Life of a Graphic Designer! (not what you expect)

[@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.

[@yxlim8981]

Thank you for always being so generous and sharing your tips and behind the scenes! I’m just getting started with my design journey and you are an inspiration!!!

[@abiconnick]

That’s made my day! I’m glad my channel is insightful and inspires you! I hope it helps with the start of your design journey!!

[@mariamangion21]

You're truly my favorite creator forever! So inspiring and cozy 💫You have such a big heart Abi 💕 I love that about you. You are such a lovely person! I'm so thankful for you, for what you do and the positivity you bring to everyone 🥲

[@abiconnick]

Thank you so much Maria!!! Shout out to you for being such a big supporter of me and the channel! Appreciate your kindness and constant support 🧡

[@kaylindevilliers7518]

I'm so behind on your videos, but I love keeping them for sad days, your positive energy always pulls me into a better mood🙈 also super impressed by your consistency and productivity, you are killing it 👏

[@abiconnick]

This is nice to hear 😊 Glad to be of help! Thank you so much!

[@MrEHowell]

So informative! Thanks for all your hard work! It's been a struggle for me to have work/life balance and trying to start a side hustle. It's nice to know that designing doesn't have to be an all consuming job but can be spaced out and still make a living. I would absolutely love to see how you design your client proposals!

[@abiconnick]

The hardest part is getting started! Once you have completely freedom you can dictate how and when you work! Glad the video was helpful, and remember, you got this! ☺️

[@abiconnick]

And noted on the client proposals!

[@AnnaKatherineYT]

Loved this vlog! I’ve always loved watching your videos and seeing your design process so it was cool to see the behind the scenes. I’m just getting started with freelancing but I’m definitely going to be taking inspiration from your client brief design!

[@abiconnick]

I wish you the best of luck with your freelancing! I’m sure you’ll do great! Thank you for the support and kind words, glad I could be of help 🧡

[@onlycreativesgraphicdesign8743]

Hello Anna!!! Nice to meet you! :)

[@aroosaashfaq4246]

Abi I am shocked to hear your age because you are so strong and bold in your design decisions And most importantly you have a very pure heart as you share so much tips of yours like none other than Idealize you and i will be a designer like you InShaAllah soon

[@abiconnick]

Thank you for the kind words :)

[@krissyk354]

It’s always great to see your day in the life videos. Hopefully there’s more down the line. Also, I love that you plan ahead for your Instagram page. I def want to try this. Any tips to social planning and content planning? 🥰

[@abiconnick]

I have something very cool lined up for day in the life/ vlog content in the future! 😊 I plan and create all my social content every Friday, so I will create what I planned the previous week and then plan content for me to create the next week (if that makes sense 😂) I'll do a video on it soon!

[@krissyk354]

@@abiconnick that’s so cool! And no it makes perfect sense. Thanks so much for sharing. Look forward to seeing the future day in the life videos 🥰

[@izzyviveros2365]

This was so super insightful! Thank you so much for sharing your life with us! I love seeing what my work life could be like if I try hard enough. You were the first design youtuber I saw when I got my first design client and you gave me so much insight in bite size portions that I was able to complete the project. Your templates have helped me look professional and feel really good about presenting my designs 😊 thank you so so much!

[@abiconnick]

Oh wow thank you so much! Thank you for your support and thank you for your kind words! ☺️ glad the videos and templates could be of help!

[@Lahazy]

I have bad adhd and it was always hard for me to sit still in a class and pay attention to the teacher but you make it easy for me to quickly understand the program. Your videos always keep me intrigued and you’re never boring lol thank you for all the content and help you’ve provided for us.

