Meet Hannah McClain | Freelance Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah McClain and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, why did you pursue a creative career?
To me, pursuing a creative career meant being able to create content or pieces that were true to myself but also allowed others to enjoy. Pursuing a creative career is by no means easy. I think it is that challenge that makes career choices like this so much more fascinating! Furthermore, being a freelance graphic designer means that I can take someone’s ideas and bring them to life. Freelance is so much more than making something pretty; it is the passion needed to assist a client by providing them with the best possible suggestions to make their dreams a reality. There is an inherent challenge to freelance and this is the biggest reason I chose to pursue this career.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think that for a lot of people the road to success varies greatly. Sometimes it can be easier than others and some days feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. I started my journey in college earning a BFA in graphic design. Upon graduation, I quickly learned that a creative career is not an easy path. The thing about creative careers is that your style and your creative process can make or break being hired for a job. On top of this, in the freelance business, the same rules apply. As a designer, you are hired a lot of the time based on your previous clients and portfolio!

The most important lesson I have learned along the way is to always be willing to put yourself out there. You never know what job you might get hired for if you don’t have the courage to put your foot in the door. I had a situation in which I desired to work on a film in town. I went out of my way to track down an email from someone on the team just to ask if a design position was available. To my surprise, there was an opening, and I was offered the job! As famously quoted, dreams can come true as long as you have the courage to pursue them. Never be afraid to be told no! Always seek new adventures especially if they are to better your career and knowledge in an industry.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you are in Northeast Georgia, there is one place that I highly recommend eating! That place is Midtown Grill in Cornelia, Ga. This is a must have burger joint and is my go to when friends visit from far away! Psst, they are also a small business!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have an incredible group of friends. They continue to push me as an artist. When you are in an artistic field, I believe one can never be a complete master at something. I love learning from my peers, as we all continue to grow together creatively in our careers. Mentors in this career are so helpful to an artist’s growth. I have many mentors that I have met through the years, and each one has given me the boost confidence to keep going in my career. My greatest advice is to reach out to those artist that inspire you and start a conversation!

Website: www.hannahmcclaindesign.com

Instagram: @hannahmcclaindesign

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/hannahmcclaindesign