We recently connected with Pee Sheff and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Pee, thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
I have been designing with Adobe software since I was in middle school. This was back when you could still find photoshop for free on the internet and it was still a one time download for life. The first thing I ever graphic designed were personal pictures of basketball teammates. I would add text and swirls and reconstruct the picture in numerous ways. This then lead me to coding on Myspace (boy do I wish Stayed in the field now lol). I definitely could have sped up my career track by actually going to school for graphic design. But during that time I was always told that graphic designers didn’t make much money which ultimately swayed my decision for parting ways with my passion until we met again sometime later on in life. Little did I know what I had done in middle school set the foundation for my career as a profitable freelancer. I learned early on how to market myself, negotiate prices, and stay on top of my game.
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 am currently the Associate Creative Director for Tradeblock. What lead me here was the work I had done for The Whitaker Grp (A Ma Maniere, Social Status, All Points Bulletin) as their lead designer. But through the midst of maintaining a corporate 9-5 I have always engaged in freelance work. My specialty is in apparel design and brand design. From tech packs to website design I have obtained a lot of portfolio experience over the last 10+ years. I am looking forward to capitalizing on this experience by starting my own creative agency which will be a one stop shop for design + creative projects. We will be able to take any idea from concept to full production.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
I get a lot of clients via word of mouth but they are usually always directed to my instagram page @psheffdesigns. Anytime I post work, I gain new clients which is a blessing!
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has to be over delivering and always exceeding expectations. Plus remaining extremely professional at all times. From the first email correspondence to the final delivery of project files. Treating the client as with professionalism always goes a long way because they are more likely to recommend me to a friend or colleague.
Contact Info:
- Website: psheff.squarespace.com
- Instagram: @psheffdesigns
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/p-sheff-aba84b18b/
Image Credits
All pictures belong to me.