[@abiconnick]

Aw thank you, so nice to hear the videos have been able to help you :) Really appricate it 😊

[@aboudeh]

You were the first graphic designer i watched 😪💞 thank you from the bottom of my heart for inspiring me everyday 🤍🤍🤍🤍☁️

[@abiconnick]

So glad my content is helping people!! Thank you ☺️☺️

[@baturedesign]

Wow!.. Thank you for being so real. You inspire me so much and I always try to implement what I learn from your videos. Have truly enjoyed watching!❤️❤️ The part I love was at 17:53 when you blew your food before eating...😁👌

[@abiconnick]

Thank you for your kind words! ☺️

[@abcdefu3198]

You’re so good at design!!! Omg you’re educating me on things I never would’ve known so thank you so much! ❤️

[@abiconnick]

This is amazing to hear! I'm so glad my videos have been helpful 😊 Appreciate the kind words 💛

[@KamiAlicja]

Love these types of videos! You should do more behind the scenes😍 Hope you are enjoying the change of locations 📍

[@abiconnick]

Thank you! ☺️ people do seem to enjoy them! Just doesn’t always bring in a new audience as well, I am thank you, taken me a little time to settle in but just about finding my feet 🤣

[@loomonda18]

Thoroughly enjoyed this!! Also, would love to see a video all about Pantone colour systems & colour mode converting/how-to for print vs.digital use! That area can be quite confusing! Thanks a bunch

[@abiconnick]

Thank you! Ooo I haven’t been asked to do this before! I will note it down in the video ideas list! ☺️

[@loomonda18]

@@abiconnick seriously a life saver, thank you 💕

[@martapanico151]

I just discovered your channel and I’m literally in love with it and with everything you do!!!

[@abiconnick]

ahh thank you Marta 💛 Glad you've been enjoying the videos! Appreciate the support!

[@LNpublicidade]

I also would like to thank you for the content you've been creating, im a designer and adman, and i feel so inspiring by you and the way you do it, by the way im used to do the same creative process as you do! Hugs from Brazil!!

[@abiconnick]

This is great to hear! Glad my videos have been useful ☺️ love from the uk!

[@jbcarwardines]

The perfect video to get me out of my design slump!! Love your work gal 👏 (also love the lil preview of the RGB light at the end 😉)

[@abiconnick]

Love to hear this! Glad the video helped ☺️ayy someone noticed the light! Thank you 🤣

[@abhishekkumarsingh2531]

I just love watching your videos. You are making so valuable content for us, it is hard to believe that everything from you is coming for us for FREE. High quality video, super informative. THANKS a lot! Please if possible, recommend some books for graphic designers.

[@abiconnick]

thank you! I want to help as many designers/ people as possible, so it’s nice to hear I’m making an impact ☺️ I have actually never read one design book so I wouldn’t be much help there 🤣 I appreciate your support and kind words!

[@alinanaeem6003]

So much to learn from this. Particularly the fact that you have to discipline yourself to make the most of your time. Also, multiple sources of income really give you a margin so that you can control things according to your needs. Great Vid ☺️

[@abiconnick]

Thank you ☺️ tbh I still struggle with disciple from time to time but it’s all about creating sustainable daily habits that I can repeat! Thanks for your support 🧡

[@alinanaeem6003]

@@abiconnick But it's a very good start ☺️

[@Kfcreations13]

I would love to see a video on storage, external hard drives, and how you save your files and organize them!!

[@abiconnick]

Noted! 😊

[@taesponytail3560]

Loved the video!!!!!!! Extremely motivating and inspiring

[@abiconnick]

I’m glad you loved this style of video, was fun to film a more laid back but still informative vlog! Thank you 🧡

[@joannabarnes4986]

Yes please add the brand proposal document template that you are talking about in this video to your site.

[@abiconnick]

That’s great to know thank you!!! Keep your eye out for it as I’ll drop it in the shop soon😎

[@enochlightolaleye6235]

Nice daily routines! I really really love you videos, they've been helpful and inspiring. And I do appreciate the fact that you share with us things about yourself and what you do as a brand & graphic designer 😘. But, about your daily routine, don't you go to church on Sundays?🤔

[@abiconnick]

Thank you, glad you've been finding the videos helpful 😊 No I don't, I presume you're from the US? In the UK this isn't really a thing like it is there.

