer and the client, often leading to subpar outcomes. If you’re hiring a designer, my advice is this: give them time. Offer grace, patience, and understanding as they work toward crafting the best possible solution for your project. A great design isn’t just something slapped together—it’s the result of careful thought, trial, and creativity. Trust their process, and you’ll see the difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://forestshipp.com
• Instagram: @professional_deaf_asian
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/forest-shipp-94215a208/