Q&A with Creative Little Soul’s Senior Graphic Designer
Creative Little Soul (CLS) is an award-winning digital and creative marketing agency. We provide business support and creative services such as content creation, digital marketing strategies and design for our clients in the hospitality industry.
From humble beginnings, Chrissy Symeonakis established Creative Little Soul in 2013. Seven years on and we are now a team of 14 creatives who each bring a wealth of talent to CLS.
Due to our expansion, we think it’s high time we introduced the CLS team to you. You have become acquainted with Tori Clarke and now we welcome Clare Szepski, Creative Little Soul’s Graphic Designer to the e-stage.
Hi Clare! Tell us about your graphic design career journey. Is design a creative path you’ve always considered?
I was always artistically inclined when I was little. I realized when I was researching what to study for my bachelors degree that the problem solving side of design perfectly paired my skills. And I’m interested in creating new connections between people through design.
How and when did you become Creative Little Soul’s Graphic Designer?
When I moved to Sydney, I was looking for friends and work through the American’s in Sydney facebook page and Chrissy (who spent some time living and working in the states) reached out to me. I was so excited for the opportunity but I had no idea how much more this experience would offer.
What does your average working day look like at CLS?
Everyday starts with coffee, a brief from Chrissy, conceptual development before executing designs. We try to have a team pow wow in the afternoon as well, usually over the phone since we work remotely.
Who or what influences you in your work? (feel free to give examples of any artists or designers you happen to follow on socials)
There are quite a few designers I follow, several hashtags on instagram to find designers I haven’t heard of and I keep up with newsletters and local groups like Creative Mornings and the Design Kids. I find inspiration through art (old and new), what I see in architecture and colors I see in nature.
What would you say makes a great graphic designer?
When passion is the driving force and every choice is meaningful, with purpose.
What type of brief or project do you enjoy working on the most?
When I have a chance to do custom illustrations and branding. Lately, it’s been challenging me (in a good way) to use Adobe After Effects more to create motion graphics.
Tell us about your passions. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Yoga brings me a lot of joy and peace. Getting outside, spending time with my friends and my partner, Matt. Movie nights at home, accompanied by something I baked or cooked.
Do you have any side projects on the go?
I take one off projects, usually by word of mouth. My most recent project was helping a client build a corporate wellness brand.
What is your favourite movie and why?
Gosh, I have a whole list! …I’d have to say The Goonies. It’s the perfect combination of action, adventure, comedy, romance, plus buried treasure! Totally nostalgic, reminds me being a kid and our appetite to discover the unknown. “Goonies never say die” are powerful words to live by, too.
You’re not from Australia originally so tell us what you love most about your life in Sydney and what you miss about your home city.
I love that you have access to the beach, mountains and the city. I’m from Kansas and I really miss the people and food. There’s something special about the midwest US that will always be in my heart. And we have the best BBQ!
What advice do you have for those who might be considering a career in graphic design?
To anyone figuring out what career to pursue: shadow someone in the industry. It is absolutely the best way to understand what a “day in the life” will be like and see if you can picture yourself in their shoes.