[@cutenony87]

i love watching your videos honestly i learn so much from your advise and tips . im always in love with your work. im starting out as a brand designer myself and would love to see how you create your presentation boards.

[@abiconnick]

Thank you very much! Glad to here my videos have been of help☺️ I actually have a video coming out in the next 2-3 weeks about my complete process with a client, it goes from start to finish, I think it would be really beneficial to you, so keep a look out 🧡

[@usefgraphics6361]

Talk about job opportunities & how to reach clients in the UK. As always, Thank you for sharing your useful tips!

[@abiconnick]

You must of read my mind, a video is currently in the works, so keep an eye out👀 Thank you for your kind words😊

[@kittymonsta_pt6209]

More day vlog videos please 🥰 they are so fun to watch

[@abiconnick]

ooo haven't done one in a while! I need too!

[@TaibaTheNRP]

That work-life balance 😍❤❤❤

[@abiconnick]

I try my best, but sometimes I do find myself working 12 hour days 😂 I guess sometimes you have to and it's part of running your own business!

[@TaibaTheNRP]

@@abiconnick hehehe life goes this way Abi🙌💕

[@izzyviveros2365]

ALSO I see you with the RGB light in the background. Looks good!!

[@abiconnick]

Thanks for noticing! ☺️☺️

[@ameerakhan222]

YOU ARE JUST AN GENUIS ABI LOTS OF LOVE ❤🇬🇧

[@abiconnick]

You are the sweetest, thank you so much!!

[@gregoryhewitt]

Banger video!!! The type of content we love on here. Hi Abi can you do a video showing how you create the logo at the end of the logo project.

[@abiconnick]

Glad you enjoyed it ☺️ it’s my editor who actually creates them, but yes we are working on it!

[@natalie-dianabusari2168]

So look forward to your videos every week they are great xxx

[@abiconnick]

Yay I’m glad you look forward to them!! X

[@mustafaqaddo415]

Beautiful weekly schedule and your designs are also beautiful

[@abiconnick]

Thank you so much ☺️☺️

[@sadafbaloch6382]

SOrry but not sorry, I know i don't have to say this but it feels like watching your video late is heartbreaking. Anyways, I also want to be like that, and slowly I am achieving just because of you, you encourage me , motivate me, and tell me that I am strong enough and for that, I am always thankful to you. You know some people are far away but they are like gems and you feel a spark within them..You are one of them for me. Will achieve my goal as a successful graphic designer one day hopefully. And more power to you and positive vibes..don't pay attention to that negative and hate comments. They are nothing in front of our love for you. Thank you for always cheering me up.🥰🥰❤

[@abiconnick]

Aww this is amazing to hear, and yes you will come a successful designer! It’s just consistency over time, keep doing it and you’ll get better and better! I always appreciate your kind words and support, so thank you ☺️🧡🧡

[@sadafbaloch6382]

@@abiconnick Your motivation is just my happy pill. Thankyou abi. Enjoy your trip to dubai.

[@onlycreativesgraphicdesign8743]

You're the best!! I love your videos! 💕 keep going!!😉😊😇😘

[@abiconnick]

Thanks for the support ☺️☺️

[@marija_james]

i love your idea to use rejected mood boards that sounds awesome

[@abiconnick]

I like it too! So many beautiful mood boards have been rejected over the years, I'd love to see what they would have turned out like!

[@maira.akhtar]

As a designer myself every time i watch your videos getting better with every video i just get the feeling of eating your designs, so tasteful 😋😂

[@abiconnick]

Haha that’s made my day 🤣😎 thank you!!!

[@maira.akhtar]

@@abiconnick hehe 😂🥰

[@dhruvvm396]

you have really inspire me any many people who wants to become refined in designing... one small request. can you add more freebies in your website and also provide some fonts what you used in your design..

