Tell us about yourself, your business, and how we can find you on the internet.
Hello, I’m Sara đ I’m a Brand Identity Designer from Dundee in Scotland.
I’m on a mission to make design more accessible and have FUN in the process.
Thereâs no big words, no nonsense and no messing about. Using an open and collaborative process and an authentic no bullshit approach, I help build bold, opinionated brands that are ready to shout about what they believe in.
I work on:
â¤ď¸ Brand identity design and strategy
â¤ď¸ Social media content creation & management
â¤ď¸ Event & product promotion, design & marketing
You can check out my work at badbishdesign.com
And find me being me on Instagram and LinkedIn.
If you’re ready to start putting more YOU into your brand; download my brand workbook and get started untangling your business brain. (pssst.. it’s free!)
Can you recall a moment when you suddenly realised, âYes, this is exactly what I should be doingâ?
I was really shit at uni. Like really didn’t do very well. It’s not a place my brain flourished. I did a 4 year course, the first year was General Foundation, trying all the different specialisms.
I went to uni thinking I was going to be a painter. In the end, I chose Illustration – only because I’d heard the graphics tutor made students cry in their feedback crits and I thought if he tried to make me cry I’d probably get chucked out of uni for my response.
I never felt that I fitted into the art school world – I found it all a bit wanky and nonsensical.
I always loved super graphic art, but I didn’t really find my way until 4th year (oops – told you I was bad at uni). We had a project brief to create a brand identity for Orchard Pig Cider. I realised I could draw AND play with textures AND be graphic at the same time.
At the group crit for that project – the tutor gave me no notes. And I was like ‘Shit. This is the thing I’m good at’.
What do you think your younger self would say about you now? How would they feel meeting you?
I’m not sure if I’d think I was cool or a total dick. Maybe a bit of both? I think wee me would think it was super cool that I do design and work for myself (the tiny anarchist has always been there).
But I also think she’d be like eww stop talking about yourself on the internet. I guess I never stop long enough to reflect on where I’m at compared to where I’ve been, something I need to work on for sure!
If you could sit down with someone just starting out on their own freelance or entrepreneurial path, what one piece of advice would you love to give them?
Trust the red flags. If you feel in your gut something isn’t right, or you see a red flag, listen!
The clients who show you their red flags BEFORE you’ve even started working together will cost you more in time than they will pay you – fact.
Your admin time will soar and you’ll miss out on time you could be using to work with other clients. They’re telling you what they’ll be like to work with so if you can, listen.
What’s the best piece of constructive criticism you’ve ever received, and how did it impact your work?
Not sure this is constructive – but it’s definitely criticism. I’ve always been told I’m too much, too opinionated, too loud, too quiet, too shy, too SOMETHING.
It’s made me realise you’re never ‘just right’ for some people, which is ultimately a good thing. You’re not gonna be everyone’s cup of tea, and why would you want to be?
What’s a small, everyday thing that never fails to bring you joy?
A dog walk with a really good coffee at the end of it. Doesn’t matter what my mood is, if I go for a big walk with Alfie and we get a cute wee coffee and listen to a podcast, I come back to my desk feeling happy.
What is the nicest compliment you have received recently?
I’ve had a couple comments recently on LinkedIn which is really exciting. I’ve worked with socials for other people and brands for a while but finding my own voice on LinkedIn was tricky.
In the end I just wrote what felt right and posted it. Knowing other people recognise that as me being authentically me, makes me happy.
What is a product of any kind youâve been appreciating lately?
Boring but my google calender is life. I put everything in there, even reminders to take breaks and eat and go outside. It keeps me right and nudges me back in the right direction when I’ve veered off (which is quite often).
What is the funniest thing youâve seen recently?
My dog, Alfie, walked into a lamppost the other day. It was like a cartoon cos he was too busy staring at a Scottie dog across the road. Very funny stuff.
In five years, whatâs your dream scenario for yourself and your work? What are you most excited about?
I’m most excited about building a business around me and how my brain works.
I’ve spent a lot of time working in places where I don’t feel quite right, but my business is built to work for me and I’m super excited to see where that goes and what that means in the future.
I just want to be doing cool shit, with cool clients and helping people build things that make positive change in the world.
What is a quote thatâs meaningful to you?
“Whit’s fir ye’ll no go past ye”. My mum always says that to me. For me it means if you work hard for something and it’s for you, it won’t miss you. If it does go past you, it’s not for you.
Find out more about Sara and her business at badbishdesign.com.
And follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn.
You can also download her new brand workbook.
