Klo Burgess: Working as a graphic & web designer during the quarantine

image credits: designbyklo.com

Creativity comes in small packages during the lockdown. While there are plenty of things we truly miss, for someone who works in the creative industry - you’d definitely wish you could come up with more genius ideas these days. And if you don’t, you end up putting lots of pressure on yourself, feeling guilty, and working 7 days a week - hoping to generate art, ravishing imagery, and inspiring captions. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work this way. Creativity yields in times of serenity, during walks in nature, when visiting museums, by looking at trees, clouds, architecture, and while having coffee with a friend. On this note, learn how Klo deals with working (a lot) on her design projects during the quarantine and how she stays positive and creative without the happy places she’s used to. 

Interview #4: Klo Burgess from Design by Klo | Graphic and Website Designer based in Brisbane, Australia

How have you been feeling in the past few weeks? Did the lockdown affect you?

It’s been a slight change from the beginning of the lockdown! I work from home so I’m used to doing that already and am absolutely grateful to still be working with my clients, I’d say its more the little things of not being able to go to the gym in the morning, going to the cafe with friends or having the ability to chose to go out really! Other than that its been okay - the cabin fever is definitely starting to set in though!

What helps you stay sane and grounded during the worldwide crisis?

I’ve really tried to stay focused on producing client work as well as learning new design techniques! I recently purchased an iPad (so late of me as a designer, I know) as I really wanted to learn more about Procreate and just design a bunch of illustrations as I love drawing! I also have told myself to make sure I take time out for myself and do absolutely nothing. I can get very focused into work mode that I don’t realise I’ve worked 8 days in a row. Family time (if possible) is so important to me too!

How do you usually start your day/what daily habits do you practice that help you have a better day and feel good about yourself?

Exercise first thing in the morning is an absolute must! It gets my mental focus really sharp and ready for the day. Then depending on how busy my work schedule is for the day, I’ll sit down and have a coffee and slowly ease into work. I do also love meditating at least 1-2 times a week, just cleanses out my anxiety too! I may also decide to hop into the lounge room and binge reality tv for a few hours - it’s a mixed bag haha!

In your opinion, what are 3 things that photographers and other creatives can focus on, right now, to help their business survive and make it stronger for the time when things go back to normal?

I really think pushing the marketing aspect at this time is so crucial! It’s imperative to make sure your brand doesn’t go stale, that people keep noticing your work, and remember who you are! I also personally think trying new things you wanted to prior to the lockdown is such a great tool for future aspects! You may love it, you may hate it but you gave it a shot and could seriously work in your favour :)

Who inspires you during this time and why? Are there any particular resources that you’ve been enjoying and would recommend to others(books, podcasts, articles, etc)?

I would have to be corny here and say my father is inspiring me the most during this time. He has worked tirelessly his whole life to support our family, and while watching him evolve into having to work from home, doing e-chats rather than face to face meetings and STILL finding positive ways around the negatives, its honestly really quite inspiring to me. You can easily take the negatives in any situation, but if you can find positives and enhance on those, you’ll make it through the best you can!

What would you say to someone who is having a hard time these days (which is probably most of us, to be honest)?

I would say, you are not alone at all! Everyone is doing it really hard, and absolutely some harder than others. But as long as you keep communicating with your friends and family,

safely get some fresh air and keep your brain busy (puzzles, reading, cooking, etc) you’ll notice a slight smile come through! Find things that make you laugh, reminisce with friends, and make plans for the future when restrictions become limited! I’m a massive advocate for mental health and I know from experience the loneliness that can come from being locked down like we are at the moment, the emotions that can come from it can be very confusing and quite daunting and it’s imperative that you look after yourself and your mental health during this time!

***

For many photographers during the lockdown work revolves around more editing, updating the website, rescheduling your bookings, and coming up with ways to stay afloat. On the other hand, some designers (like Klo) end up working even more than before. And as needed as creativity is - it is also in such short supply! So if you are working more than usual these days, it is important to not beat yourself up for underperforming. Instead, take a minute to talk to a friend or watch your favorite show on Netflix. And you’ll notice how creativity comes knocking back on your door. Learn to work with good times and bad times. You are truly doing your best right now, and we are really proud of each and one of you!

Stay tuned, as we’re continuing our last interview of the series with Phylicia who will be sharing some tips on how to find the weak spots in your business during this time and how to address them.

Creatively yours,

Squaremuse Team