[@abiconnick]

Glad to be of inspiration! To be honest I'm not sure what more freebies I can provide, I think I give a lot out for free, what is it you'd like to see? In terms of fonts they're all from Envato here: 1.envato.market/abidesign

[@SimMess]

Your desk is messy? 😂😂😂That's a good one! This is how my desk looks like after cleaning... no actually, no! My desk NEVER looks like this!

[@abiconnick]

😂 It can and does get a lot messier at times, trust me! I find I work so much better with a clean and organised desk tho! 😊

[@SimMess]

@@abiconnick I know that there are people like this XD. However after cleaning I spend hours on looking for stuff I put away, and can't remember where? XD It really saves time to stay messy in my case -> my channel name is not a coincidence 😂

[@keniahlechelle5894]

Loved this video!

[@abiconnick]

Glad you liked it!!😊

[@odetapauryte9888]

Loved the vlog! 😊 I was wondering if you could make a video of how you make a branding videos with mockups, the ones where you are using After effects and Premiere Pro (for example as seen in Quality Street candies redesigning video) 🤗 Keep it up!

[@abiconnick]

Thank you so much, glad you liked the vlog! I actually have my video editor that produces all of those videos (I don’t do these myself) so would be quite hard to show something like this!! But definitely something to think about for the future! X

[@apokalipsff2687]

Love how your partner supports you, your business and your side projects ♥♥♥♥ Is he a creative as well, or does he work in another area??

[@abiconnick]

Something I’ve never really talked about before but he’s actually part of the business, he edits and shoots all of the videos, and we both script and plan the videos together! Plus he does some business things bts. ☺️

[@apokalipsff2687]

@@abiconnick That´s amazing. Thank you for your reply and all your content. I´m an amateur designer from Mozambique (in África) and I´ve been learning a lot from you. Wish you both a lot of success ♥♥♥

[@franklyrahat]

Thanks a lot for this awesome video! ❤️ I was wondering if there's any start to finish course about 'Beginner to Freelancing to Agency to Business'. It would be really helpful. There are so many things going on the creative world which we have no idea about!

[@abiconnick]

My pleasure!! Keep your eyes peeled this year because we’ve got something like this coming!!!🤭

[@franklyrahat]

@@abiconnick Yeeeeeeehhhhh 😍😍😍😍

[@njeiedison3085]

Thank Abi

[@abiconnick]

No Problem!

[@derrickwobson6107]

Yeah I remember that Drink buddy😉😉😉

[@elisethecoolest]

On average, what would you say is the amount of time you spend on graphic design related work per week (communicating with clients, design process, ect.)? I was thinking about working as a part time graphic designer and part time at another job. Also, this video was super helpful and I love that you prioritized your personal time. The most common advice I've heard from any employer is to overload yourself for the sake of providing work. But your honesty was super refreshing.

[@abiconnick]

So I would probably say around 20 hours a week on client work, I now only take on 1-2 clients a month. Stuff like creating social media posts, KZbin and other bts stuff takes up all the other hours! I think you could for sure make working part time work! Love to hear Glad you enjoyed the video, overworking only ever leads to burn out, don't get me wrong there are phases where I find myself working 12 hour days but it comes in stages, there's more to life then work! 😊

[@elisethecoolest]

@@abiconnick thank you so much!

[@bamber4757]

Sis, I need your playlist. the background music. 🔥 🔥

[@abiconnick]

Glad you like it! I get all the music for my videos on Artlist here; bit.ly/3BcSs33

[@AllisonMVO]

Love your content so much. Where is your grey sweater from? It looks so fuzzy and cozy!

