Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Free.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My parents and I both have always been creative, so it was inevitable that I would choose a creative career path. After studying Industrial Design at Virginia Tech, I landed my first real job as an in-house Graphic Designer at a manufacturing company in New Hampshire. After about four years there, I returned to Atlanta and joined Portman Architects (then called John Portman & Associates) as their Graphic Design Manager and Brand Specialist. I spent almost four years with Portman Architects and thought I needed a break from architecture and wanted to take a shot at working for an agency. Earlier this year, I joined a local marketing agency as their senior graphic designer. I soon returned home to join Portman Holdings, a commercial real estate company. It is an honor to be back at Portman, to be a part of the development team, and to be their Senior Creative Manager.
Along with my job at Portman, I also have my own Esty shop and do freelance design work.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey has been filled with many ups and downs – but I have learned so much in the process. The experience of significant adversity changes you. In my opinion, that kind of change can be a blessing. When it’s happening, it may not seem like it, but in the end, it will shape you into the person you are supposed to be.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I serve as Portman Holdings’ Senior Creative Manager, collaborating with our Creative Director to develop impactful, performance-driven marketing materials the company can use across various platforms. We curate collateral not only for the Portman brand (internally and externally) but also for all the properties that Portman owns, sells, develops, etc. I am primarily known for my work in branding and creative identity (that was one of the main reasons Portman Holdings asked me to join their team). The thing I love most is crafting corporate color palettes, corporate typefaces, logos, look and feels, mood boards, and roll-out items for every project. What sets me apart from others is that I totally immerse myself in my work, and there is a part of me in everything I do.
As a creative outlet outside of my work at Portman Holdings, I dabble in the photography arts, draw and paint. I mostly draw/paint for my Etsy shop, or if somebody commissions me to do new artwork for their home, but in the past year, I have been designing tattoos for people as well. Nevertheless, the best feeling for me is when someone buys art from my store and sends me pictures of their home and where the art is displayed; or when people get a tattoo I designed for them, have it done, and send me pictures of the end result. Always brings a smile to my face.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
For design inspiration, I look to Dribbble, Designspiration, Awwwards, and of course Pinterest. WeTransfer publishes amazing creative trends and data that I look at each year, as well as Shutterstock.
There is a clothing company that I follow as well, and I am always impressed and inspired by, the company is called, God Is A Designer. The aesthetic they have created so clean and crisp. is amazing.
For podcasts and books, I am all over the place! I enjoy reading books like, “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a ____”; but then I also love reading about travel; and I love buying new cookbooks to read about new baking/cooking recipes. For podcasts, I enjoy listening to podcasts on relationships, like “Call Her Daddy” and “Viall Files”.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sarafreecreative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraofree/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/saraofree
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheArtShopBySaraFree
