From Struggling Designer to Pro: How I Did It!

How I can help you ⬇️
👉 Wow your clients with easy-to-customize templates
www.abiconnick...
👉 Transform into a highly-skilled, confident logo designer
www.abiconnick...
👉 Elevate your biz with these FREE resources
www.abiconnick...
👉 Where I get all my mock-ups & fonts:
1.envato.marke...
👉Free weekly tips, advice & exclusive videos:
www.abiconnick...
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After more content from me? ⬇️
Instagram: / itsabiconnick
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Disclaimer: some links in the descriptions of my videos may be affiliate links which means I receive a small commission. it is no cost to you to use the links, it is totally free.

[@abiconnick]

How I can help you ⬇ 👉 Wow your clients with easy-to-customize templates www.abiconnick.co.uk/templates 👉 Transform into a highly-skilled, confident logo designer www.abiconnick.co.uk/pencil-tool-course 👉 Elevate your biz with these FREE resources www.abiconnick.co.uk/free-resources 👉 Where I get all my mock-ups & fonts: 1.envato.market/abidesign 👉Free weekly tips, advice & exclusive videos: www.abiconnick.co.uk/newsletter ---------------------------------------------------------------------- After more content from me? ⬇ Instagram: instagram.com/itsabiconnick TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@abiconnick Disclaimer: some links in the descriptions of my videos may be affiliate links which means I receive a small commission. it is no cost to you to use the links, it is totally free.

[@abiconnick]

I’m currently not offering design mentorship as a service just yet (trialling it on a few other designers first). But if this is something you’re interested in let me know below!!👍

[@mariamangion21]

Watching it xxx

[@altiwythe6150]

Definitely interested!

[@abiconnick]

@@mariamangion21 Wahoo enjoy!!!

[@abiconnick]

@alti wythe Good to know! What are some things you'd love support on?😊

[@Mademoiselleivy]

If ever there is like a mentorship, omg! I’ll definitely sign up 🥳🥳

[@mariamangion21]

Your attention to detail and ability to make everything feel like magic is such a blessing to those around you 🥺Thank you for shining your light in the world and for being so positive and being so sweet! Can’t wait to watch 🍂 Appreciate you so much 💕

[@abiconnick]

Aww thank you so much Maria! Hope you enjoy this weeks video, had lots of fun mentoring someone else for the first time!!

[@yatharthbhardwaj200]

I wasn't about to quit. I am starting my career as a Freelance Graphics Designer but still watched it and liked it as well!! Keep up the good work!

[@abiconnick]

Thank you so much! Love that you still watched it and found it useful!

[@hajnihercz]

This video is exactly what I need at the current stage of my business, so thank you, thank you, thank you! I've been struggling a lot with projects dragging for months and it takes away a lot of my mental space. I definitely need to implement the one concept method, even though it feels super scary, your reasoning behind it makes a lot of sense. Great video as always! ✨

[@abiconnick]

Glad I could help and wish you all the best! Thanks :)

[@TheTuto2000]

There is no way this video came right when i started depressing about this project. I am a pharmacy student in a third world country and i wanted to find a way to make some money as a designer (not my main source) but after starting for a little bit i lost some motivation , and your video really came at the right time. Thank you SO MUCH !

[@abiconnick]

I'm so glad this video came at the perfect time!!! I've been there so many times wanting to quit or losing motivation that it can be hard! Glad my content has given you that push you needed!

[@skandev1921]

medical student from a third world country too here

[@skandev1921]

algeria to be exact

[@TheTuto2000]

@@skandev1921 kifkif

[@johnmaciel]

This advice can even be applied in my music world, so many parallels with creatives, we all suffer from the same problems ahaha. Fantastic Video Abi!

[@abiconnick]

Thank you John, much appreciated 😊 It's almost like as people, we all go through the same issues 👀😂

[@MonaLisa625]

Your videos are so precious. I learned so much from you and I'm grateful for those free video with actually important and useful informations. Thank you, Abi!

[@abiconnick]

You are so welcome!

[@ansaransu7634]

Awzm 👌👌, It would be really helpful if u can share those templates ( Invoice , E-mail templates , Brand presentation templates) for us.