[@abiconnick]

Thank you so much!! It’s from Marks & Spencer!! Best purchase of the year so far🤣

[@alicelau1901]

Would love to know how do you get inspiration for your design or maybe other designers that you look up too. I really love your designs! 💕

[@abiconnick]

My inspiration can come from a lot of sources!! I’m just inspired by the brave, daring, vibrant colours, anything that has unique typography, Pinterest, behance, cool buildings, wall art and lots more!! I get very inspired by things that go against the norm and try to represent this throughout my work!!

[@syedhussainalishah1104]

You are living my dream 😍 I have always wanted to do things the way you do 😅

[@abiconnick]

Aww thank you so much! It’s definitely achievable if you’re wanting to work for yourself! Are you a designer yourself?

[@syedhussainalishah1104]

@@abiconnick yup I make gaming logos mostly mascots but I am a beginner and still learning. I like how you keep everything managed.

[@marialopes1713]

you are amazing I love your channel so much

[@abiconnick]

Ahhh thank you so much, the sweetest comment!! Glad you love the channel 🧡

[@kaymackay]

I'd love to buy the templates you've shown in this video! And the one's you've been posting on instagram. You've been helping me so so much, I am graduating this May and I come to your pages every. single. day!!!!

[@abiconnick]

This is great to here! Currently working on a few projects BTS 👀thank you! Glad my videos can be of such help! 🧡

[@abiconnick]

Also best of luck with your graduation 🧡🧡

[@kaymackay]

@@abiconnick Thank you so much 💛💛

[@thedigitalceo]

Thanks Abi. You’re so inspiring! Regarding sponsors do they just come to you or is there a place where you scout sponsors. Would love to know more on how that works.

[@abiconnick]

No problem, so all the sponsors I've worked with have approached me, I'd say I turn down about 90% of them because the services/products they are trying to sell aren't of use or applicable to my audience. But if you're looking to reach out to sponsors or get an agency to on your behalf check out Standard standard.tv/ I know big You Tubers like Alli Abdail & Thomas Frank work with them.

[@pivotordie]

sooo true

[@navya-singhal]

How I wish my life was that sorted🤣❤ One day for sure🙌 Also, do you not do discovery calls Abi?

[@abiconnick]

Sometimes it’s not sorted and I have my bad days but it’s good to know your weekly routine and have those systems in place so it runs so much more smoothly! With discovery calls it depends on the client, sometimes we will hop on a call if I need any more information and sometimes it’s not needed! But we always have a kick off call to start the project off and to go through brand strategy ☺️

[@rovelynabarico1042]

wow!!your so fun..and ive learn a lot..designer wanna be here..dont know i think i just too late..may i ask if you could share the template?for proposal for client?thnks

[@abiconnick]

Thank you 😊 All my templates are avialable here: www.abiconnick.co.uk/templates

[@fredgraphix6656]

thank you so much madam abi i started following you its now 1 week and i have learnt how to use pencil tool,and many tools. my request do you have some tutorials about after effect thanks

[@abiconnick]

You are welcome 😊 Glad the videos have been of help! I do not, but might do in the future.

[@fredgraphix6656]

@@abiconnick wow i will be waiting no matter what because i want to learn after effect from you. i cant wait thank you once again

[@momonatu4998]

Ahahah, if I go to the gym in the morning, I will be tired all day. I don't get how other people feel energetic afterward. For me it's the opposite.

[@abiconnick]

Each to their own! 😂 I feel like once you get used to it, it sets you up for a good day and makes you feel good! But it does take time to get used too!

[@momonatu4998]

@@abiconnick Ahahah, maybe. I have tried once but I just realized it doesn't work for me ahahah. You are so nice! Rarely people react to comments on KZbin. Your content is so authentic and helpful!

[@kimedwards5470]

Abi what platforms do you use to get clients ? Which ones do you find the most successful ?

[@abiconnick]

For be it's been KZbin and Instagram, it's where I get all my clients :)

[@kimedwards5470]

@@abiconnick Thankyou! this is really helpful! :)

[@OlanPhoto]

I need help and advice to build the package for my own brand

[@princemehra12]

I loved your all video

[@abiconnick]

Yay I’m glad you do, thank you!!

