How I Became a Freelance Designer in College (& My Experience at UC Berkeley)

I graduated from UC Berkeley two years ago and thought it might be cool to share the story of how I became a freelance graphic/brand designer and offer some general college and career advice I wish I had known!!! The chapters kind of coincide with each year at Berkeley which I thought was pretty neat...also shoutout if you also got waitlisted at college because same
instagram: / edgykatrina
tik tok: www.tiktok.com/@edgykatrina?l...
website: www.katrinaromulo.com/
camera: sony zv1
edited with premiere pro

[@bandgeek87651]

Katrina your advice is SO on point. I got my degree in graphic design and as stressful and rewarding as the experience was…I have been struggling to find my passion for design since I graduated. I love that you encourage constant practice in design, and you make it look fun! This video was uplifting to me…and I graduated almost 4 years ago. So far I’ve learned that a job in design takes courage to learn and re-learn everyday. 💛 Glad to be following you on your journey!

[@edgykatrina]

thank you so much!!! and thank you for sharing all of this I'm so glad you found it uplifting

[@beingsila]

loved to see your journey through these bits !

[@leilaangar9947]

I love how real your videos are!!

[@evema903]

Thank you for this video! I graduated a year ago and I'm starting my freelance journey, terrified but super excited :) you inspire me!

[@BeatyCutie09]

I needed this today😌

[@hannatebrand9535]

ahh. this, YOU, inspire me so much

[@joeyp1927]

I'm so glad this fell into my recommended! I am not a graphic designer or visual artist but I have always been interested in graphic arts especially as it pertains to branding. I think you have a keen eye for detail and aesthetic appeal, and it shows even in the way that you present the Berkeley campus. So many unique and unexpected angles--you really show Berkeley from a different perspective, lending a mystique to different spot. I especially like the shot of Northside at Euclid. Btw, as a graphic designer, what do you think of Berkeley's Seal? Several of us at Linkedin have been complaining about Berkeley dropping the Seal for its official communications on Linkedin in favor of generic lettering. I think the Seal is iconic and conveys gravitas, though some feel it keeps us in the past. What does a graphic designer think?

[@MeereLuft]

I recently got out of envinromental studies and started a design bachelor, although really scared to change courses and start something new, and I was wondering what my next steps would be! I still feel very anxious but your video really helped me to understand the key points about building my dream career :) thank you SM! Wish u all the love

[@tsjmcgrath]

Love this! Your videos are always so calm yet also inspirational, definitely makes me want to explore my freelance work more!

[@edgykatrina]

ahh thank you so much! and yes 100% support that!!!!

[@aiminazihah3797]

Thank you so much for this heartwarming story-telling video. Means a lot to me. Please continue in making videos!

[@edgykatrina]

thank you so much!!!

[@xinmer2107]

I took your branding class and I learned a lot from that class!!! I just want to say you are so inspiring, talented, professional, and self-disciplined! You are the best and keeps me motivated too every time I saw your reels! Hope you will be working on more fun projects!!!

[@edgykatrina]

omg thank you so much...this is so sweet

[@mariz_bs1214]

Hi i want to take the same class please can h give me more information

[@xinmer2107]

@@mariz_bs1214 hey it is the brand identity decal at uc berkeley

[@dannyhebert_]

You are an inspiration! Thanks for this video. It's super motivating!

[@edgykatrina]

ahhh yay that was the goal!! ty

[@riverdaleedited]

Hi Katrina, this was so helpful ,thanks a lot for making this video.

[@edgykatrina]

yay I'm glad it helped!!!

[@otavioalexandre7575]

Your videos is amazing, thanks for sharing

[@graciekang655]

Thank you so much for this enlightening video - it's truly inspiring and motivating. Two years ago, I graduated with a degree in industrial design, but found my passion leaning more towards graphic design. I chose to pivot my career accordingly. However, over the past year, my own projects often remain incomplete, perhaps due to a touch of perfectionism and a fear of imperfection. (Though I've managed some designs for family and friends.)

[@edgykatrina]

congrats on following your passion!! perfectionism is a real roadblocker but keep goin

[@kyutaa]

Just got off the Berkeley waitlist! Am still deciding.. but this is definitely an exciting video to be watching at this time =)

[@edgykatrina]

i am so happy for you!!! good luck on your decision :)

[@kyutaa]

@@edgykatrina Thank you!! I chose berkeley! Do you have any advice for Berkeley as I’m looking to go into the creative/arts field (but still pretty undecided) but chose to go to a uni rather than art school? Kinda nervous about if I chose the right path

[@edgykatrina]

@@kyutaa I can't speak on art school but I definitely don't regret choosing a university! I think Berkeley taught me to manage my time and prioritize design - and allowed me to never view it as a homework assignment or task that I had to do. I was always doing it in my free time whenever I had the chance, so I became very passionate. Not sure that would've been the case if graphic design had been my major

[@poincianah9694]

I loveee

[@danfercuevachinga215]

Keep on inspiring us.btw, can you makde a video explaining about web design and can you tell which programmes do you use to create webpages?

[@sharminaboubakri1903]

would you do a video on contracting, invoicing and the process of working with a client catered to teaching folks who are trying to self teach and become freelancers too

[@qpadua1948]

Thank you for being transparent. How did you figure out pricing?

[@JacquelineNguyenxD]

this was ...beautiful....

[@edgykatrina]

thank u man glad to have included u LOL

[@qnnikqs]

I’m interested in graphic design but I’m not sure if I should major in it I don’t know what to major in

[@hyliannerd4541]

I was wanting to know what your thoughts are on self-taught graphic designers or graphic designers who didn't go to college or never finished college? I dropped out during my junior year because of tuition price and the anxiety I was dealing with. Also, do you think it's necessary or is it best to learn from online resources?

[@edgykatrina]

I think that it's definitely possible to do it without a degree, but I can't fully speak on it since I don't have that experience! I know a lot of companies/brands do seek out people with a degree (although I still think your portfolio is the most important factor). If you want to do freelance then tbh I don't think it matters. If you build up an audience/network of clients no one will really care if you got a degree. As for learning, I'd recommend youtube!! There are so many free tutorials out there, which is great if a paid class isn't accessible at the moment. I'm a huge advocate of free design education and hope to post some more tutorials too!!!

[@Untitledxproject]

👏👏👏

[@edgykatrina]

:) thank you!

[@Untitledxproject]

🙂

[@sinbadsgirlfriend]

YAS slay

[@edgykatrina]

THANKS