We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Taylor Karabaich a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Taylor, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I took the leap of faith by leaving the corporate design world to fully commit to Design Strength—my freelance graphic design business. I didn’t have a marketing strategy or a general business plan, but I did have a good network of past clients and business colleagues who showed so much support by spreading the word. Because of that network, the business supported my financial needs the first year, and continued to grow each year. And for those people, I am forever grateful!

Something I know now that I wish I knew then is that my time and artistic abilities are valuable. I was quoting everything low trying to win the job. On top of that, I would spend hours on the phone, giving potential clients free design direction and creative advice. I was producing high caliber design at a more-than-affordable rate; and because of that, became overwhelmed with work. After a good year of my friends encouraging me to charge more, I finally did. It evened out the schedule, paid me for my efforts and gave me wiggle room to bring on additional design contractors if I needed and help—allowing the business to further grow.

Taylor, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Taylor. The designer who started Design Strength a decade ago.

I have spent 13 years exploring all areas of the graphic and web design world; building knowledge and gaining experience in each corner of the industry. My focus today is on logo design and brand development, giving businesses and organizations their visual identity—helping them make a positive, lasting impression on their audience. The projects consist of just about anything you see or touch in the print or digital space. I personally have my hands on every project that comes in the door, but I can’t do it alone anymore. Along the way, I have gained a small group of exceptionally talented creatives who compliment my work in the best way possible.

Having less hands involved allows for faster decision-making, more individualized project attention, and overall, quicker turn arounds.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Hands down, the biggest reward is seeing your work in the real world. Every time I see a social media post, an ad, a billboard, apparel, or a product on a shelf, I feel giddy inside!

Releasing files, design assets or a final brand deck to a client, for me, is like watching a kid walk the stage at graduation. You know you gave them the tools they need to succeed, and are excited and anxious for their future. I check in with my clients to ensure they are staying on brand and offer continued support when they need it.

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

Word of mouth has always been my main form of advertising. I know if I take (great) care of the people in my door at this moment, they will be the ones to open the next door of opportunity.

Contact Info:

• Website: design-strength.com
• Instagram: @designstrength
• Facebook: @designstrengthcreative
• Linkedin: @TaylorKarabaich
• Other: The brand new, refreshed website www.designstrengthcreative.com will be live summer 2023!