We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley Moran a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley Moran, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
For some time I dreamed of having a glorious office space working from home as a graphic designer and a few years ago I started to freelance here and there branding while still working odd-end jobs. Communication wise I stumbled around at first not understanding how to talk to someone professionally, and when and where to be loose with conversation is still something I question at times. From there, I developed a better understanding of what I need from my clients in order to give them the best possible service and that was a big light bulb moment for me. Also networking in person and online seems to be a must as an artist and something I am still growing and learning about. At this point in time, I work completely for myself remotely and do pop-ups selling my artwork on the weekends, although I have moved that focus more toward galleries and shows. It’s nice to have the flexibility in my schedule and be home as a dedicated pet parent.
Ashley Moran, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Focused primarily on creating personal branding packages and social media ads for my clients, I work part-time for a company in Dallas and for myself. My background started in high school yearbook class and worked more into helping a lot of start-up companies enhance their customer base and business by looking professional. I always say it’s an investment but it’s an important one and if you are looking for a place to be cheap skip ordering the good napkins instead. Just like a tattoo artist you get what you pay for.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
People want to judge an artist, designer, or craft until the time comes that they need their skillset because DIY isn’t cutting it. There is something to respect about the time and materials someone has put into their craft and how they have pushed themselves to improve, just like any other career.
How did you build your audience on social media?
My audience has grown really organically over time, I started off making signs by hand and moved back over to the computer where I decided to start making movie and T.V. posters, mostly for fun and to keep my skills strong with the Adobe programs. Pop culture is something people easily connect on and it has always opened up conversations with customers. They see my work in person leading them to follow me on the spot, wanting to know where I will be or what products I will have in the future, especially for around the holidays. Posting a couple of times weekly at peak times, engaging with others and reposting them to your story, making reels, and opening your mind to other places to showcase your work like Pintrest or Tiktok. Lastly, know your audience, there is no reason to have your hand in every pot.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashleymorancreativeco.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleymorancreativeco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chump88
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymorancreative/
- Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/chumpontherun/