We ask the tough questions
What's the biggest thing you've learnt this year?
To make sure clients pay up front either the complete amount, or at least 50% deposit and all monies to be settled before final files are handed over.
What’s your proudest moment?
When my (adult) daughter said ‘thanks for being there for me all through the years.’ The sacrifices were worth it.
What’s the one resource you’d never be without?
My large Wacom Cintiq 21UX monitor - I draw directly onto it like a canvas easel. I love it.
What’s the most enjoyable element of your work? And the least enjoyable?
Designing and illustrating - being creative. Least enjoyable is quoting and paperwork.
What’s the biggest challenge you face at work?
Convincing people that my services are worth the fees compared to the influx of super cheap overseas services; many of which are lower quality.
What’s the best thing about being a soloist?
The best thing about being a soloist is being in control of my time and being able to adapt my hours to suit. I love being in control of my hours. Sometimes my best creative times are late at night. I couldn’t do that in a normal workplace. And the worst thing is no holiday pay or sick pay and no definite income.
What would be your advice to aspiring soloists?
To research, gather information and think laterally. Also get a good accountant - one who understands you and your business.
Who, or what, is your biggest inspiration?
My late dad was my mentor in setting up business. He was a Chartered Accountant and gave me a great basis to start from. I also gain a lot of inspiration from strong women like Olivia Newton John, Oprah and Lynette Palmen (Women’s Network Australia) who are motivating and don’t let crises get them down for long.
What is the one regret you do not want to have in this lifetime?
I don’t want to regret that I didn’t create what I wanted to and that I didn’t focus on being healthy for my family’s sake.
What book are you reading?
The Age of Autism. Autism/Aspergers is in epidemic numbers in the last 10 years and I pray that a diagnosis of its origin and a solution/cure is found very soon.
How would you describe yourself in three adjectives?
Tenacious, positive, lateral thinker.
How did your school report describe you (in three words)?
Excellent, hard worker, achiever, creative.
And now comes the plug!
What do you do? Who for? And how does it benefit them?
You get agency quality graphic design solutions at a lower investment with a person who has the ability and knowledge to do more with less, in order to stretch your marketing dollar.
And where can we find out more?
- Flying Solo Directory: unicorngraphics.flyingsolo.com.au
- My website: www.unicorngraphics.com.au
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/karencurran
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/unicorngraphics
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