Exploring Life & Business with Helen Thompson of Helen Thompson Design

Today we’d like to introduce you to Helen Thompson.

Hi Helen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a freelance graphic designer based in Denver. I’ve been in Colorado since 2019 but have been a creative since childhood. 

I was always in the Arts and Crafts area at summer camp and developed an interest in film photography in high school. In college, I initially planned on majoring in journalism but soon realized that my true passion lay in creating visuals rather than writing. As a result, I majored in Communication Design, with minors in Adventure-Based Learning and Leadership Skills.

In 2019, I moved to Denver to be closer to the mountains and began my career at a small digital marketing agency. I learned a lot and got to know the city but realized that I was passionate about design rather than general marketing. I transitioned to a new role as a brand manager for a local boutique real estate brokerage. In this position, I had the opportunity to create a wide range of materials, including social graphics and multiple issues of a lifestyle magazine.

In addition to my full-time work, I started an Etsy store selling digitally illustrated stationery and took on a couple of freelance design clients. At the beginning of 2023, I decided to dedicate myself fully to my freelance business. Currently, I work with clients from across the nation and in the UK, creating beautiful print and digital designs for their businesses.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like most folks, my career has had its highs and lows. I like to think of the challenges that I’ve faced as learning opportunities. When I was first starting, it was difficult to get hired with little experience and a student’s portfolio.

When I did find jobs, I quickly learned what types of work lit me up and which felt like they dragged me down. I have taken those challenges as chances to grow my experience, improve my work, and seek out opportunities that allowed me to zone in on my strengths.

I am glad that I have been able to pivot when needed and now as my own boss, I can fully dive into the projects that inspire me and allow me to do my best work for clients.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a freelance graphic designer serving businesses of all sizes. I love to create visually compelling pieces that help my clients connect with their audiences. Whether you need a magazine designed, documents for your digital course produced, or are looking for a custom illustrated look, I got you!

I serve my clients through a range of services: publications and document design, digital asset creation for web and social, illustration, and branding. I love to work with folks who already know their message and need help bringing their vision to life. I love the nitty gritty design details that pull a piece together. My favorite type of design is layout and publication design because I get to work with those minute details while keeping the bigger picture in mind.

My clients experience my personal touch on every piece we work together on. I value clear communication and I build long-term relationships with my clients because they know they can rely on me.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
I offer a wide range of custom design services which you can view on my website. The best way to reach out is through the contact form on my website! helenthompsondesign.com.

If you’re interested in my physical art, you can buy cards, prints, and stickers on my Etsy: helenthompsondesign.etsy.com.

And I always appreciate a follow on socials! @helenthompsondesign on IG, TikToK and FB.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://helenthompsondesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helenthompsondesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelenThompsonDesign/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hthomps/
• Other: https://helenthompsondesign.etsy.com