#NYCShopSmall — Interview with Freelance Graphic Designer Rhiaud Haniff.
#NYCShopSmall is about giving those small businesses a voice, in a different and special way.
Rhiaud is a New Jersey based graphic designer who specializes in brand & visual identity. He’s always had a passion for design and quickly realized that the digital world was the way of the future. Rhiaud’s passion has been developing engaging visual communication for brands, people and discerning robots everywhere.
#NYCShopSmall: How long have you been a freelance designer?
Rhiaud Haniff: I started in the fall of 2015 while I was still in school. Started with close friends and family as my first clients. I did it on and off until the start of 2017 when I fully committed to the idea.
It has its benefits, work from anywhere, make your own hours, etc.
Most of the work I do is focused on branding & visual identity, so I help startups and more established companies with there image. From logos, flyers, product and packaging, and video editing, anything that a company needs to market their business, I’m happy to help.
#NYCSS: Did you learned all of those things in school or did you learn some on your own?
Rhiaud: Some were from school, such as the history of design and how it correlates to technology. There were also projects where designing a logo to conceptualizing flyers, were done. Mostly the things that I’ve done now is what I’ve learned from than, I’ve only expanded on it and broadened my area of focus.
There are many areas of design, as I’ve come to learn. Sure you can be a jack of trades, but sooner or later you are going to have to find your niche.
It’s what makes a designer marketable, in my opinion. In my case designing branding material is what I’m most comfortable with doing.
#NYCSS: I absolutely agree. Do you mind if I ask how much you charge for branding materials? Like a custom label for a product, for example.
Side Note: It may seem like I was asking a forbidden question here, but I was asking for another business owner who needed help with some product design.
Rhiaud: I usually charge per project as I’ve found this better than an hourly rate. My rates have changed as I’ve gotten more confident talking with clients. Now my rates range anywhere from $80–$600 depending on the project.
In the case of a product design, I take into account the client’s budget and start from there. If this is their first product design, I’ll start at $100 for the fact that if they were to continue working with me, I could keep the price and than charge more.
#NYCSS: Do you just handle the design end or are you also familiar with materials? Like what kind of materials work best with whichever products?
Rhiaud: I mostly stick to the design as I like to work with what information the client has. If they’re starting from scratch, say they need a name for the company than I can help them in that capacity as well. From there I’d design the logo, letterhead, and business cards.
#NYCSS: What made you go to school for graphic design?
Rhiaud: I was always interested in art growing up. Illustrating was the first thing I remember doing in that aspect. As I grew older, at around high school I’d say is where I learned more about software and digital media.
I always thought there was a way to combine art with problem solving so I decided to take it up as a profession.
#NYCSS: Very cool. What made you freelance instead of starting a company?
Rhiaud: I’d say experience played a factor. Once employers weren’t getting back to me I took that as a sign I needed to build up my experience.
Freelancing started out as a way of gaining that experience which I believe I’ve accumulated but I’ve continued doing because I like being my own boss.
Down the road I see myself working for an in-house team or an agency, but for now I’m happy to continue freelancing for a little while longer.
#NYCSS: So no desire to start your own thing? Be your own boss? Take on clients that you want, that sort of thing.
Rhiaud: Yes absolutely. I’ve always wanted to have my own clients, and after figuring out that freelancing was the best thing I could have done I’ve learned to appreciate it even more. I think I was always going to do freelance at one point in time during my career. It, being at the start, was quite challenging at times, but I’ve learned to adapt and get better.
So there’s always been that desire to start on my own, I think gaining experience along the way is just one of the advantages.
#NYCSS: Yes experience definitely does help. Especially seeing the advantages and disadvantages of having your own business.
What has been your most favorite project to work on? If you can discuss those details
Rhiaud: My favorite project I’ve done thus far was for a client of mine who wanted to release an updated clothing line. He’s an independent musician from California so the new designs were to reflect his image and profession. I took inspiration from his previous line and himself in order to create the new logos.
Once I did, I packaged them alongside various merchandise like t-shirts, hoodies, and hats. Once he was satisfied he sent the designs to print and now he has new clothing he sells on his site. I’m most proud of the project because seeing someone wear a design that you came up with is really cool.
