Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Harding
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Let’s just say it has been a long ongoing journey. When I was in my junior year of high school, I decided I was going to be a graphic designer. That being said, it wasn’t until after I got to college, at the University of Central Florida, that my freelance business started to get any real traction. I like to say, my true start began after I joined the Black Student Union at UCF, and became their graphic designer. This is when my work became more recognized and sought after. I started getting an extensive amount of design requests. I used to only do small party invitations for my family and friends, and maybe a logo here and there, but it was nothing big. Now, I was getting tons of requests from not only different organizations around campus but from club and party promoters from all over Orlando. There were weeks where I was overbooked: juggling 5+ different clients, classes, and more at a time. I was close to being overwhelmed but, to be honest…I loved it! And it went on that way until I graduated two years ago.
As of now, I’m trying to focus on my top goal, which is business branding. One ironic upside, to this whole pandemic, is that there are so many people that are now focusing on growing and creating their own businesses. Which leads to more people needing logos and branding! Which is where I come in! For the past several months, my business has been doing very well, I have been blessed with so many new clients! Working on numerous different projects big and small. I ultimately want to help small businesses grow especially, black-owned businesses. In hopes that they can stand alongside bigger companies with confidence, thanks in part to the branding and design work that I provided them.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road at all. There have been so many obstacles and struggles for me to get past. For instance, balancing my time and prioritizes was one of my biggest hurdles. Learning to allocate time to finish everything I need to do, to meet deadlines was hard for me, but I made it. Realizing that I cannot say yes to every design request that comes my way was also a tough pill to swallow. As with any business, learning to professionally deal with clients and their personalities is also something that can always be difficult. Currently, my most recent struggle, which I am still getting through, is working through my impostor syndrome. I’m pushing myself to realize that I am enough, I deserve to be where I am, and that I deserve all the good that I know is coming my way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I define myself as a freelance graphic designer. I specialize in print, layout, branding, and logo design. But I also do so much more. For the last few years, I was known as “the girl who did flyers”. My clients like to say I am their “favorite flyer designer”. I admit, party and club flyer design is something I excelled at, and I am proud of my work. However, now I am focusing on branding and logo design. I believe I can best serve my community in this way. Also, I love a challenge! With branding, there is always something new brought to the table, and so much more to learn. What sets me apart from other designers, is that with my designs I like to focus on the rule, that “less is always more”. I like to keep things clean! And I use color in vibrant ways, with the goal of not overpowering the overall purpose of a project.
What makes you happy?
Satisfying my clients makes me happy. Their reactions when they receive their final design(s) is what I live for! Knowing that I could bring their dreams and ideas to life, means the world to me. I also really love seeing the creative ways my clients use my designs. For example, I have seen my work on clothes, bags, packaging, stickers, billboards, a tattoo, and even a cake! Knowing that my work sparked creativity in someone else is incredible! Lastly, seeing other designers or people who are interested in design look up to me or tell me how much they admire my work, is a feeling I cannot put into words. I just feel so blessed, is all I can really say. For this reason, I know I have truly found my passion.
Pricing:
- Logos start at $80+
- Print design start at $40+
Contact Info:
- Email: Kayla.N.Harding@gmail.com
- Website: KaylaNHarding.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qu33nkayla/
Image Credits
Brandon Pilot