[@nehamalde3245]

You're so amazing and that you offer this advice for free to help others and creating an amazing design community. Hands up to you for reaching out and investing so much of your time for fellow designers. 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@abiconnick]

Thank you so much! Just want to try and help as many people as I can, that's why I love this channel so much because I get comments exactly like this! 💛

[@kakarot.247]

That "buffet" example... 😮‍💨🔥🔥 Such a valuable video. Grateful for the knowledge and insight. 🙌🏼

[@abiconnick]

The buffet was a example close to my heart 😅😂 Glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@livingpoo9994]

An aspiring student designer from the PHILIPPINES! Thanks for the tips on handling stuff like these Abi! This really helps me prepare for my future job!

[@abiconnick]

Its a pleasure! Glad my content can help other aspiring designers! Wishing you the best with your journey💛

[@livingpoo9994]

@@abiconnick Rooting for this channel to reach more creatives like us too, Abi!

[@abiconnick]

Thank you :)

[@tarinvernon7007]

The one concept thing will really change everything. My old job always requested 3 options and I think Im a bit stuck with that. Also I am trying to let go of old habits. Thank you for the videos. I am currently It a bit of a dark place with my own business but listening to your ideas while working is very inspirational. At the moment I am stuck with breadcrumb designs but maybe one day it will get better.

[@abiconnick]

You got this!

[@_theawesomekenny]

These are so practical and you were so explanatory. Thank you so much Abi

[@abiconnick]

I appreciate it! Glad I could help :)

[@maryamdamavandidesign]

I'm basically a second mia! I mean I was really confused with unnecessary stuff to do in a day, and leave all my real works for the end of the day! Now i know how to organize my to do list. Anddd i was giving too many options to clients and make them and make "me" confused! Thanks for this great video i just found you on KZbin and I'm definitely gonna dig out your channel! Already a big fan ❤

[@abiconnick]

Glad to hear you're on the right track :) Appreciate the kind words and support, thank you 💛

[@ZABESIMS]

Awesome video, I've had very similar feeling! If you don't have one already I'd love for you to do an illustrator training course, even if it's just the basics of logo design, I use Photoshop and want to get better at Illustrator but all the courses I can find are 5 years old! Thanks!

[@abiconnick]

Thank you! You must have some mystic powers because that's the exact course I am currently creating! Hopefully be out in around 2 months.

[@ZABESIMS]

@@abiconnick Amazing! Thank you in advance 😂

[@shalsamc]

I feel what Mia feels. apart from being diagnosed with MADD (something related to depression) my business has started to decline until now and I don't know what to do to fix what went wrong. Thank you abi for this content! very helpful

[@sweetness371]

I love the buffet analogy! It drive me crazy when a client asked for 5 or 6 different options. I basically tell them to trust me and that we'll start with one option (sometimes two) and we'll go from there.

[@abiconnick]

Had this before 😅 They just end up confusing themselves!

[@niceygogetta8947]

Hi, Abi I have a degree in visual communications with a concentration in Graphic Designs. But having issues focusing on my design concepts and remembering what I learned because of hardheadedness (didn't do as my design professors told after graduation) and for being run over by a car in 2018. It seems it knocked some of my design knowledge out of my head. I have to familiarize myself with adobe suites...before the accident I was fully knowledgeable in Photoshop, Ai illustrator, Dreamweaver, and InDesign; but also knowledgeable in other adobe programs. The first one that I'm attempting to relearn or refresh my brain with is Ai and in few weeks going after Photoshop and so forth. I want to let you know that your tutorials on typography and illustrator tools are so amazingly wonderful and helpful to me and I love to give props for all you do to assist other designers reach their unique design self...lol. I'm actually trying to create designs or Art for my online store so I can start making money and doing what I really love graphic design and photography and including all the other elements of design manipulation. Again, thanks.

[@abiconnick]

oh wow! Sorry to here this, but good on you for not letting it stop you! It's very inspiring and you've motivated me! So happy to hear that my videos have been able to help you along you're journey! Keep at it and I wish you the best 😊💛

[@marcusfrenchiv3252]

I love your videos. Thank you so much for everything abi. I have been watching you for almost 2 years now. I am in college working towards a master is design and a Certificate in Business Management. You have helped me a lot throughout the way. Ok have l learned a lot from you

[@abiconnick]

I'm so glad my videos can help! Wow, you've pretty much been here since I started this channel, happy that you're still here. That's incredible, wishing you all the best with your next steps!

[@opeyemisalami8158]

I’m definitely interested… being in the game for 2 years and if feels like it’s not working as I want

[@alexandervanlohen4229]

Thank you so much again for your great advices and support for creatives !

