Let me take you back a little – 30 years ago, I was just a young designer, freshly immersed in the world of print. Back then, my tools were a bit less sleek than today’s, and Macs were still the mysterious magic boxes that made all my creative dreams come true. But even though the tools have changed a lot over the years, one thing has stayed the same: my love for creating designs that make an impact.
Fast forward to today, and it’s a totally different world. Graphic design has evolved in ways I couldn’t have imagined. What used to be about designing flyers and magazine spreads now includes websites, social media campaigns, and Google Ads. It’s been a journey, for sure – one full of learning, adapting, and figuring out how to make everything from a logo to a website look just right.
The Early Days: Trial and Error
Starting out in Copenhagen, I worked on everything from adverts for magazines, to race track posters for horse racing. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was a great way to learn the ropes.
I’m thankful for those early years because, without them, I wouldn’t be where I am now. And let’s be honest, I still get a little thrill when a project comes together perfectly, whether it’s digital or print.
The Digital Revolution: Hello, WordPress!
The real game-changer came when digital started taking over. Suddenly, there was this whole new world of web design, SEO, and social media campaigns to dive into. I started learning web design and WordPress (with lots of coffee involved), and suddenly I was designing websites, doing SEO and Social ads.
What’s great about digital design is how much quicker things can evolve. New trends come and go fast, which keeps me on my toes. But even with all the change, I still rely on the same basic principles I learned in print—balance, typography, and a love for all things creative.
Freelance Life
Freelancing means you wear a lot of hats. One minute you’re the designer, the next, you’re the project manager, the client liaison, and the accountant (not my favourite part, honestly). But, at the end of the day, it’s all worth it when the client’s happy with their brand-new website or the rebranded logo that makes them feel like they’re on top of the world.
30 Years Later: What’s Next?
So here we are, 30 years later, and I can’t help but feel like I’m just getting started. Sure, the tools have changed – but the joy of creating something from scratch and seeing it come to life is as exciting as ever. And with all the new technologies and creative tools available today, I feel like there’s so much more to explore.
I’ve learned a lot along the way. And here’s the thing I’ve realised: it’s not just about having the right skills or knowing the latest trends (though those are important). It’s about the thrill of creating something beautiful and functional, and the satisfaction of knowing you helped someone’s business shine a little brighter.
If you’re looking to create something new – whether it’s a website, a logo, or a full-on rebrand – let’s chat. I promise we’ll have fun with it. And who knows? We might even learn something new along the way.
