My year as a freelance designer:
Highlights from 2023
2023 marks my third year freelancing full time as a graphic designer.
It’s been a big year for Augarde Design. I’m really proud of everything I’ve achieved this year, and wanted to use this space to share some of my business highlights – and some personal ones too.
Volunteering
Working with the fantastic West of England Design forum, has been a real highlight this year.
I’ve really enjoyed being part of the volunteer team, who are a lovely bunch, as well putting on exciting events for the local creative community
I also shot the images at the two WEDF events this year, Creative Roots and Huddle. I don’t photograph events very often, so this made for a nice change of pace!
Business growth
This year I have been able to work with bigger clients, more regular retainers, and had my best income month ever in July.
In spring I hired Creative Assistant, and all-around superstar Sara. Having someone to help with all manner of design and admin tasks has been invaluable. This has allowed me to take on more ambitious projects, and given me breathing space to plan long-term for the business.
As of December, Augarde Design is also now VAT registered – which has been rather a dull administrative process, but is exciting as a mark of success and growth from where I started.
Projects
I’ve been lucky enough this year to work with a huge range of exciting clients – from charities and non-profits, to national organisations, to local festivals.
But my favourite project from 2023 has to be the University Alliance rebrand. From simple roots, this new brand has personality and boldness which amplifies its core values, and speaks to its student audience. Find out more about this rebrand here.
The logo has been now featured in DesignRush Best Trendy Logo Designs list!
On display
In February I was invited to the official unveiling of the portrait I photographed of the previous Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Hugh Brady.
The portrait is now on permanent display in the Wills Memorial Building, alongside portraits I captured of pioneering women from the history of the University of Bristol in 2018.
It’s been wonderful to be part of a new modern approach to portraiture at the University, with my photographs displayed alongside traditional painted portraits of Vice-Chancellors.
And on a personal note
We bought a house! A milestone that me and my partner Joel have been working towards for a very long time. Now to decide on the colour scheme for each room…
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