[@abiconnick]

You are so welcome! Glad I can help :)

[@Okechukwuiwu]

Thank you so much Abi for this light I almost gave up Thank you alot

[@abiconnick]

Got to keep going! The tough parts just make for a better success story :)

[@CrackerJayherber]

Your videos are very helpful and encouraging. Thank you kindly!

[@abiconnick]

Glad to hear it 😊

[@adao1789]

I love all ur vids and tips and it really helps me in my graphic design studies! Thank you sm for that, hope u going well tho. Greats from France ❤️🇫🇷

[@abiconnick]

Love to hear it, thank you 😊

[@visualsbydarya]

Ugh your content is amazing!! Thank you ❤

[@abiconnick]

Appreciate it, thank you 😊🧡

[@teresevictor7508]

That Netflix analogy took me outt 😂🤣

[@abiconnick]

haha how true is it tho! 😅😂

[@ghaznainiqbal]

Discovered your channel today! 🎉This Video was missing in my life at the moment 😅

[@abiconnick]

Welcome!! Glad I could help :)

[@urockkthisworld]

thank u for such amazing educational video as always Abi :3

[@abiconnick]

No worries! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@blkpanthercreative]

Abi you know me so well lol cause sure enough I had lost a little bit of hope😄

[@abiconnick]

Everyone does from time to time, it's just part of the journey! But stay with it! I wish you all the best :)

[@blkpanthercreative]

@@abiconnick thanks Abi 🙏🏽

[@alinanaeem6003]

Great advice and the way of delivering it 👏

[@abiconnick]

Thank you so much!

[@jonathanlotobi]

truly insightful...note taken✅

[@abiconnick]

Yay, glad my content can help!😆

[@jonathanlotobi]

@@abiconnick it would mean the world to me, if you could reply to my IG dm

[@fareehaqamar893]

This is what I do! I haven't started my business yet but this is my problem that I don't stick to one idea & make a lot of options. It's like a lot of things are going inside my head at the same time! And it's so difficult to focus on one thing 😩 By the way, your videos are great ❤️ Can you explain how to create logo guidelines & how do you choose typeface for any brand & it is presented? Thank you so much!

[@abiconnick]

Sometimes you just have to start and be okay with learning along the way :) Thank you! I have a video on how to present logos to clients here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4DPhXyEfceGgqM

[@fareehaqamar893]

@@abiconnick I'm loving your videos! Taking notes 📝 & the fact that I'm actually discovering through different platforms that pro designers go with 1 concept! Thank you for this! Just one question. How do i find passions projects? How to write good emails for sending proposals? I have checked notion..its great! But I don't have customers rn so I want to reach out to people. Would be great if you make a video on this ❤️

[@toniann3304]

Early gang! Amazingly because I’m up at 12:40am worrying about my business and playing with the idea to quit 😅

[@abiconnick]

Ayyy happy to have you here! Oh wow, this came at just the right time! Just know that those feelings are pretty normal and to this day I have breakdowns and sometimes just want to pack it all in!! BUT you've got to remember why you're doing it and what good it can bring you! You got this!!!💛

[@fazalesubhan8709]

Hi I need a friend to discuss problem with each other so I need friends

[@kshmr5879]

Hello ,hru Your content is useful for me . thanks I request you, don't stop upload videos because I learn lot from you. Again thanks 👍

[@abiconnick]

Hey, thank you! Glad my content is useful 😎

[@rinshadtk6139]

0:56 Don't worry, i gotchu 😂 I heard that somewhere else

[@abiconnick]

Go their back!!!!😎

[@dari_indesign]

Abi, you and your work are amazing! I have already DMd you some time ago asking for a mentorship and would be definitely up to it!

[@abiconnick]

Thank you 😊 Sorry about that, my dms get a bit swapped on Instagram! But when I do start offering something similar to this I will announce it on here and there!

[@mekaclaude]

Amazing 🤩

[@abiconnick]

Thanks 🤗

[@manoj.oninsta]

Whenever I see your videos, my heart says that your videos are very very very helpful and relatable for us, as creatives. and big thanks for all ❤😊 And lastly my english is weak so please adjust 😅 Hope you understand what I am trying to say. 😌

[@abiconnick]

I understand! and I appreciate it, thank you :)

[@sulafaabdulrahim6798]

Hi Abi I love ur work and how you consistently evolving wish u luck ❤️❤️❤️ And pray for my passion to design and creative work get back 😭 + I noticed that u take out the outro of your video 😭😭💔 I mean WHY it was such minimalistic and clean one and like prepare us to the end of ur video now video just end all in sudden ? Anyhow love u girl keep the good work up

[@abiconnick]

Thank you, really appreciate it 😊 I took it out because people were clicking off the video and not watching the next one, for some reason if the video abruptly ends people are more likely to watch another video.

