Expanding Beyond Design
As a designer, my main passion has always been rooted in graphic design. It’s where I feel most at home, but over the years, I’ve come to realize that knowing more than just one creative skill has been a game-changer in my career. While design is at the core of what I do, my interest in other creative fields like photography, web design, and even filmmaking has opened doors to opportunities that may not have come my way if I had focused solely on design.
Bringing Extra Value to My Day Job
One of the areas where this diversity has been particularly helpful is in my role at Topcon. My primary role involves branding and design work, but I’ve been able to bring much more to the table because I’m also a photographer. Instead of the company needing to outsource for product shots or marketing images, I’ve been able to contribute those skills internally, offering more value and keeping the process streamlined. It’s allowed me to be more than just a brand designer and has made me an integral part of various projects that require both visual and design expertise.
The Joy of Web Design
In addition to photography, web design has become one of my favorite mediums. It’s the perfect blend of creativity and functionality, pulling together all the elements I enjoy—layout, typography, interactivity, and the ability to include other skills like photography and video. I’ve found web design to be a rewarding challenge because it’s not just about making something look good; it’s about creating something that engages users, tells a story, and enhances the brand experience. For me, it’s also a hobby (albeit an expensive one!) that I’ve poured a lot of passion into, constantly refining my skills and learning new techniques.
Venturing Into Video and Filmmaking
Recently, I’ve taken that passion for creativity even further by diving into video and filmmaking. I’ve always had a love for storytelling, and combining that with my experience in design and photography felt like a natural progression. I enrolled in the Art of Documentary, an online community for aspiring filmmakers, where I’ve spent the last year learning the ins and outs of filmmaking. It’s been an incredible journey that not only taught me a lot about video production but also introduced me to a community of like-minded individuals who are equally passionate about their craft.
Bringing It All Together for Clients
What’s interesting is how all of these skills—design, photography, web development, and now filmmaking—come together in my freelance work. With one of my regular clients, I’ve been able to offer a wide range of services that provide them immense value without needing to hire multiple people. From building them a stunning website to capturing custom photography and producing video testimonials, I’ve been able to be a one-stop-shop for their creative needs. On top of that, I’ve leveraged the marketing and SEO knowledge I’ve built over the years at Topcon to help optimize their site and create social media templates that extend their brand reach.
The Power of Versatility in Creative Work
In many ways, having multiple creative skills has not only made me more valuable as a designer but also allowed me to deliver a cohesive brand experience for my clients. Whether it’s through photography, web design, or video production, I’ve been able to take their ideas and make them a reality across multiple mediums. And that’s something I wouldn’t be able to do if I had stayed in just one lane.
The more I learn and explore new creative fields, the more I see how these skills complement each other, enhancing my overall ability to tell a story or build a brand. For any creative out there, I highly recommend diving into other areas of creativity. It keeps things fresh, opens up new opportunities, and gives you the ability to provide more value in whatever you do.
