Today we’d like to introduce you to Chloe Owen.
Hi Chloe, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always had a passion for art. From a young age, I enjoyed painting/drawing and I was lucky enough to have art classes available to me in my early education. During high school, I realized that my art could be more than just a hobby or a chosen elective.
With no experience in computer arts, I decided that choosing Graphic Design as my declared major as I went into college was a great idea. (lol) I was introduced to a whole new medium and exposed to an entirely different side of the art world/industry/community that I was so inspired by. After years of dedication, frustration, accomplishment, failure, and truthfully so much personal and professional development, I ended up graduating with a BFA in Graphic Design at Chapman University in 2022.
Right after graduation, I started working for my family’s small business, Landers. a vintage clothing store, bar & restaurant, doing graphic design, marketing, and advertising. During my time at Landers, I have found that my work with clothing graphics and event/band flyers has been most rewarding. I love being able to create artwork that people can wear as an expression of themselves, and additionally, working with other creatives, artists, and musicians on event flyers has been gratifying beyond words.
These two aspects of my role at Landers led me to start my own freelance graphic design business, Chlo In The Dark Designs. Which is where I am today; I work full-time with Landers and take on as many freelance projects as I can on the side!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest obstacle I have had to overcome so far was finishing my degree during the pandemic. While switching to an online class schedule worked well for my general education classes, it was really difficult for me to learn the intricacies and nuances of graphic design. While some might wonder how hard it could be, working on a computer and learning through a computer (isn’t that the same thing?? lol), the most challenging part was the lack of community, critique, and inspiration from other classmates that you would normally get in person. While my professors did their best, it was really hard to encourage the students (including me) to engage in class time through Zoom.
Outside of my education, I have struggled with setting boundaries for myself and my workload. While I love to be busy, some days I would find myself working 12-14 hour days one end because I took on too many projects. I was creatively burnt out and felt like nothing I produced was up to the standards that I set for myself. I learned that while I would love to say yes to everyone the second the opportunity comes around, it wouldn’t hurt me or my business to ask for more time or to circle back when I am more available. In fact, in doing so, I found that I can produce more unique/inspiring concepts, a higher quality of work, and even a better client connection.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Although I am a Graphic Designer, and most of my time is spent designing on my tablet and computer, I still love to paint and draw off-screen. Recently, I have found myself longing for more art done in the physical realm and therefore, some of my recent projects have been; painting motorcycle helmets & tanks, custom-designed shop signs, acrylic watercolor paintings, and drawing on clothing!
However, within the field of Graphic Design, the work that I find myself enjoying the most is illustration and hand lettering. I pride myself on being able to deliver artwork to my clients that can’t be found elsewhere. I believe I am most known for the illustration style I have curated amongst the various projects I have done whether it be a logo design, a clothing graphic, an event flyer, or a magazine cover.
I take great pride in working with/alongside other creatives (whether that be someone with a clothing company, a magazine, a small business, a band, etc.) because, in my experience, there is nothing more gratifying than someone you admire choosing to work with you. Additionally, I feel so fortunate to be in a position where I can create art that brings attention to or spreads the word about other people’s careers, passions & hobbies, and that is what I am most proud of.
I think what sets me apart from others is that I am always craving to learn something new, work with new mediums, take on different projects, etc. Anything that puts me out of my comfort zone and pushes me to be a better version of myself is where I want to be.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I did not get accepted to college as a graphic design major! In high school, I played many different sports, one of which was rowing (yes, in a boat). During my senior year, I was accepted to Loyola Marymount on a rowing scholarship.
I attended Loyola in the fall of 2017, I was on the rowing team and registered with pre-medical courses that would put me on the path toward becoming a physician’s assistant. After two semesters of extremely early mornings and a boatload (no pun intended 😉 ) of homework and curriculum, I wasn’t interested in or understanding, I decided to step away from the team and declare a Computer Arts major. Soon after, I transferred to Chapman University and was accepted to their BFA Graphic Design program and the rest is history!!
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