Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hannah Coates. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Hannah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Is there a lesson you learned in school that’s stuck with you and has meaningfully impacted your journey?

One of my most important experiences in college was my very first critique for a design class. It was an intro level 2D design course, and prior to this class I had no experience in what the critique process would be like. I remember thinking that a critique meant my professor would tell me everything they hated about my project, but I soon learned it would be a constructive experience that would improve my work significantly. I used to have a very hard time taking any form of criticism towards my work, but in this field its necessary to be able to take critique so that you can create exactly what it is your clients have hired you for. It still is difficult at times to not get a bit discouraged, but I don’t think I would view critique as such an essential part of my creative process if it weren’t for all the critiques I’ve done in my college design classes.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m currently a full-time graphic design BFA student at Marywood University and do freelance graphic design on the side as well. I have always been a creative person, and what drew me to graphic design is that it is a field where I can be creative as a profession. I also never have to be bored with graphic design, since design standards, software, etc. will constantly be changing which means I’ll constantly be growing as a designer. Some of the services I provide are logo designs, business card/letterhead/envelope designs, clothing, and posters for advertising. Most of the clients I have created work for often have a rough idea of what they want done but are unsure where they want to go from there. I always like to have a consultation with the client so we can both be on the same page before I begin the design process. From there I create sketches and have “revision check-ins” where the client and I touch base a previously established number of times for revisions before they receive the final final containing their product. I am most proud of my growing confidence in the field, and I want any potential clients or followers to know that I approach each job with enthusiasm and eagerness to create an amazing product. I never want to produce work I am not proud of, therefore the work I produce for clients is done with care, attention to detail, and creativity.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

A particular goal that drives my creative journey is wanting to be someone my younger self would be proud of. I struggled for a while to figure out what I wanted to do professionally and what brought me joy. The process of getting into this field, working towards my degree, and beginning to create work freelance has be challenging but so rewarding. I genuinely enjoy this path, and there was a time where I didn’t know if I would ever find my niche. Continuing forward on my creative journey is so important because I am proud of myself and my work ethic, and being able to feel fulfilled by my own self is an amazing feeling.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is being able to bring an idea to life visually. At the end of a project, I love to look through all the phases of the process and see the creative journey I took to create an image. I’ve often been told by clients that they came to me because they could somewhat envision what they want, but couldn’t execute it. Being able to take what they’re envisioning and turn it into the final image is so exciting, and I love being able to provide a service to small businesses, entrepreneurs, local musicians, etc. who hire me to help them exceed in their business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hcoatesdesign.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: hannahcoatesdesign
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/hcoatesdesign

Image Credits
Donny Yarros