Liz Andrade
Who is Liz Andrade?
I am a (barely still) 20-something designer living Seattle, WA. I own and operate CMD+Shift Design, a one-woman graphic design studio that specialized in creating custom tailored solutions to grow business through both online and print marketing. I also write a blog about freelancing, design and business. …I’m also completely obsessed with my cat, Computer.
Do you have a personal Brand?
My personal brand is something that has evolved over the course of be just being a small business owner and the face of that company. I really think that having a sustainable “personal brand” is dependent on it being built upon your authentic self, otherwise – it’s going to be too difficult to maintain and be consistent with.
How do you find design inspiration and colours for a new project?
Initial inspiration usually comes from my clients. New projects start out consulting with my client on their business, customers and their goals for the project. In the early stages of design when I am choosing colors and stylistic elements, it involves a lot of experimentation.
What does your typical day look like?
I work from home, so there is no crazy commutes for me. I get up between 7:30 – 8:30, give myself some time in the morning to have some breakfast and start a pot of coffee, get dressed for my work day and play with Computer (my cat.) My work day starts out with sorting through new emails and social media messages (Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, etc.) I usually spend my day bouncing between project work, corresponding with clients via phone or email, keeping up to date with the design community through various blogs and social platforms, maybe a bit of administrative work like tracking expenses or new payments, sending out new contracts or invoices for recently closed projects. I also I write a new article for the CMD+Shift Design blog at least once a week, so some days are spent researching and writing for that.
What do you do in your free time?
What do you mean “free time”? Kidding! I do work a lot, I just love what I do so it tends to be something I find myself doing outside of my office hours without even thinking about it.
But, I am into other stuff; Movies, Books and comics, I like to see live music and live in a great city for it (Seattle), I love food and my partner loves to cook – so spending a quiet night at home with him, Computer and a new tasty dish is one of my favorite things!
Current favorite apps?
I’m kind of addicted to Words with Friends. :/
What OS do you prefer?
OSX is my favorite, and that’s what I run in my studio. I also have a netbook with Ubuntu, which I love cause it is just so versicle and lightweight!
Small picture for your Workplace?
Favorite: Color, Font, Language, JS Framework?
#252525, Avenir (San Serif) or AGaramond (Serif), CSS, JQuery!
Name something that has inspired you recently?
I’m reading the new Seth Godin book, Linchpin and I’ve been highlighting a LOT of inspirational passages.
What do you prefer (and why)? Freelance work or full time employment?
I’m not exactly “freelance”, I own and operate a one-woman design studio. I am not a free agent for hire, I have my own company with its own clients and a brand all its own. I love being a small business owner, I love the challenges and what the elation that comes with watching your business grow!
What are your personnel projects and goals for 2010?
I’ve started working on compiling many of my blog posts into an Ebook, it’s a huge project and something I would like to launch by the end of this year!