[@loveenglish531]

Good Life

[@jenraffles3938]

Yeyyy!! I loved this insight thanks for sharing Abi, loved that it was a long video too haha! I always look forward to your videos so a 20+min one was such a treat 🥰 random thought/question regarding one of the client projects, you mentioned doing socials for a client from December - was this just a one off long project, returning customer or do you just space out projects over several months usually?

[@abiconnick]

Ahhh thank you so much! Glad you enjoy the longer from of content 🤭 really enjoyed filming this style of vlog!! It can vary depending on each project!! Most of my projects take between 5-7 weeks to complete. But with this particular client we are waiting for formulas and product bottles to be confirmed with their supplier so it’s a longer project that may take up to 6 months to complete! These are just broken up into more stages compared to my normal brand identity packages☺️

[@Stahsie]

Do you find it hard working for yourself? In terms of finding clients and making the money you desire? Do you have others working for you, if not how do you balance clients to make enough and not get overwhelmed?

[@abiconnick]

So at the start of my journey I would say for sure I struggled, but being completely honest building a social media presence through Instagram and KZbin has helped me so much in terms of getting clients and making a good income. I don't only rely on clients for income now as I have KZbin and sponsorships that help fund the channel. So yes i actually do work with my partner, not very many people know this, but he's actually in the business with me, I prioritise client work, my Instagram and filming these KZbin videos, while he does a lot of bts things like editing the videos, scripting, content creation ideas, and helps structure and plan the business for the future. Having someone else for sure helps with being overwhelmed, but I would say that there are still days I feel like it, but I think that is a natural part of the process when building your own business. 😊

[@leeray666]

Thumbs up because Liverpool.

[@abiconnick]

🧡

[@LadyBUGG39]

waiting for your next 15 min logo video

[@abiconnick]

I want to add something extra to it so mix it up and prevent it from becoming stale, got any ideas?

[@Anime_kitten]

What I Mac do you have? Looking for one in my price range!

[@abiconnick]

2019 16gb, price wise you might be better off going for the new M1 chips

[@catiabandeira7332]

Hi, Why do you send 2 moodboards to the customer?

[@abiconnick]

This video explains it really well about why I offer two mood boards and the process, hope it helps ☺️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/bp65qnV5r8mdpZo

[@catiabandeira7332]

How long does it take to edit 1 video for the channel?

[@abiconnick]

So I have an editor who I work with and it takes him 2-4 days depending on type of video and length!

[@amitpatil6185]

Hi mam where are you from

[@abiconnick]

I’m from England! ☺️

[@onlycreativesgraphicdesign8743]

What do you do, in your free time?

[@abiconnick]

Netflix 😂😂

[@ruyjin3127]

im just asking what just called drawing character designs and drawing anime manga things what this called i thing graphic designer is diffrent ..

[@Pani27384]

Graphic design can be anything that involves with different types of digital media. For example logos, t shirt designs and making mock ups. If you are only focused on making characters or developing a manga that is also somewhat of a part of graphic design too.

[@abiconnick]

I believe this would be called illustrations! ☺️

[@LadyBUGG39]

i like you so much

[@abiconnick]

Thank you very much!

[@polashquadhi2330]

when did you wake up in the morning 🤔🙄

[@abiconnick]

Normally around 5.30am! Much more of an early bird!!

[@polashquadhi2330]

@@abiconnick I can't wake up that early 🙄 no way. 6:30 is the earliest.

[@designersadi8519]

Can u contract with me ??you gave me half orders of your I want to help you... Can u be my patner

[@abiconnick]

Excuse me?

[@lyrastar999]

turn around Abi's partner, i want to see your lovely face, lol!

[@abiconnick]

Hahah we will get him on the channel soon!

[@lyrastar999]

@@abiconnick cool