Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlee Green.
Hi Ashlee, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well, I started graphic design when I was 16. My first program (that I actually used for something) was Adobe elements on my laptop that I saved up for that took about a year to get. I used to just “make stuff” for school and came up with my first company name, Lou ink Graphics, back then. I went to Clark Atlanta University for Psychology, but all through college, I was making flyers for organizations, designing websites, and learning flash.
A couple of years after I graduated, I took my first leap into the complete full-time freelance life. I was hype too! I just knew I was going to make it – but I didn’t have a plan. I lasted about five months before I had to tuck in my tail and get a “real Job”. I was still designing as a side hustle though. Then in 2019, I took my second leap, but this time I had more of a footing in what I needed to do, and I haven’t looked back since.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! Lol, 2019 was TRASH. It was the G.H.E.T.T.O. I do NOT recommend it! LOL, no, but for real – my first year full-time freelance in 2019 was rough. It felt like everyone who was “ready” for me to take my business full time wasn’t ready and I think I only made about $11k that year. I don’t know how my family and I made it through – but we did. The crazy part about that though, when I look back at everything I was doing, once I homed in on my message and the types of clients I wanted to work with – things started to change… drastically.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In general terms – I’m a Graphic Designer. To be more specific, I’m a problem solver who uses design as my main tool. Many of my services include Graphic Design, Web Design, Brand Identity Design, Brand Strategy, and Marketing Strategy.
I specialize in Web design and Brand identity design. I find that working with a business from start to finish is the most rewarding. I ESPECIALLY LOVE watching the companies I work with grow, change, and expand. It’s so cool to me. It’s even cooler to know that I played a part in their growth and that my advice or services helped them get to where they are.
I like to think that what sets me apart from other designers is that I tend to “adopt” my clients. Once you’ve hired me… I stay around to check on things, make sure stuff still works, check in on them to ensure they’re posting regularly, helping with future marketing strategies. Part of my own personal branding is that I’m your business bestie for hire. I think I’m most proud of the longevity of the business and the potential for growth that A. Louise Creative has. I love learning new tactics, strategies and testing new models.
What were you like growing up?
Actually, believe it or not, I was really quiet growing up. I’ve always been bossy (with my brothers), but I was quiet in school. I didn’t get my “voice” until college. I thought I was going to be a Vet for the longest time, then a doctor, then a lawyer, and when my mom told me how much school I was going to need to do those, I immediately changed my mind. I’ve always been into tech & crafty things, but I’ve always had a business mindset… I remember selling lanyards and fortune tellers in elementary school and candy in middle school. Learning what profit margins were & how to make money.
Honestly – Graphic Design kind of just fell into my lap. My dad is a programmer, and he always had some cool programs on his machines and Corel Draw was my first introduction to Graphic Design. I had no idea that at 12, it would be my career, but I love it.
Contact Info:
- Email: ashlee@alouisecreative.com
- Website: www.alouisecreative.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/alouisecreative
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/alouisecreative
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/alouisecreative
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl_7wuFw25xjtLB-A6USV2A
Image Credits
Branded Photos Taken by Washington Photography. Mockups were designed by A. Louise Creative