#NYCSS: Very cool!
What’s your creative process like? Do you hear what’s needed and immediately come up with an idea or does it take you some time?
Rhiaud: I’d say my creative process is listening to what the client wants and taking it straight from there. If it’s a logo, I like to sketch out a few ideas before presenting them.
I like taking into account their previous work, if they have any. This way I can create something that is more inline with their brand. I definitely get working as soon as possible. Whether on paper, software, or conceptualizing ideas that I believe will work, I am always seeking possible solutions.
#NYCSS: Do you ever turn to certain mediums for inspiration? Music, TV, magazines, art, etc.?
Rhiaud: Absolutely, I draw inspiration from all different mediums. I also find keeping up with design trends as a way I personally find motivation as well. If I see something that’s popular, I’ll try and incorporate it when desirable.
#NYCSS: Is there a specific medium that’s your go-to? Like something you turn to first or do you save it for last if everything else doesn’t work?
Rhiaud: I wouldn’t say so in terms of inspiration. If the client has a social media presence I usually take a closer look to see what designs they do. Depending on the project, say if it were a CD album I was designing, I’d look at that genre’s albums to get some inspiration.
#NYCSS: I see..How long does it usually take you to complete a project, from start to finish?
Rhiaud: I’d say it depends on the project. A logo might be done in a day or two depending on the revisions. A flyer or brochure can take 3 days if the client wants multiple examples.
If a client has a project that requires design all the branding to get the company starting, than it could be more that a week. Again, it certainly depends on the project.
#NYCSS: What would you say your style of design is?
Rhiaud: I strive to keep my designs as minimal as possible. To much can be too distracting and too little just comes across as boring in my opinion. A medium is what I look to do in all of my work, regardless of the project.
An example of this would be if I were working on a flyer. If the image asks for a busy background, I’d choose to keep the font the same color as it would be too distracting if they were all different colors.
#NYCSS: Agreed! I also heard a long time ago that sometimes less is more when it comes to design. Even empty space can play a huge role if done right.
Rhiaud: Absolutely; it’s definitely true in my experience.
#NYCSS: What’s a good piece of advice you’d give to other graphic designers just starting out?
Rhiaud: Never stop learning. Embrace what interests you and stay on top of it. Everything you need to know is a never-ending pursuit. Actively research and discover what is out there and who is doing it really well. Ignite discussions with them.
#NYCSS: Awesome advice!
What’s the first thing you bought after getting your first client as a freelancer?
Rhiaud: The first thing I brought was probably some Adobe Programs. I wanted to try video editing software at one point so I bought Premiere Pro. I don’t use it as much now but I’m fairly comfortable with the platform.
#NYCSS: Yea those programs take some getting used to lol
Have you ever turned down a customer/client or stopped working on a project? If yes, why did you turn them down?
Rhiaud: I’d say if they don’t respect the contract we agreed to at the start of the project than I’d consider it. Communicating with them to see where the problem lies is one way I’d go about things. From there I’d try to determine whether I want to pursue the project any further.
#NYCSS: What’s something you want to do in the next year that you’ve never done before?
Rhiaud: Definitely continue learning on an individual and professional level. Expanding my clients and having more time to help them. Learn more about the industry and meet new professionals who’ve been around.
#NYCSS: I feel like most, if not all, professions involve endless learning.
If you woke up and had 2,000 unread emails and could only answer 300 of them, how would you choose which ones to answer?
Rhiaud: It depends if all 2000 of them require an answer. assuming all of them do, I would start from the last one from a known source.
Usually the last ones show a string of emails from an early conversation. that might trim quite a few. From there it would be order of precedence VIPs, time/goal, critical, pre-existing threads and shortest answers.
#NYCSS: Different approach lol, I like it.
What technology innovation made the most impact on your life?
Rhiaud: Ha, yeah I have a lot of emails myself.
As for new innovative tech that’s impact me I’d say the Apple Pencil. As a designer I usually sketch ideas before uploading them into the software of my choice. When I Design with the Apple Pencil on my iPad can just link the design to my desktop. Makes it much easier if I was just to use a pencil and paper.
#NYCSS: That’s pretty cool. Didn’t even know they had that lol
Would you say it’s easier that way instead of traditional pencil and paper?
Rhiaud: For me personally yes, I find it better. It took some time to get use to at first since I’d been using traditional pencil and paper. After using it longer it’s become like second nature. Some people aren’t so lucky and just can’t get use to the feel which I understand. To me it’s not a problem.
#NYCSS: Name two things you consider yourself to be very good at.
Rhiaud: Communication and Problem Solving.
I think communicating is much more than talking with someone. Sure it helps, but I find that listening plays a huge role in communicating. Listening to a clients needs is always the first step in seeking out solutions.
This leads me to problem solving which I’m also good at. Once I find where a clients needs lie, I can effectively map out a detailed plan of action I can take to reach the desired outcome.
#NYCSS: Yes those are definitely crucial! I feel like you can be the best designer, or anything really, but if you dont listen and solve the problems for them, well that’s just shitty lol
If you could pick up a new skill in an instant, what would it be?
Rhiaud: Yeah it’s so crucial, but you’d be surprised how many people I know who don’t focus on them.
As for a new skill I’d love to learn instantly, it would have to be language learning. Piggybacking on the idea of communication, I think it would be a great thing to be able to communicate with others better and it would allow me to be more comfortable with the idea of traveling to different countries.
#NYCSS: So many people said like a skill that could help their business in areas they lack in. But your answer is a great thing to have overall.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this week?
Rhiaud: I like to think outside the box on most things lol.
Most interested thing I’ve read this week would have been an article on Fansided.com critiquing the New York Jets new logo. I found it interesting seeing that the article said the logo was too busy. I didn’t really have an opinion, it was just that I’d not seen graphic design brought up on a sports website before.
#NYCSS: Interesting, I’ll definitely have to check that out. Maybe they figured it was an uncommon piece that might attract a different kind of crowd to their website
The next 5 questions are the last few for the interview. They are would-you-rather questions, would you like to answer a few? I ask everyone those fun questions just to mix it up a bit
Rhiaud: Yeah let’s do it!
#NYCSS: Would you rather be 10 minutes late or 20 minutes early?
Rhiaud: I always prefer to be 20 minutes early than 10 minutes late. Whenever I reach early somewhere , I always feel like a winner. And I hate being late, it depresses me like anything. William Shakespeare once said “I rather be an hour early than a minute late”.
#NYCSS: I understand the feeling of being early. Especially when it’s a business meeting of some sort. You make the other person feel like you’ve got your shit together in some sort of way lol.
Would you rather know the history of every object you touched or be able to talk to animals?
Rhiaud: Definitely; that’s a good one.
I’d say being able to know the history of every object I touch would be interesting. It would beat opening a book or browsing online to learn more. But talking to animals would be really awesome. Could you imagine having a full blown conversation with a tiger or shark? That would blow my mind! So I’d talk to animals.
#NYCSS: It would be pretty insane!
Would you rather live in a house with see-through walls in a city or in the same see-through house but in the middle of a forest far from civilization?
Rhiaud: I’d say the see-through house in the middle of a forest. If I was surrounded by a city they’d see every move I made. I would get lonely sure, but in this scenario that solitude in the middle of a forest sounds pretty good given the circumstance.
#NYCSS: Would you rather have a flying carpet or a car that can drive underwater?
Rhiaud: A flying carpet. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to fly and travel all over the globe. Maybe flying on a carpet isn’t how I picture I’d do it, but it would be awesome nonetheless.
#NYCSS: It would definitely be convenient to travel lol. Which brings me to my next and last question..
Would you rather travel the world for a year all expenses paid or have $50,000 to spend on anything you wanted?
Rhiaud: That’s a great final question. I’d take the $50k to spend on whatever I want. If I had US$50k right now I would identify an existing profitable business that I could purchase using a loan with $60k as a deposit, putting up $30k myself and raising the other $30k from family and friends.
The $20k left would be split into a $10k emergency fund and $10k worth of stock that I would not touch for at least 10 years.
#NYCSS: Wow that’s a very thought out answer lol
Thanks so much for your time!
You can view Rhiaud’s portfolio on his website — here! You can also follow him on Tumblr, Behance, Dribbble, and LinkedIn!
