We were lucky to catch up with Julia Fennell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Julia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

I have always been a very creative person. I don’t think I have stopped drawing since I could first hold a pencil! My parents were always super supportive of my talent and did everything they could to help me shine within the arts.

During my junior / senior year of high school when I was beginning to plan out what I wanted to do for college and where I wanted to go — I told my mom and dad I wanted to go to nursing school. My mom is a nurse practitioner for oncology and I was very interested in that path for myself. School wasn’t always my strong suit. I struggled a lot in math (and most subjects ha!) in elementary and high school. However, art was my main escape and passion. I was always drawing, designing / making clothes, Painting, etc.

When I told my parents I wanted to go to school for nursing, they were supportive of course… but they really pushed me to follow my talent instead. Art.

Often times you hear stories from people saying their parents didn’t want them to go to school for art. Instead they would push med school, law school, anything else but the arts. Not my parents! They have ALWAYS been my biggest cheerleaders for my passion. When we toured the University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga I discovered groaning design and the rest was history.

So really… because of them I am where I am now. I love my career. I am so passionate about what I do and I wake up every day excited to work on the next project.

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 am a full time graphic designer for Halo Pet Food as well as a freelance designer and illustrator.

Graphic design kind of fell into my lap when I toured the University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga. I went up for their BFA graphic design program. Out of 30 people who went up for the major, I was one of 10 who made it in.

As well as being a full time graphic designer for Halo Pet Food, I also do freelance design under my FennellDesign business. I offer logos, branding, brand identity research / creation, advertising needs, illustrative work, clothing / pattern design, photography and e-commerce / social brand needs.

I have mainly worked a lot with local Nashville businesses and music artists.

I think one thing that sets me apart from other designers is how fast I work and how versatile I am. I do it all. I’m a one-stop-shop for all creative / branding needs. My turn around time is quick and my work is high-quality.

I always make sure to connect via phone or in person with the client to discuss needs for a commission. I will ask detailed questions to get to know my client and what they are looking for. I think connecting in person is SO IMPORTANT when taking on a design project. Communication is key. Transparency is key. And kindness is key. As a designer it is your job to translate what they envision in their head for their brand — and to do that, you need to know your client.

The thing I am most proud of about my practice is how I have built it all completely on my own. All my connections and talents, I have done 100% on my own. I work hard to constantly expand my network and take on new projects. I’m also not afraid to take on anything new. If I haven’t done it before — I WILL learn it and do it. No question asked.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Don’t be afraid to reach out. Be confident and talk highly of your talents. Be personable and connect.

The worst someone can say is no. Reach out to people and offer your services. You’re not going to grow your clients by sitting and waiting for people to come to you.

The more you connect, the more your name gets out there. Your name will start picking up pace.

I say this 24/7 but don’t hesitate to talk highly about yourself. No one is going to hire a designer who is insecure about their talents. Be bold. Don’t know how to do something? Learn it. Don’t say you don’t know how. Be transparent and say “I haven’t done that before, but I can figure it out and get this to you!” You’re not going to grow if you don’t get out of your comfort zone.

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

I wouldn’t say it’s a lesson per say… but it is something I had to work myself out of.

PRICE. YOUR. WORK. FOR. WHAT. ITS. WORTH. If someone can’t pay your prices, they aren’t the client for you. Obviously don’t go overboard and be completely unreasonable with pricing… but do not sell yourself short. I offer tier packages for my work so people have a selection. I do offer hourly rates, but I feel like my packages are more universally friendly.

I used to really undercharge for my work. Some illustration work takes hours if not days… and I had to teach myself how to price it that way and not in a way that made me accommodative to everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fennelljuliap.wixsite.com/designbyj
• Instagram: @FennellDesign
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-fennell-60180a199