Today we’d like to introduce you to Leighton Hubbell.
Leighton, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am the guy behind the one-person design shop, Leightonhubbell.com, and Hubbell Design Works. I started out many moons ago working in several capacities in the communication arts industry including employment and project work at various design firms, ad agencies, and promotional branding agencies. I am most widely recognized for my logo design, even though I offer a complete range of other design services.
For the last 15 years, I’ve had my own small studio focusing primarily on logo design, icon design, identity, branding, and illustration. Although I’ve worked with many large brands, a significant portion of my business is working with small to mid-sized companies on their marketing and design efforts.
Currently, I am completing some projects for the end of the year and looking forward to doing some teaching.
Has it been a smooth road?
Not always. It’s a struggle to get hired – to get your first break. You have to be determined, resilient and have a nice portfolio. People skills are definitely a plus, too.
Advertising is a highly competitive field, and sometimes agencies lose clients. People lose jobs. There’s a saying, ‘You haven’t really been in advertising until you’ve been laid off at least once’. Well, I’ve been there, done that. I had a 9-month old daughter and had just purchased our first house – two weeks later, I got laid off.
Not my favorite memory, but we were able to bounce back – thankfully.
As you become more senior in the field, you can’t be afraid to reinvent yourself. The industry is always changing and you have to adapt. I’ve fortunately been able to change with it and thrive.
When you look back, can you point to a period when you wanted to quit or a period that was really frustrating?
Sure, we’ve all had really tough moments. As for myself, I’ve had some very difficult spots – layoffs, slow paying clients, bad economy, especially when supporting a family – but, I never seriously thought about quitting. Maybe changing my focus, discipline or approach, looking at new or different markets, but never totally quitting. Every creative person I know has had to make adjustments to their career. As you go along, you find your new talents or redevelop existing ones to change with the times. Your career really is a work in progress.
Let’s change gears – is there any advice you’d like to give?
Be patient. Be kind. Always treat people like you would like to be treated. And always, always, always work on your portfolio. It is never done.
What are you most excited about these days?
What I’m most excited about with my career is that it’s never the same. Every day is different. Just when you think it’s becoming routine – something changes. And, that’s pretty cool.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://leightonhubbell.com
- Phone: 714.227.3457
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leightonhubbell/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leightonhubbellid/
- Other: https://twitter.com/leightonhubbell
Image Credit:
All images © copyright Leighton Hubbell | leightonhubbell.com
