We recently connected with Ashley Navarre and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you 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?

There’s this moment I can vividly recall from before graduating high school wondering how I was going to turn my artistic passion into a career. I knew it was the only path for me, but I thought the only jobs you could actually get were as an art teacher or working in a museum – I had no concept of the myriad of possibilities that were awaiting me. I come from a very small town, so small in fact that my graduating class was made up of 24 students. While the majority of my peers were getting ready to start families, join the military, or work on farms, I knew I wanted and craved more. I headed off to college and was immediately exposed to a wide range of media, which sparked my enthusiasm for graphic design!

Having followed my passion for art, it’s amazing to see the life I’ve created for myself today. Looking back at that young woman who was so afraid to pursue her aspirations is motivating for me and, I hope, for other people who have ever doubted their own abilities. At that time, I never could have envisioned some of the amazing projects I have worked on and companies I’ve been a part of since. Of course, it wasn’t always this way, but like with all great things, they take time, patience, and dedication to your craft.

To get where I am today, I needed a strong foundation, and having a degree in graphic design provided that for me. It provided me with inspiration, structure, and confidence in my ability to thrive once out of school and on my own. Landing my first creative job is where I really begin to flourish as a designer. Many of my major milestones come from the risks I’d take applying for and eventually working at truly unique and innovative design agencies.

One of my favorite jobs was working for a magazine company where I had to wear all the hats, from conceptualizing the next season’s issue to finding models and creatively directing photoshoots, to producing the magazine and sending it to print. Seeing your magazine while buying groceries a few months later on the stand was the best feeling and a major highlight in my career. Presently, I design custom websites, logo and branding packages, social media content, and print materials for clients.

Ashley, 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?

I’m Ashley! Over the past ten years, my love of art has evolved into a full-time job as a graphic designer. I currently reside in NY but have lived in many places all across the US. I’m the Lead Designer at a major website agency, but have worked in print, digital marketing, and as a freelance designer over the years. When I was attempting to “figure out my life” before graduating from high school, I always knew it had to be artistic, but I had no idea how to make my dream a reality. Living in a small town limited my options for what I thought I could accomplish when I grew up. Fortunately, I followed my instinct and traveled several hours away from home to enroll in an art school, where my love for graphic design began.

The beautiful thing about this industry is that you can almost do anything you can think of. Whether you want to design logos, make billboards or advertisements, create animations, work in TV or film, or become a freelancer – the world is yours for the taking. I feel that my previous roles have all been unique and challenging, all the while shaping me into a thoughtful leader. I think it’s important to take risks and set big goals for yourself because you’ll never know what’s waiting for you unless you go out there and experience it.

My creative duties are never the same from day to day which is something I really value and enjoy about this field. I’m typically creating dynamic websites with each client’s vision in mind, offering personalization and ease of use, with simplicity and SEO in mind. Without strong development and backend work, even the best web design is nothing. Customers are searching for designers who can provide attractive designs that speak to the user, clearly demonstrate how they can address the customer’s issue, and ensure that Google is improving your results. Additionally, I create comprehensive branding packages and logos that are memorable and increase brand recognition. I have a good eye for innovative, cutting-edge, and artistic design that produces best-in-class user interface characteristics. One of the most frequent problems I have when building websites is when the client only provides me with a pixelated logo or one .jpg file. I frequently find myself redesigning other designers’ logos in order to have a workable file for that brand’s website and social media.

The branding packages I provide cover all necessary graphics and more, ensuring that no other designer or developer has the same problem. Because former clients are likely to make the best recommendations, I want all of my projects to be successful and innovative. Keeping your clients completely satisfied and happy is crucial when considering networking and word of mouth will be one of the quickest ways to build your clientele and ensure continuous work. While it does take time, organic referrals will surely give you clients who are committed and will pay you what you are worth, as compared to cold calling or email blasting your services to companies which I find less effective.

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

The most rewarding aspect of this career is seeing your art turned into a successful brand. Remembering how a logo was once just an idea on paper to now being printed on merchandise for a major brand, or even looking back at a first draft of a website design to looking at the fully produced live version that’s on the web today. It’s such a fulfilling moment to have in your artistic career.

I love that moment when you get in a trance-like state where the outside world vanishes and my thoughts become preoccupied with the project I’m working on. I used to be a runner and always compare the feeling to a “runner’s high”. That’s when I’m most complete, most unconsciously myself. Coming away with something you really love and are proud of is a wonderful feeling too. I appreciate how things are constantly evolving and being reinvented. You can construct whatever comes to mind with enough practice. Such power belongs to the artist. You may communicate in a manner that words cannot through art. It’s rewarding to step out of your comfort zone to master new forms.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I believe the two biggest strategies for gaining new clients is best summed up in two parts. Every designer needs a strong portfolio as it’s essential for attracting new clients. Your portfolio, which serves as a sort of “audition tape,” should feature your best work to offer clients a sense of your design style and capabilities. When selecting projects, focus on showcasing your skills and expertise. Choose projects that demonstrate your ability to solve complex design problems, create compelling visuals, and deliver results that meet or exceed client expectations. Think about mixing up the projects to show off your range of abilities. For example, if you specialize in branding, include a mix of logo designs, brand guidelines, and packaging designs. If you specialize in web design, include a mix of website designs, landing pages, and mobile app designs. This will help potential clients to understand your abilities and versatility as a designer.

A strong clientele also requires producing quality work and ensuring client satisfaction. Ask past clients for feedback and testimonials on projects you’ve completed for them. You can also ask for recommendations and endorsements on sites like LinkedIn, too. When prospective clients see that you’ve worked successfully with other organizations, it gives them reassurance that you have the expertise you claim. Let your prior clients know that you’re always open to talking to new work and appreciate their future referrals. Another efficient strategy for growing your network is to work together with other designers and creatives. Seek out chances to collaborate with other designers on projects or take part in design competitions. The internet has made it easier than ever to connect with other designers and potential clients. Consider participating in online forums and groups where you may communicate with others, showcase your work, and discover career prospects.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.navarredesigns.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/navarredesigns/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/navarredesigns
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ashleynavarre/