Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone
Welcome to my first blog post! I’ve always wanted to create a blog and connect more with my audience, but I never had the confidence. So this is exactly what my first topic is about, and I hope that sharing my own story will inspire others to overcome self-doubt and pursue their creative careers.
Recently, I took a big step outside my comfort zone and joined Leslie Kenehan on The Print Life Podcast. When Leslie first reached out, my immediate reaction was, ‘Nope, no way!’ Public speaking has never come naturally to me, and the idea of sharing my story felt pretty intimidating. But I reminded myself that there’s rarely a ‘perfect’ time to push your boundaries; if you wait until you feel ready, it will never happen.
I’m so glad I said yes! Leslie was such a warm and lovely host, and I ended up having a great time chatting with her. It was surreal to be a guest on a podcast I’d admired for so long. During our talk, I reflected on my journey in the print design industry—from my early days as an in-house designer to becoming a freelancer—and how I carved out a niche that truly reflects my style.
How It All Began
My journey into print design began in 2016 after I graduated with a degree in Design for Textiles at Heriot-Watt University. Did I jump straight into design job hunting? Nope, I decided to hop on a plane to Lisbon and work in an Irish bar for a year. If you were to ask me why, I’d say that I’m not entirely sure, other than I wanted some time to think about my future and what my next steps would be. Funnily enough, I ended up back in Portugal two years later to start work as an in-house designer for a textile mill, where I stayed for two and a half years. This is where I began to learn the ins and outs of the industry. But I’ll be honest—it wasn’t easy. I felt a bit lost in finding my style; the work was repetitive and the hours were long. I gave in-house work another go at a lovely, small design studio in Braga, but by this point, I had my heart set on freelancing.
When I started my freelance career in 2021, I finally had the chance to focus on developing a signature style—one that centres on hand-painted florals, tropicals, paisleys, and other vibrant designs, focusing on women’s fashion and swimwear markets.
New Designers 2016
Here’s little naive me with a micro fringe and a top knot, showcasing my final year collection at New Designers - not one floral in sight!
Connecting with Others
The lesson that took me the longest to learn was: don’t be afraid to reach out to others in your industry. In my early days, I was hesitant to connect with other designers or studios that I admired. Looking back, I realise this held me back in so many ways. Reaching out can give you valuable insights into the industry, whether it’s feedback on your portfolio, advice on finding jobs, or simply encouragement to keep going.
So, to any new designers reading this: Don’t be afraid to connect with others. Ask questions, share your work, and get involved in the creative community. You’ll be surprised at how open people are to sharing their knowledge and experiences.
It’s Not All Talent—It’s Practice.
A common misconception is that design skills come from pure talent. But I’d say that 80% of where I am today comes from practice. When I first started painting, I never considered myself a natural at florals—my flowers were lumpy, my colours were muddy, and I wasn’t designing with intention. I had to work hard to get to a place where I felt confident in my work.
Through years of practice and a lot of learning, I’ve improved my skills in watercolour, gouache, and digital painting. I invested in online courses, learnt new techniques, and kept pushing myself.
My advice? Don’t get discouraged if your work doesn’t look perfect right away. Trust that with time, patience, and learning, you’ll see growth in your own unique style.
If you’d like to listen to my episode on The Print Life Podcast, you can find it here on Spotify, where I share insights on freelancing, working with studios, and finding my niche.