[@mnwaha6026]

Hi Abi would you please do a video of how to design a whole brand with only using an ipad ❤

[@122coolbabe]

Is there a video that explains what type of different templates a designer should have to make admin processes more efficient? I for one as well struggle with managing my time and end up doing nothing creative, which I totally miss :( just because I spend a lot of time crafting proposals, invoicing etc.

[@abiconnick]

I have a video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4PXZ3irfLONmMk that should be useful, it's not a complete video but should help :) Also this might be of help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4PEdqt3mLutptU

[@biboron9768]

Eeeeeeeee, thumbnail was gulumulu.😊

[@matinhosenjoy]

Make more vedio related packaging design process __ :)

[@abiconnick]

Sure 😊

[@fareehaqamar893]

I have an enquiry abi! I want to know how can we make editable templates for customers e.g. social media posts, resumes, presentations, postcards, flyers etc. It would be great if you give a tutorial on that.

[@abiconnick]

Noted! I have a video on how to make social media templates for clients here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWalf2Z5pdpsZ7s

[@alijahirizarry7504]

Great video, who is your editor? does he have his own social media?

[@trevorcarreon]

👋 I am interested! I went to school for industrial design and I am finding myself doing graphic design but I need to obtain clients and find my path.

[@psdbook]

Great Video...

[@abiconnick]

Thank you!

[@asmrizzy1574]

Hey Abi! I had a question (not sure if this would be the best place) but Im not sure if you took any online certified courses for graphic design (or product design) prior to getting your apprenticeship, but do you have any advice or tips on which courses you would recommend taking? Or any advice on other ways than courses to learn how to be a "certified" designer? Like would a degree be helpful when applying to apprenticeships/jobs or would experience/portfolio matter more? Thank you so much! Sorry for all the questions, PS DEFINITELY would have taken your course! I just am on a slight time limit of needing to get started December or January

[@abiconnick]

When I got my apprenticeship I was straight out of college, I hadn't done any prior training. When it comes to graphic design, there are a bunch of good ones on Udemy, but I've always struggled to find good brand design courses, and that's why I decided to start creating them myself. I personally think experience matters more when trying to get a job, because you're providing proof you can do what you say. I wish you all the best :)

[@asmrizzy1574]

@@abiconnick Thank you so much for your advice!! 💜

[@hfatimah9597]

When i cam into industry i was so passionate full of motivation.. But slowly i lost it.. Main reason is things are not working... 😒 I upload pictures or reels on Instagram but instagram compressed their quality.. Etc etc🙇🏼‍♀️

[@abiconnick]

Why aren’t they working for you? What’s the main problems your facing? Sometimes the quality of reels can come down to your equipment and file size! Maybe try different sizes of uploading and see if that helps 🧡

[@hfatimah9597]

@@abiconnick I'm working hard bit still do not get even a single client.. Bit it's OK.. I'm not quitting.. Every night i lost motivation and the next morning i get up with new idea with 100% motivation.. It is exhausting but bit i have to go through it.. Maybe

[@emonahmmed9192]

The way you present it is really amazing. btw can you please tell me what camera do you use to record your videos?

[@abiconnick]

Thank you so much!! Definitely improved since I first started my channel haha! I currently use the Sony Z-V1💛

[@emonahmmed9192]

@@abiconnick good to see your reply 😁 thanks

[@mnwaha6026]

Can you do a challenge video where you only use ipad for a whole branding.. Is it possible to only use ipad for all of that ?

[@abiconnick]

To be honest I don't use my iPad all that much when it comes to design!

[@hamzamaaroufi]

content creator suits you

[@abiconnick]

Really appreciate this comment thank you! Hoping to dive into more things like this in the future😀

[@abbyortiz9823]

What are you thoughts on how to create invoices and contracts for clients? I've been struggling finding the right place or someone in legal who understands creating agreements and forms for brand designers :(

[@abiconnick]

Being completely honest, at the start of my journey I just winged it, maybe not the best thing to do, but it just got me started. (it all depends how much money you charge for your projects) I used a software called QuickBooks to invoice customers, in terms of contracts I just got a free template off google and then as I started to make more money I paid a solicitor to create me a professional one :)

[@avergajixa6051]

Combining two concepts is always a Nightmare

[@abiconnick]

I used to hate hearing this!!!😅

[@thecurious8086]

Hi Abi, thank you for this amazing video it's really helpful, i have a question how do you find that amazing music for your presentation videos is there a free resources for that this might be a good idea for the next video because all the music that we can find for free is horrible🙂

[@abiconnick]

Glad you enjoyed it! So we actually use artlist for all of our sound! (This is an additional cost) but sound can add so much to videos so i recommend investing into it! It’s quite hard to find specific music that’s good and free!

