We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Abi Lee. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Abi below.

Abi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I firmly believe that success is a deeply personal concept, tailored to each individual’s aspirations and values. While some may measure success by the accumulation of wealth, luxurious living, and unprecedented business growth, my definition is rooted in achieving a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle.

To me, success is synonymous with financial security – the ability to navigate life without the looming spectre of financial strain, ensuring the well-being of myself and my loved ones while indulging in life’s pleasures. It encompasses striking a balance between work and leisure, safeguarding my mental and physical health from the perils of overwork and burnout.

Moreover, success is the joy derived from pursuing my passion as a livelihood. Every day, I find myself astounded by the realisation that I am compensated for engaging in what I love most – the art of creativity, illustration, and design. Reflecting on my journey, I recall being cautioned against pursuing a creative path and warned of its purported lack of financial viability. Yet, defying those voices, I’ve found immense fulfilment in proving them wrong, honouring the dreams of my younger self who yearned for a life steeped in creativity.

As I approach the milestone of my fourth year in business, I take pride in the success I’ve already attained. While aspirations for growth and expansion persist, I am content with the journey thus far. It’s crucial to pause amidst the hustle and bustle, acknowledging and celebrating the victories, no matter how small, and embracing the lessons learned from setbacks along the way. Success, after all, is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

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.

Hey I’m Abi, the creative force behind Abi Lee Designs, where I pour my heart and soul into crafting graphic designs and illustrations from my studio in Leeds, UK.

My journey into the world of design began with a burning desire for a creative career. I honed my skills by studying graphic design and proudly graduated with top honours from the University of Huddersfield. However, as fate would have it, my final year coincided with the upheaval of 2020 – the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Suddenly, the world seemed to come to a standstill, and opportunities in the job market dwindled. But amidst the chaos, I found a silver lining.

Driven by a passion for freelancing and a determination to forge my own path, I took to Instagram to showcase my designs. It wasn’t long before a small business owner reached out, seeking my expertise to breathe life into their brand with a logo. And just like that, Abi Lee Designs was born.

Fast forward almost four years, and I’ve cultivated a thriving online presence, collaborating with clients across the globe and curating an Etsy shop filled with my art prints and cards. I have even had the honour of becoming an Adobe Express Ambassador – a dream partnership that allows me to further explore my creative boundaries.

What sets my work apart is its distinct blend of femininity, boldness, and professionalism, infused with a playful touch that resonates with my ideal clientele. Whether it’s creating enchanting branding for children’s brands, capturing the essence of the beauty industry, or adding flair to the events scene, my designs speak volumes.

But it’s not just about the finished product – it’s about the journey. Through Instagram, I’ve fostered a supportive community of fellow designers and potential clients, paving the way for exciting collaborations and dream projects.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Instagram has undeniably been my cornerstone for attracting clients, since the beginning of my design business. While cultivating an online following holds significance in fostering business growth, I’ve learned that it’s not the sole determinant of success. Witnessing businesses thrive with modest followings underlines the importance of quality engagement over sheer numbers. So striking a balance is key – fixating on follower counts can inadvertently sap creativity and diminish motivation to create meaningful content. I’ve found that nurturing a healthy relationship with social media entails focusing on authentic engagement rather than getting bogged down by metrics.

But I also believe that diversification is crucial. While Instagram serves as my primary platform, I leverage other channels such as Pinterest, Behance, Tiktok, Facebook, and occasionally LinkedIn to broaden my online footprint and resonate with a wider audience. Maintaining a vibrant presence on these platforms ensures that my brand reaches diverse corners of the internet, attracting my ideal clientele.

My website, abileedesigns.com, serves as a captivating hub for potential clients to explore my portfolio and discover the essence of my work. Seamlessly integrated with my social media channels, it acts as a conduit for inquiries, allowing visitors to delve deeper into my creative universe and sparking their curiosity which converts to inquiries.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most fulfilling aspect of being a creative for me is undoubtedly the opportunity to inspire others. It’s truly heartwarming to receive messages from fellow creatives on socials, expressing how my journey ignites their own aspirations and fuels their curiosity about building a successful design career.

I recall my own early days, gazing in awe at a few design accounts that embodied the life I dreamed of – thriving as freelance designers, defying the conventional wisdom that suggested it wasn’t attainable. I understand the uncertainty and apprehension that come with starting out in the creative industry, unsure of how to transform passion into a sustainable business.

As the freelance design landscape expanded in the wake of the pandemic, the competition intensified, exacerbating feelings of imposter syndrome and making it seem daunting to carve out a unique niche. In this environment, being able to offer guidance, share insights, and serve as a source of inspiration to my audience brings me immense fulfilment.

Knowing that I can help alleviate some of the challenges and uncertainties aspiring creatives face, guiding them along their own paths to success, is a deeply rewarding experience. It’s a reminder of the power of community and mentorship in nurturing creativity and fostering growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abileedesigns
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abileedesigns
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abi-lee-9677b9159/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@abileedesigns?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits
Brand photography by @thebrandologylabuk