We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amanda Wilde a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Amanda, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us a story about a time you failed?
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m a graphic designer based in Asheville, NC. I’m a mama, a wife, a friend, a daughter, and a sister.
I have had a few fantastic graphic design jobs and a few bad ones. From agency to in-house to freelance, the design world is full of reminders about what you do not want, and it is up to you to find what you do.
I am interested in living a life filled with compassion, empathy, creativity, and humor. Being trained in graphic design and using this skill to help folks over the last 12 years has been an incredible experience. I have a new business or creative project brewing in my mind every day of the week. Having an overactive creative mind can be overwhelming. Reminding myself that I do not have to show up in the same way every time is helpful and encouraging.
When I shifted the focus of my business, it needed to represent my many interests. Whether I’m speaking up about anti-racism, developing my skill as an illustrator or letterer, sharing knowledge about design, or spamming folks with roller skating content, I am constantly seeking new ways to share this creative part of myself.
As I move into a new phase of myself and my business, I want to continue my community work. That could look like volunteering to repaint the mural at my daughter’s school or inspiring folks to follow through on their ideas. My passions will speak louder, and my insecurities will quiet down to a whisper. My business helps me bridge the gap between myself and the outside world so I can show up authentically and experience a life full of creativity, discovery, and passion.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Realizing that I didn’t need to empty my tank freelancing and could pursue work I liked was a radical shift. Taking money out of the equation and doing work I enjoy or spearheading a project for my community is where my heart is at. To manage this shift, I have to work a “regular” job and have less time to work on creative projects I enjoy. The projects I end up being able to work on tend to be fun and fulfilling. Letting go of the idea that everything I work on has to make money was transformative. I have more ideas than ever, and I’m excited to bring them to life.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
YouTube! I would have loved to have access to YouTube as a young creative. The wealth of information and ideas is endless. Sure, it’s easy to get bogged down in the noise, but learning roller skating moves and DIY hacks for furniture building in one place is a dream.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wildeus.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilde.us/