We ask the tough questions
You’ve got a free half hour during your work day. What do you do?
Visit one of my favourite vintage haunts up in the hills, spot an awesome dress that no-one has and nab it! Wear it for the rest of the day.
When meeting someone, would you rather they thought you were charming or mysterious? Why?
I’d definitely prefer they thought I was charming! Charming people are much easier to approach and talk to. Mysterious? Nup, that sounds a bit scary.
What’s your proudest moment?
A drug free water birth to welcome my daughter into the world.
What’s the most obscure business request you’ve ever had?
I once ended up in a brothel at 7pm at night (unbeknown to me)! They requested brochures, so it wasn’t so much what they requested but who requested it – but hey, it was an experience and has ended up being a great dinner party story.
What’s the most enjoyable element of your work? And the least enjoyable?
I love taking a brief from a client and turning that discussion into a great logo. I love to just sit and play with different ideas/colours/fonts. It’s a piece of artwork. My least favourite activity is probably admin work. Being a creative I can sometimes dis-organise myself so well it’s frightening!
What’s the cheapest, most effective bit of marketing you’ve ever done?
When I first started my own business I didn’t have any clients. Zippo! I’d been out of the design game for two years so my contacts had almost dissolved. I decided I needed to make some cool contacts pretty fast. I created the ‘Bree Cleal’ scrapbook. A tiny little book that was hand made with images of me as a little girl alongside design quotes etc. It sounds a bit fruity but when it was all packaged up and sent out it caught the interest of the likes of Witchery and Country Road – it got me in front of people and kick started my business. All it cost me was my time.
What’s the best thing about being a soloist? And the worst thing?
Pros:
- I don’t have to answer to anyone, just myself (sometimes in the middle of the night, but forget about that…)
- I get to follow the whole design process through from woe to go – no nosey account managers.
- I can set my own hours (which I’m very good at filling up!)
- I can change my work environment or the direction of my business at the drop of a hat. I don’t have to ask permission.
Cons:
- Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?
Work ON your business as much as IN it.
If your office caught fire, what would you grab first? What would you toss into the flames?
My 'puta.
Do you prefer crosswords, logic puzzles or neither?
Ewwww – neither. Go away! I’m a doodler – that’s it.
Do you have a designated ‘work’ wardrobe?
Nope. I wear what I feel like. I hate suits and love to layer vintage pieces with new stuff. I’m a creative so I can get away with it. Even if I’m seeing a really conservative client I want to be remembered as different.
Can you stop at just one chocolate biscuit/savoury snack?
I don’t buy Tim Tams – say no more!
And now comes the plug!
What do you do? Who for? And how does it benefit them?
We create great branding solutions (including corporate logo design, website design and website development) for small to medium sized businesses who care enough about themselves to realise that the way they present their business says everything about them. They WANT to look good!
- Flying Solo Directory: imageffect.flyingsolo.com.au/
- My website: http://www.imageffect.com.au
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/imageffect.graphic.design
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/imageffect
- LinkedIn: au.linkedin.com/in/breecleal
Want your turn in the spotlight?
Spotlight profiles are exclusively for selected Flying Solo Business Class members.
Already a Business Class member? Simply log in and go to the 'Members lounge' area, where you'll find the link to the guidelines under the 'Spotlight' heading.
Not yet a Business Class member? Find out more about the best value offering in town.
