Meet Ayelet, a self-taught graphic designer with a background in art who runs her company, Design by Ayelet, while living as a digital nomad. Ayelet loves to explore brand and packaging design and is constantly challenging herself to grow. She loves helping small businesses create a cohesive brand identity, allowing them to connect more deeply with their audience and stand out among the competition.
Question: What is your design process like? How has it changed as you’ve evolved in your career?
Ayelet: Since the beginning, I’ve learned the hard way that there is no point in starting the design without understanding not only your vision but your purpose. This is the best way to avoid countless revisions when working with clients and getting burnt out. Now, before beginning any design, I do my best to understand the audience and the story of the design. Something that separates beginners from experienced designers is understanding this and how important it truly is. Every design needs thought, life, and soul—it’s so much more than just aesthetics.
Q: Where do you look for inspiration?
A: I love using Pinterest and Instagram to gather inspiration for my designs! There’s also so much to learn from other designers on both of those (and TikTok too!). Don’t ever stop learning! You will only get better and better if you keep your mind open and always keep pushing yourself to try new things. I think these platforms are overflowing with incredible work and talent that always inspire and motivate m.!
Q: How do you get your head back in the game when you’re feeling burnt out?
A: The best way to get your head back in the game is to first get it out of the game completely. When I feel burnt out, I understand that my body and mind are trying to tell me that I need to stop and I need a break. It can feel counterintuitive and even stressful to stop (especially when you have a lot of work to do) but believe me, it’s the best way to make sure you get a true refresh so you can come back stronger! When feeling burnt out, close your laptop, take a step back, go for a walk, take the day off, and just reset.
Q: If you can share, what do you think is your ‘secret weapon’ when creating? Please explain how you developed this skill.
A: I would have to say that my biggest ‘secret weapon’ is just having a good daily routine. It’s not directly design-related, but making sure that you are serving yourself and setting yourself up in the best way possible so that you can be the strongest and best version of yourself will only make your work better! For example, I start every day with yoga, a shower, reading, meditation, and mindful journaling. This way, when it comes time to get to work and I finally sit down at my desk, my mind, body, and imagination have already been opened for the day and I can hit the ground running! It’s also important to give yourself a lot of time and take regular breaks.
Q: Looking back, what are some hurdles you had to overcome personally that impacted you? They can be big or small.
A: Self-doubt and imposter syndrome are the biggest ones. As someone who isn’t naturally confident, it was really hard to put myself and my work out there but I would (and still do) ask myself: ‘What would the best version of me do?’. The answer was always simple, she wouldn’t be afraid of anyone or anything and would post her work proudly! And you know what? Starting my Instagram and posting my work daily was the best thing I ever did! Letting go of my self-doubt and fear, helped me create my dream life! I was able to start my own design business, work with amazing clients, and do what I love for work every single day because I chose to believe in myself (even though it was scary). In life, we have to be our biggest cheerleaders and not let our struggles hold us back. Live your life like no one is watching and never be afraid to be the best and most beautiful version of you!
Q: What do you like about Stills? How is it a good resource for designers?
A: My favorite part about Stills is the boards! As a brand designer creating brands for businesses, photography is a huge part of what I create for them. When creating branding, photography styles, and guidelines are just as important as any other part of the branding if you want your brand to look consistent and high quality. Stills has changed the way I work with clients because I can create boards for them to help them understand the kind of photography style they should be implementing in their branding and their work. It also helps them create a mini library of high-quality and unique images that they can use as stock images for their socials, websites, etc.
Learn more about Ayelet and see her work here.
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