I currently own and operate Kyla Rae Design, LLC, a freelance design and illustration studio based in Portland, Oregon. My services include: branding, brand refreshes, design for print materials, web, social media, and more. As an illustrator, I work in watercolor, ink, and graphite as well as digital media; as a designer, I work in the Adobe Creative Suite. I bring a traditional-meets-digital approach to design and I love collaborating with clients to create meaningful work that resonates with their target audience.
Before going freelance full time, I worked at a boutique design studio. Some of my responsibilities included: developing brand identities, building strategic suites of materials for print, web, social media and more. I also handle client communication, manage deadlines, create project specs, and prep projects properly for press.
Prior to that, I worked for an in-house studio at an e-commerce company. I worked within the partner’s brand guidelines to create elevated, story-driven listing images, banners, Amazon brand pages (micro-sites), and landing pages. I also worked with the packaging department to design packages and inserts. During our internal company rebrand initiative, I developed whimsical illustrations that were used to build the communications materials, on the updated website, and were even used as a mural.
I am ambitious, I have a keen eye for detail, and take pride in my work. As a lover of design, I am constantly seeking out inspiration and keeping up on trends. I am a good listener, but not afraid to speak up if I have an idea or solution, or ask questions to dive deeper. In creative environments, I understand the value of being open to sharing ideas and respectful feedback. Due to the pandemic, I have mastered the art of working remotely for the past year, so I am no stranger to working over the internet.
You can find my portfolio at: kylaraedesign.com/work
When you hire a freelancer here’s a breakdown of where your money goes:
- Time spent on communication and paperwork
- Supplies, if needed (pens, pencils, erasers, paint, paint brushes, paper etc...Keep in mind these are professional quality which cost much more than beginner supplies from Michaels and the result is so much more beautiful)
- Rounds of edits
- Projects can take anywhere from 3–20 hours and sometimes much more depending on the scope to complete. For design, this includes research, thumbnail sketches/concepting, layout, execution, presentation, edits, and prepping for press or web. For illustration, this time includes research, thumbnail sketches, the finalized sketch, inking, and painting. As a professional designer/illustrator, I pay myself a living wage plus the value of the experience I bring to the table.
- Freelancers are considered contractors (taxed as 1099) and have to pay 25-30% in taxes so the take home pay of the hourly rate is actually much lower.
- Upwork takes a 5–20% fee depending on how much you have earned so far.
- Take into consideration what you would pay for a tattoo or custom piece of artwork. Design and illustration is a similar one-of-a-kind piece of work.
- Art has value. A new logo, refreshed graphics, custom illustration, etc. adds value to your business and this should also be factored in.
Thank you for your time. I hope I provided some clarity to where an hourly wage or project fee comes from.
Watercolor Painting
