Today we’d like to introduce you to Eleanor Wall.
Hi Eleanor, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was blessed to grow up in a family that fostered my creative passion at an early age. My parents ran a small printing business when I was young. My father was a jack of all trades. He was the Founder, Business Manager, Salesperson, Prepress Technician, Printing Press Operator, Bindery Worker, Print Finisher, and Press Operator. My mother, on the other hand, was a jill of all trades. She was the Finance Officer, Bindery Worker, Typesetter, Quality Control, and Customer Associate. Growing up, I would help my parents handle print jobs at home with my siblings after school. I was one of their Bindery Workers and Typesetters. I was responsible for creating designs on the computer, collating, and working on other finishing services for a print job. My parents have always been one of my sources of inspiration, and how they raised our family with our small business.
After college, my creative skills were shaped and developed when I was accepted as a graphic designer at a television network in Manila, Philippines. I was introduced to various creative outlets while working as a broadcast designer. I learned new programs new skills, and saw myself immediately drawn to graphic design before I even knew this was a career path that I wanted to take. Working in media for six years was a unique experience that helped me identify my strengths as a graphic designer.
I then had the opportunity to migrate to the US together with my family. I serendipitously landed a job at a printing company in Santa Monica, California, as a lead designer, and then worked at a sign production company in Cedar Park, Texas. I also started accepting freelance work and built good relationships with my clients. With nearly two decades of experience in the design industry, I have worked with hundreds of individuals, companies, and non-profit organizations, helping them bring their visions to life. Some clients would follow me online wherever I go. This is where I found my true artistic passion.
Fast forward to years later, I have gathered courage and learned a lot from my experiences as a designer. I launched my own business, Elei Ink and Paper, in 2012. My clients pushed me to launch this business as I felt needed. No matter where I am, no matter how many years have passed, and no matter how competitive this industry is, my clients believe in my work. This means a lot to me as a designer and small business owner.
Sometimes, I see myself following in the little footsteps of my parents, doing business in the print and design industry. Because here I am now in a different season of life, living in the suburbs of Austin, TX, and married with two children. I want to be able to help people bring their visions to life. It’s wonderful to help people succeed and be a part of it. I am truly blessed to have an amazing family and support system. My husband encourages me to no end, and my kids inspire me to lead by example. I want to show my children that hard work pays off and to always live to serve.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There’s no denying I have struggles on my own. It was not a smooth road, but it was a learning and growing journey. Making the business grow is a challenge. I have to overcome my fears and occasional self-doubt because the design and print industry is a highly competitive business. There are so many talented designers that it is sometimes difficult to see where I fit in. Having to always be on the lookout for potential clients by joining vendor markets, actively networking, and making myself seen is the biggest obstacle. Potential clients are everywhere. The name of the game is having them see and choose you among all of the existing talent out there. Despite all of these obstacles, I have to stay on track and continue to learn to enjoy the process, trust God’s timing, and continue doing what I am passionate about.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I’m a graphic designer, and I specialize in digital and print design. I’ve had the pleasure of working using both mediums. My work has spanned from media broadcasting design for television to designing for high-end brands, prestigious firms, startups, non-profits, and small businesses. As a graphic designer, this includes offering services. I use my artistic abilities and technical skills to create designs for digital and print use. I help my clients build and develop their brands, as well as provide them with all kinds of paper products, such as stationery, brochures, catalogs, flyers, business cards, and other printed materials used for personal and professional correspondence. I’m proud of my work because I have nearly two decades of experience crafting brands and bringing visions to life. I have dedicated years to this line of work and have shown commitment to the industry, my clients, and my company. I’m also grateful to belong to a creative community as an Adobe Express Ambassador, where I share tips and tutorials online about graphic design.
What makes me unique is my years of experience in this field. Even though I have had many years of experience, I still find there is always something new to learn. I take time with my work and learn from it, and I am determined to make myself a better individual. My one-on-one treatment for each of my clients is what makes me unique. I want to listen and give my clients the best possible service. My desire, commitment, and motivation to work for this company and expand my knowledge and experience at the same time is also another thing that sets me apart from the rest. I enjoy helping others and being a part of their success.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
What I have learned from COVID-19 is to never take things for granted. Things can quickly change regardless of how well they were going previously. Some businesses had to close down, most were negatively impacted in some way, and others survived or even thrived. Flexibility and resilience are key in every crisis. People who come through crisis are the ones who learn to adapt.
We must all think creatively and take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eleiinkandpaper.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/eleiinkandpaper
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/eleiinkandpaper
- Email: eleiinkandpaper@gmail.com
