Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in freelancing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Citra Anandya Gunawan, Freelance Graphic Designer based in Jakarta, Indonesia.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a freelance Graphic designer. I'm a professional who uses my artistic skills to create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. I develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as advertisements, digital marketing, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.
My business typically involves providing design services to clients in exchange for compensation. My clients range from businesses, organizations, or individuals who need visual materials created for a specific purpose, such as marketing or branding. I now work freelance, but I am also experienced in being employed by a design firm, advertising agency, or other types of organization. I work in various industries, including publishing, advertising, marketing, and web design.
Tell us about yourself
I began learning photography at the age of 11 and began working professionally in the creative world as a video editor in 2003. I took videos and combined footage to create beautiful outputs, especially for weddings and birthday events. Over the years, I have developed a deep understanding of the creative process and what goes into creating beautiful visuals. From 2004–2014, I worked as an in-house graphic designer for an SME in Surabaya, Indonesia. I still continued to work as a freelancer on the weekends while gaining valuable experience in the graphic design industry.
Motivation: Kids and Parents
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
In 2015, I moved to a photography production house as a senior photographer. By that year, I'd been hired as a freelancer on some big Jakarta production houses as well, and I'd landed my best opportunity as a senior leader in some ministry event production. I stopped working onsite in 2020 due to COVID-19, and in early 2022, I started this profession: build a career as an Upwork freelancer and as a freelance mentor for some human resources organizations, such as ADPList and Remote Worker Indonesia.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is when it comes to unexpected holocausts such as COVID-19, earthquakes, war, etc. And some small obstacles, such as newcomers that sell at a lower price regardless of quality. These holocausts and small obstacles can be incredibly difficult to manage, as they are unpredictable and out of our control. Even though these holocausts and small obstacles are out of our control, we must prepare for them as best we can.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Keep learning new things.
- Maintain good health.
- Even if you don't get paid, share your talent.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://anandya.my.id/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citraanandyagunawan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citraanandya81/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/citra-a-gunawan/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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