Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Tucker.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My graphic design journey started in 2001 where I got my Associate’s Degree at Platt College in Ontario, California. After schooling, I took on different positions related to graphic design including two separate jobs designing retail and automotive ads for newspapers, a job where I designed promotional items, and a job as a prepress assistant which taught me the back end of the design process and where I learned how a file should be properly setup for print which helped immensely.
My last job was a graphic design position at a real estate company. It was at this point I realized real estate marketing was my passion and decided to start my own company, Class Act Designs, and since I had a sphere of influence of Realtors, I started designing real estate flyers, signs, business cards, etc.
It wasn’t long after that I started branching into other areas, such as nonprofit organizations, automotive dealerships, political campaigns, and several other businesses looking for marketing.
It’s incredible the amount of stepping stones it takes in order to gain the confidence needed to run a business. When I started my business, I was speaking at broker meetings and handing out flyers to every real estate office in the vicinity. My hard work paid off tremendously and now my business comes from 99% referrals. I am proud of the work I’ve done and look forward to all creative projects sent my way. My passion (and calling) is graphic design, and I’m fulfilling my dream.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My biggest struggles were public speaking at meetings (like many) and the confidence to run a business. I have always been independent, but you are completely on your own when you start a company when you’re self-employed. You are the Owner, CEO, accountant, sales, (and in my case) designer. The pressure can be overwhelming, and the key is to stay focused and make many lists (I’m old school and like post it notes, I have many) to stay on track.
My second challenge (where I’ll never get used to) are the breaks in between busy seasons. I think a lot of small businesses can relate to this. I will be inundated with work for five months, followed by 1-2 slow months (which can feel like a year). I now use these breaks and do online seminars, educate myself on latest graphic design trends and focus on my own social media and print media marketing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have over 20 years of experience in the graphic design/print industry and I specialize in elegant designs for business cards, logos, flyers, door hangers, postcards, signs, banners and unique marketing pieces.
I am extremely proud of being a business owner for 10 years now. When I started, people told me, “if you don’t make it in the first 2 years you probably won’t make it.” I feel very fortunate to have “made it”. I love a challenge and believe me, this has been the most challenging and rewarding aspect of my career.
I’m also proud to have a unique ability to “draw” concepts in my mind while speaking over the phone with a client. Usually by the end of the conversation, I have concepts ready to be created on the computer which saves time and frustration for both myself and my clients.
I believe what sets me apart from other designers is my “technique” or “style”. We all have our different way of designing, our shortcuts, our signatures, we are all unique. Some of us were born extremely creative and I feel like I fall into this category. It’s my mission to design against the grain; I am not a fan of cookie-cutter designs. I feel each design should be one of a kind. After all, our marketing is a reflection of ourselves and our business. When you look professional, you feel professional, and what better way to start with a great-looking business card, flyer or social media post.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I am lucky to have great people in my life, plenty of opportunities and triumphs throughout my career, but most importantly blessed to be where I am today. These aspects have carried me through hard times and made me stronger in every area of my life.
Every stepping stone leads you to something greater. I started with getting my Associate’s Degree. Since then, I’ve been lucky and blessed to be at the right place at the right time with most of my positions, but it definitely takes hard work and drive to move forward and closer to your true destiny. I am destined to be a graphic designer and own my own business. I absolutely love it and I feel it shows through my designs and work ethic.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.classactforyou.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClassActDesigns/
