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

Hi Elizabeth, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

I would say what sets me apart from other designers is my ability to listen and create the designs my client wants, not what I want. I believe this is about them, not me. I have heard many times from my clients that a designer they used did not listen. They had to go back and forth many times to get something close to what they wanted. Also, other places will charge an extra fee anytime the client needs the design, almost like a rental fee. I do not agree with this method. My motto is, if the client pays for it, the design is theirs. I package all the necessary files my client will need for print, web and screenprint (t-shirts) with the CMYK and RGB colors for future branding and marketing materials. This is important to keep the branding consistent. I believe in helping my clients at a reasonable cost.

I also work to create a personal relationship with each client. When I first thought of starting Chirpy Graphics & Photography I wanted a major piece to be about connection. It was important to me that every client feels comfortable throughout the whole design process. I also strive to have great communication and because of this I am able to decipher what my clients want or need when they are struggling to explain it to me. I always work to achieve a non-pressuring environment in order to narrow down what it is they are looking to do. I treat each client as the unique and special person that they are, with kindness, respect and support. No cookie-cutter process here!

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 there! My name is Elizabeth Hauser. I am a creative genius and the founder and owner of Chirpy Graphics & Photography!

I have always been creative. In school, I would go above and beyond on my project display boards for presentations. Most kids would just have a very basic board with the pertinent information, but not me! I created fold out areas with information, items you could interact with, and 3D parts that popped off the board. It was more about the experience you could have while learning about my project topic than just getting it done.

I was always creating something as a child, whether it was a small town for my Barbies or my own art to hang in my room. When the time came for me to look into a career, I wasn’t sure what degree I wanted, but I knew I wanted to create. That’s when I found Graphic Design. I got my bachelor’s degree in Computer Graphic Design with a minor in Art from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Most of my classmates would change their degrees halfway through, but I found a passion for design. The idea of using colors and images to create something that speaks to someone and tells a story really intrigued me. During college, I also found a passion for photography. I learned about lighting and depth of field. The best part was I self-taught myself many of the skills I use today.

After graduating in 2012, I set out to find a job in a design firm or be the graphic designer for a company. This proved to be more difficult than I thought. Most companies were looking for someone with experience, of which I had very little. I ended up working for a local FedEx Office in the Georgetown, TX area. Although this was not my dream job, it taught me customer service and different printing dynamics associated with printing companies. This would turn out to be very useful for what I do today. I am able to be the liaison between my clients and the printer.

After a year, I left the FedEx Office and started working at the local newspaper in Georgetown, TX, The Williamson County Sun. Here I was brought in as the in-house graphic designer. Finally, something where I could create! This job proved to also be very beneficial for my future. I learned how a printing press works, the separations for CMYK and the discipline associated with deadlines. I learned to create beautiful designs quickly. I honed in on my keen eye for detail and creativity during my time at the paper. Although this job was more in line with what I wanted to do with my degree, I felt it was very redundant over the years and I longed for more creative and different projects.

I had the desire to one day start my own business. I wanted the freedom to use my creativity and skills to help others by collaborating with them to create designs, brands and photos they are happy with. After getting married in November 2018, I left the newspaper and branched out on my own. In December 2018, I began Chirpy Graphics & Photography.

I wanted the name of my company to express the experience I offer my clients. I wanted them to feel respected, supported and happy through the whole process. From the initial consultation session to the collaboration session (to narrow down what they want), to the design and proofing stage, to the finished product. I wanted the experience to be stress-free, creative, collaborative and fun! The one word that stood out to me that encompassed all this was “Chirpy.” At Chirpy Graphics & Photography, I strive to do three things, 1. Connect, 2. Collaborate, 3. Create.

I connect with my clients on their level. I meet them where they are. I have a relaxed environment where we can talk through the project they are looking for and lay out the basic idea. Then I collaborate with my clients to dig deeper into what look, feel, color scheme and story they want their brand or project to tell. Lastly, I create them a beautiful design that tells their story and who they are. I give them something they can feel proud of, excited about and help them accomplish their goals. Whether it’s a design for a new business, an existing business, or an individual (i.e. a bride wanting a special design for their wedding invite or a unique design for a baby shower), I am excited to be able to offer my talents to help others. The best part is the smile on their face when they get their final design or photos. The joy I am able to bring to others is really why I created Chirpy Graphics & Photography.

I specialize in graphic design. I am known for high-quality graphics and designs with a quick turnaround time. I am also known for great communication and being able to decipher what my clients want or need when they are struggling to explain it to me. I work with them in a non-pressuring environment to narrow down what it is they are looking to do. I treat each client as the unique and special person that they are, with kindness, respect and support. No cookie-cutter process here!

I am very proud of my designs, my eye for detail and my growth as a designer, photographer and businesswoman over the last four years. I have come so far since college in both confidence and skill. My ability to connect with others and help them to feel comfortable is something I strive to do with each client.

I also do photography on the side. Mostly engagements, bridals, headshots, portraits, maternity and newborn photos. I currently volunteer with a local non-profit, the Pregnancy Help Center of Williamson County. The mothers who come in go through a program. When they finish the program, they are awarded a referral for free newborn photos. This is where I come in! I have been so blessed to work with these mothers and offer them something they would have otherwise not been able to afford. I can use my photography skills to capture beautiful photos of their little ones. It has been a great way for me to give back and to enhance my photography skills.

Over the last year or so, I have been able to take some amazing pictures of babies and connect with these young mothers, which has been a real joy. A few of the mothers have even asked me to come back and take pictures of their second child for payment. It’s not about the money for me, but I am very touched they want to work with me again.

In my photography, I take a more natural approach. I enjoy capturing candid photos and having fun with my subject in the beautiful outdoors. Whether in nature or in a hip downtown city setting, I prefer to use the natural light. I know taking pictures can be intimidating and nerve-wracking, so I work to create a relaxed and laid-back environment where my client can just be themselves. There is a lot of beautiful photography out there and I have learned many things from studying their work. I have a light, free and happy style and I’m excited to continue to grow that in the future.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

I would have to say the best source of new clients would be word of mouth. I have tried a few times to do networking groups and social media ads, however, I didn’t receive much business from those. Over the years most of my work comes from my current clients recommending me to other small business owners or friends. It’s always exciting to meet someone who knows a current client of mine. I enjoy making a new connection, collaborating on the project they have in mind and then creating their vision.

I honestly love the organic way that my business has grown over time. It shows me that my approach is desired and my work has made an impact in their lives, so much so that they want to share that experience with others. Knowing this makes me feel like my mission of Chirpy Graphics & Photography is being met and I am doing what I set out to do with my business.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Definitely being able to help people. I have always enjoyed helping people in any way I can and throughout my other jobs that led me to where I am now that was a big part of it. At FedEx I would be the person most people would go to for help and I would make every effort to give them the best experience. I was told after I left how people missed me. Even at the newspaper I was able to help people. It always gave me a warm feeling to answer the phone and be able to help the customer to decided which ad package would work best for them.

I am a big proponent of high quality customer service and I wanted to bring that same mindset into my business. I love the responses I get from people after I have created something for them and the delight in their voices. The joy I am able to bring them by just using my natural talents makes being a creative worth it. I also really enjoy the connections I have made. To be able to not only help other small businesses with their graphic needs but also to connect and collaborate with other creatives on projects. To partner with them so they are able to offer their clients something more and give them a better experience is an amazing bonus.

I enjoy creating in general, but helping others by creating beautifully designed graphics is the best part of the job!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chirpygraphics.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chirpy_graphics/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chirpygraphicsandphotography/

Image Credits
Elizabeth Hauser with Chirpy Graphics & Photography