[@ipsitadas8671]

Wanted to ask that in your shop there some stuff with 0 as the price so does that mean like they are all free?? for example the moodboard?

[@abiconnick]

Yes, anything that is £0 is free😊

[@ipsitadas8671]

@@abiconnick ohh wow that's so nice of you! 🥺

[@itsamandaedison]

I want you as a mentor 😭

[@abiconnick]

It's good to know the interest is there! Hoping to offer this as a proper service in the future, so keep your eyes peeled!💛 What are some things you'd love help on?

[@itsamandaedison]

@@abiconnick I did actually message you on Instagram a while back to ask if you could do the same, as a self - taught person with no design education, I mostly just want to know if I have it and if I am improving my skills or am I hallucinating if I could actually do this.

[@abiconnick]

@@itsamandaedison Ooh sorry my Instagram DM's can get a little crazy! Okay, that's good to know. I think anyone has what it takes if you've got the determination, patience and willingness to continually learn! x

[@itsamandaedison]

@@abiconnick Could I re-reach out to you on instagram? I mean, it was a long shot trying to connect the first time alone... this one too..

[@aaiyesikhtehaiyaha1573]

Hey Abi, I am want to Know how do you find the clients? Using any freelancing platforms like Fiverr, upwork etc? Or do you use any other methods for get client? Hope you will answer my questions

[@abiconnick]

I've never used freelance platforms, I have a video here on my method: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpCQcp6JlL2oq9k 😊

[@aaiyesikhtehaiyaha1573]

@@abiconnick Thanks For Your Reply 👍

[@ellenwoodslim7367]

How much for that mentorship

[@abiconnick]

I'm not yet offering this service, but it is something I'm considering in the future!

[@ellenwoodslim7367]

@@abiconnick trial with me

[@abiconnick]

@@ellenwoodslim7367 I'm already trailing with a handful of designers and don't have bandwidth to take any more on, but when I do I announce on instagram first :)

[@fitah47]

Hey abi, what if the client straight up asks for 2 or 3 concepts. What should I tell them to make them drop the idea of multiple concepts.

[@abiconnick]

Sometimes it’s okay to cater your services around the client and it’s down to your process and what you’re comfortable with! I’d find out why they are looking for multiple concepts and if they are open to being presented with one in-depth concept! Sometimes clients aren’t sure of the difference between the two so it’s our job as the designer to explain how providing one solution can be better for their brand!😊

[@fitah47]

@@abiconnick thankyou very much abi

[@fitah47]

@@abiconnick can you make a video based on explaining how beneficial a one concept is to the customer and not just the designer side

[@abiconnick]

@@fitah47 yes !

[@fitah47]

@@abiconnick looking forward to it

[@Restyourhearing21]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@abiconnick]

Hope you enjoy the video!❤️

[@Muhammad-Azeem]

If you know what were the last words we shared ,then tell me I would tell you some more

[@juneldelacuadra5973]

I'm not good at drawing, can I still be a creative designer?

[@abiconnick]

Yes, definitely. You can be highly skilled in other areas like typography, logo design etc. I would recommend working on your weaknesses, so you can get better!

[@juneldelacuadra5973]

@@abiconnick Wow, thank you so much.

[@TECHYGUYSWORLD]

Present Mam Am I Late?👀

[@abiconnick]

haha not to late, all that matters is you made it!

[@Restyourhearing21]

First comment

[@abiconnick]

I see you!!!👀

[@siddharthpaul2267]

wait, do she have a love bite on her right side of neck oohhh!! haha ;, great vide tho

[@abiconnick]

haha no I'm not 14 anymore , just a rash I got from a new gym t shirt 😂

[@siddharthpaul2267]

@@abiconnick 😂 I m not 14 either haha

[@NiaGeeh]

I needed this video 🥲 thank you so much

[@abiconnick]

No problem 😊 Glad I could help!