Becoming a Self-Taught Graphic Designer: Tips from Bianca Ashley

TODAY ON THE BLOG

I got to chat with Bianca Ashley about her journey as a graphic designer, how she got started, and how she manages her time. Bianca offers advice for those looking to become self-taught graphic designers and shares some of the tools and resources she uses to run her business. She also talks about the most rewarding aspects of owning her own business and what she hopes to achieve in the future. Read on for insights into what makes up a great brand identity and what exciting things are coming up for her business!

Sophie: For those that don’t know you, can you share what you do and a little bit about yourself?

Bianca: I’m Bianca Ashley, I’m originally from Detroit, MI - but now live in Canada. I’m a mommy of two little cuties. Lately, I've been really into redesigning my house and adding color into my life.

Sophie: Where did your journey as a graphic designer begin? How long have you been in business?

Bianca: Well, it started when I went to university - I majored in design and art. Right after school I met my husband Cam. It was literally a whirlwind romance - shortly after we got married we got pregnant with my daughter Adelaide, so I was fully invested into being a full time mom and raising her. Then I got pregnant with my son a year and a half later. But, something was missing. 

After my son was born - I started to post some graphic design content, and it started to blow up in the design community. People started reaching out to me about branding their companies. And the business started. My husband is a web developer and makes web sites for our brands, and marketing. We’re a one-stop-shop digital marketing agency. 

Now I work with Adobe making content for them (express, illustrator and photoshop), and a brand that was featured in vogue. We’ve been in business for a year, and it's been amazing. 

Sophie: How can somebody become a self taught graphic designer? What are the best ways to learn on your own?

Bianca: Honestly you don’t need a degree - I love Lindsay Marsh (she had courses on udemy and skill share). She's an amazing graphic design instructor. Right now I'm taking a UI Adrian’s course because I'm getting into web design. 

Sophie: Are there any tools or resources you can recommend to other aspiring designers?

Bianca: We have a full shop on our website for new designers, and a starter bundle. One thing we use to manage our business is Hello bonsai and it automates our whole inquiry process.  It made a world of a difference, it also made us look more professional. Soon we're going to add a Notion template into our shop and we’re so excited about it - if i had this a year ago it wouldve been a game changer.

Sophie: What’s been one of the most challenging aspects of running a service-based business?
Bianca: I will manage my time in the first 6 months. - I would work all day and all night and was stuck in the “working frame of mind.” I had to learn quickly how to make use of my time. 

Now I have a strict schedule, I only work  4 hour work days - 4 days a week. We made a really organized notion portal to help me prioritize tasks, and monotasking. I honestly get more done now than I ever did working all day. 

Sophie: What’s been one of the most rewarding parts of owning your own business?

Bianca: Being able to give my kids the life I didn’t, we struggled growing up and I want to make sure we have the financial freedom to give them the childhood I didn’t. Also being recognized for my work, I never thought that after graduating university that I would have a brand featured in vogue, I’m living a dream.

Sophie: What’s one goal you currently are trying to reach as a business owner?
Bianca: We are in the middle of a rebrand - and I'm launching a brand called i design stuff. We have some pretty awesome brands we are launching this year too. This year, I didn’t go into it with a specific goal, I just want to create some pretty cool art.

Sophie: What are some of the key components that make up a great brand identity?

Bianca: The why, Why are you doing this and what's the story behind the brand. Now people want to be connected with an emotion - Emotion sells. That’s the key, then after cool design visuals will happen. 

Sophie: Any exciting opportunities or new things coming soon for your business that you can share with us?

Bianca: We are launching our new branding refresh along with a new look to our website. With these additions we plan on adding new products to our store that would help designers with branding and client work. Our shop is found at https://www.ashbi.ca/shop and you can use the coupon code sophiedesigns for 20% off your first order.