In this episode, we sit down with Dylan Menke, a talented graphic designer and self-employed creative based in Des Moines, Iowa. Dylan shares his journey into the world of graphic design, starting from his interests in art to his passion for logo and branding work.
Conversation Overview:
Finding the Balance: Dylan talks about the challenge of balancing clients' preferences with the need to create designs that resonate with the target audience. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the audience's needs over personal attachment.
Career Path and Niche: We learn how Dylan explored different paths in college arts before discovering his passion for graphic design. He specializes in logo design and branding work, which he finds both rewarding and exciting.
The Transition to Self-Employment: Dylan shares his journey from working in an agency to becoming a self-employed graphic designer. He discusses the decision-making process that led him to take the leap and the freedom he now enjoys as his own boss.
Challenges and Triumphs: Throughout the conversation, Dylan highlights some of the challenges he faced while working on branding projects, including adhering to strict brand guidelines. However, he also talks about the satisfaction of working with clients without style guides, allowing more creative freedom.
Growing as a Freelancer: Dylan explains his plans for the future, focusing on landing more significant logo projects and increasing his efficiency to work fewer hours while maintaining the same level of income.
Life in Iowa and Future Prospects: Living in a smaller town, Dylan reflects on the benefits of lower living costs and the opportunity to work with agencies in larger cities. He shares his aspirations for the future and his desire to continue doing what he loves while growing his client base.
Tune in to this insightful conversation as we delve into the world of graphic design and discover the passion and creativity that drive Dylan Menke's success as a self-employed graphic designer.
