Studio Talk 5・Olivia Hutto August
I’ve known Olivia for a few years. We move in similar circles and actively follow each other. When she says that she tries to be “the absolute kindest and most supportive” she can be, she means it, and not just for her clients but her peers as well. She is one of the most helpful and engaged designers in our community. I love her tips #1 and 5, I agree that knowing where you are in your journey is importing for gauging your worth/pricing and yes - let’s not forget to have fun and to remember how we got into this in the first place!
Olivia is a brand & web designer in Atlanta, GA. She runs and owns Bold August, which focuses on helping small businesses level up their brands.
1) What is your professional background and how did you get into Squarespace web design?
I’ve been a designer for as long as I can remember. In high school, I was on yearbook and the newspaper, and I started designing t-shirts for EVERYONE I could! There was never a doubt in my mind that I would be a designer; I was so fortunate to know this about myself early on! I majored in design at Troy University, so I had four solid years of design experience when graduating. My first job out of college was at The Elf on the Shelf as a print designer. Oh yeah, those little red elves that are everywhere around Christmas? That was my world!
After that, I have to say, Squarespace found ME! I needed an easy solution to get a few fast websites up in the early days, and Squarespace was there for me. Once I put a few portfolio pages up with targeted keywords on my own site, the referrals and submissions started coming, and I followed the work - which was all Squarespace.
I have to be honest, I truly went where the work was. I would be just as happy doing brand design, packaging work, or even book design, but right now Squarespace web design is what’s in the highest demand, so that’s where I squarely sit, though I love taking other creative projects.
2) What was your safety net (e.g. a partner, another job, savings etc.) when you first started out and how did that help you?
Hahaha, safety net? What’s that? I jumped in without looking back. It was 2014. I was just beginning to date my now-husband, and barely knew what ‘savings' meant, and I had no idea how to start a business. After The Elf on the Shelf, I worked at a healthcare job were I was miserable. I was cramped in a little office, hated the 9-to-5 routine, and felt sick every Sunday night when I knew work was the next day. That job lasted a whopping 8 months, before I quit and jumped headfirst into “freelance” design. That was 6 years ago, and now I consider myself a fully fledged studio and the happiest I’ve ever been. Honestly, had I not had the clients I did and the fortune to live with someone and split rent, things might have turned out differently.
3) How many websites did you design during your first year and how did your clients find you?
Eek, do I have to share? They’re fine sites, but I’ve grown so much in six years! I’d say I designed a dozen or so Squarespace sites and then a dozen or so other sites. I was so busy and said yes to everything to really explore who I was.
To be frank, I’m not sure how people found me. I suppose it was primarily word of mouth, because I tried to be the absolute kindest and most supportive I could be, and people authentically want to praise you when they feel supported! I was one of the early folks on the scene in Atlanta for Squarespace, so I also believe that my SEO shines because of that.
4) Do you have a niche market, or a speciality, or are you more of a generalist?
I love to focus on wellness-related sites. That’s therapists, healers, botanicals, etc. However, I do work with anyone who feels like my ideal client. The ideal client to me is someone who’s ready to put in just as much work as I do, because there’s so much needed when starting a web design.
5) What are your five top tips for starting your own business?
1. Understand your worth
This doesn’t mean go double your rates necessarily, but understand where you are on your journey. Just beginning? Intermediate? Expert-level? Knowing where you are can help you set a roadmap for your future, determine what further education you might need, and help you define who you want to be.
2. Build a support group
Mentors, Partners, Facebook Groups, friends - all of these people will help you on your journey! There are plenty of people who would be excited to share their knowledge and set you on an excellent path! I’d be lost without a few key people in my life. I also love being a mentor for others.
3. … but YOU decide what advice serves you
Let go of those that are giving advice that serves them more than you. I remember some really harsh lessons I got at The Elf on the Shelf that, when looking back on it, I don’t agree with whatsoever. I had a few seniors pull me aside and give “advice” that was more a reflection of their insecurity than my talent. That set me back a while and hindered me from real growth.
4. Release fear
So much easier said than done! I am extremely adventurous when it comes to learning new tools, gaining knowledge, and starting projects. I didn’t realize until this year, however, how much fear I had in other areas of my life, such as really promoting myself boldly and proudly. My Instagram and pricing suffered because of that fear and the imposter attitude I had.
5. Have fun!
Remember that you started a business because you felt it was a better solution for you than a corporate job. There have been moments when I have felt overwhelmed, took a step back, and said to myself, “Wait a minute. I’m doing this because I WANT to. I have control over my own balance.” Those are the moments I go take a walk and appreciate all the things that I’ve received in life and also given in return.
