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

David, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about how you got your first non-friend, non-family client. Paint the picture for us so we can feel the same excitement you felt on that day.

I’d been working as an in-house designer at an Edinburgh–based charity until I gave my notice so I could travel and see a little more of the world. Some months later when I returned to Edinburgh I arranged a meeting with my old employer to pitch the idea of taking them on as my first client as an independent designer. Luckily, my previous role hadn’t been filled and the charity was keen for me to continue working with them. So for three days each week I helped with their design needs, using the other days to build my website and to find other clients. Our working relationship continued for 18 months until the charity needed to hire someone full-time, by which point I’d built enough of an online presence to attract quite a range of other design clients.

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

I’m a graphic designer and writer dedicated to creating relevant, distinctive and meaningful visual identities. Since opening my studio in 2005 I’ve helped a wide range of clients in more than 30 countries, from global corporations to individual entrepreneurs.

All of my projects involve logo work, as the logo is the cornerstone of a strong visual identity. That might mean crafting a new logo for a new business, or making subtle refinements to the mark of an established international organisation.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with two US–based publishers (Peachpit and Rockport) to write four bestselling design books, one of which has been translated into 13 languages, and another into seven. The titles are listed as recommended reads on college and university reading lists around the world.

For my entire time in the profession I’ve worked independently, and the majority of my clients are overseas — finding me through my website or books. I’m fortunate to say I love what I do — helping good people through good design.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

When I started in business I said yes to every potential project on the table. At the time that was a good thing, because I got to test the water with a wide range of design projects across print and digital. But as the years passed it made much more sense to specialise in what I most enjoyed — the design of distinctive, relevant, and simple logos and how they work within flexible identities.

If you want to attract the work you most enjoy, you need to show that work in your portfolio and social profiles. Specialising is key.

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

Referrals from previous clients have been immeasurably helpful when it comes to attracting new business. When I’m asked about my dream project I like to say it’s the one I’m working on, regardless of product or service. If you give your client your absolute best, you can nurture a relationship that lasts a lifetime.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.davidairey.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidairey