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

Erica, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

One of the biggest changes I would make to design education is incorporating lessons on negotiating value and pricing for client work. While there’s a strong emphasis on building portfolios and mastering design tools, there’s often little guidance on interviewing, freelancing, and setting fair rates. I remember landing a freelance logo design gig in college and asking my professor about pricing—he told me he would’ve charged more, but I had no idea how to determine my worth in the first place. A course dedicated to real-world, post-college scenarios like this would better equip students for their careers.

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.

I was an athlete for most of my life—until the golden age of *Myspace* came along and changed everything. Suddenly, I was deep in the world of HTML and coding, trying to make my page look as cool as possible. I started taking photos, editing them with questionable filters and dramatic backgrounds (as one does), and unknowingly set myself on the path to design. But at the time, I had no idea this could be a career—no designers in the family, no blueprint to follow. I also didn’t have much guidance when picking a major, so I landed in Communications. Then, sophomore year, I needed an elective and got placed in *Intro to Multimedia.* And just like that—I was hooked.

Since then, I’ve balanced freelancing while working in corporate America, and honestly, there’s nothing wrong with the corporate life! It provides stability and teaches you how to approach design as a business. I’ve learned *a lot* from working corporate, but I also love the freedom to create outside of my 9-to-5. And speaking of that 9-to-5, I’m currently a Motion Graphics Designer at LinkedIn—been here for almost five years, and I love it. Outside of that, I run a small business where I design and sell stickers, freelance for merch design clients, and, just to keep things interesting, I’m also an assistant coach for my alma mater’s boys’ varsity basketball team. So yeah… life is *busy.*

But through all of it, I take pride in being able to choose *what* I create and *why* I create it. I’m not designing out of obligation—I design because I *want* to. I never take on projects that don’t excite me, and I think that’s a huge privilege as an artist.

As for my style? I wouldn’t say I have one. I hate being boxed in, so I’m always pushing my own limits, reinventing myself in subtle ways. If there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I love *everything* art. The way it can make you *feel* something words can’t describe, the way it’s completely subjective, yet deeply personal. The value of art is what you make it, and that’s something I’m continuously learning and embracing. Choosing this profession isn’t for the weak—you’re constantly adapting, evolving, and figuring it out as you go. But that’s exactly why I love it. It’s part of what makes me, *ME*.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Being *personable* and delivering *quality work* have been the secret sauce to building my reputation in the industry. Most of my freelance gigs come from word-of-mouth—people who know me, trust me, and reach out because they value what I bring to the table. And honestly, that means a lot. I take a lot of pride in my character. I’m a genuine person, but I don’t sugarcoat things. If a design isn’t working, I’ll say so—but I’ll also come with a solution ready to go. I keep it real.

Quality is *huge* for me because, at the end of the day, I know what I appreciate as a consumer. I hold my work to that same standard, even if it means going over budget. Because here’s the thing—quality is what keeps clients coming back. It speaks for itself, and I’d rather be known for consistently delivering *great* work than cutting corners.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

There’s something *so* rewarding about seeing your art out in the world. Spotting a sticker I designed on someone’s water bottle or knowing my artwork is hanging in someone’s living space—that’s the kind of thing that makes me feel accomplished. Someone saw my work, thought it was cool, spent their hard-earned money on it, and now gets to enjoy it every day. That, to me, is a taste of success.

Also winning design contests—especially when you’re up against other talented creatives—gives you that extra ammo to puff your chest out a little more, too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ericawhitley.com
• Instagram: @ewthecreative
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericawhitley