One of my resolves this year is to increase my freelance design work. To this end, I have created a website – www.tessacase.co.uk – although a website is merely the equivalent of a business card and has to be marketed. I decided that it was worth advertising in my local community and start spreading the word that I was working as a freelancer. I was also asked to write an article about myself although my suspicions are that this is to pad out the newsletter but one can hardly turn down a free advertorial. It was a tricky article to write as I know so many people in the village so it needed to be written personally but I also aimed to find an angle that would interest people reading a newsletter. Here is the finished piece and many thanks to my long-suffering sister for editing and advising!
Tessa Case: Graphic Designer
The Henchman loves to know more about new advertisers and we have asked Tessa Case, a graphic designer, to tell us a little about herself.
I arrived in London from Cape Town as a graphic-design graduate with £300 to my name, planning to travel and discover the art I had only ever seen in books as a student. I lived with two friends in a tiny studio flat and when we went out, we could only afford to share a coke between the three of us. But it was an adventure and for me seeing how big a Monet was or the richness of a Van Gogh when all you’ve had is A3 reproductions filled me with wonder. During that year I dabbled in secretarial work, nannying and cared for a 90 year old man – anything to keep body and soul together. Towards the end of the year I met Richard, my husband, and I never ended up returning to South Africa. It was about that time I started working as a graphic designer.
I have since designed for a number of companies with a wide variety of clients from luxurious spas to blue chip construction companies. I have also coordinated photographic shoots, most recently in a house with ten bedrooms. We had complete run of the place and rushed around discovering billiard rooms and new wings of guest rooms. The shoot involved a photographer, his assistant, a stylist, our team and the stars of the day – six children aged from 10 months to 4 years wearing pyjamas. Keeping a baby smiling with an audience of eight so you get the perfect shot is a challenge! I feel as if the pressure is off to make my own home perfect: in magazines, room scenes look idyllic but it is madness behind the camera with all the excess props chucked to the side. Photos are not real life but it was interesting to create the images and to make the sleepwear look gorgeous.
I am now also working as a freelance graphic designer and offer a range of design services including creating and reworking brands, from logos and stationery to developing complete corporate identities. I also create work for individuals, whether it’s an invitation for a special event or a commissioned art work as a gift for a loved one or a client. Have a browse through my website or contact me to see examples of my work.
When I’m not designing, I’m out enjoying the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside with children and camera in tow!
tessacase 