Hi there, I’m Natalie,
german speaking graphic designer since 2007,
specialised in conceptual design, print and pre-press,
full time freelancing since 2012.
Discord name: Payalinchen
Server name: Paya, Nanali, Natalie
GD Discord Staff
Ranked as Specialist
Reviewer Superstar
Some of my work
Some questions, some answers
How did you learn graphic design?
I studied graphic design for three years. Most of my knowledge comes from working with others, listening to mentors and years of experience. You never stop learning in this field! There’s always something new around the corner so it’s important to stay curious.
Which tools do you use?
My most frequently used tools are InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. I use Adobe CS and Adobe 3D. I often use ProCreate on the iPad. At the agency, we use Slack, Trello and Asana for organisation. I only work on Windows with three Monitors in combination with my iPad. I have some drawing tablets like Wacom and XP-Pen, I use tools like the Sketchboard Pro and very important: a coffee mug warmer.
Do you do this for a living?
Yes, I do! I’ve been freelancing for over 13 years now and support a family of four full time. I never did something else. It’s the only job I have and I’m not doing it as a side hustle.
I’m totally addicted to design and love it!
In what areas are you an expert?
Mainly I work in the print sector. I create brochures, magazines, flyers, posters, billboards, packaging and trade fair stands on a daily basis. I prepare data for printing and create final data Ready to print. I also create marketing concepts for brands and realise them with all aspects. I illustrate, pixel digital and vector digital, also by hand with water colour. And I do anatomic illustrations for medicine products.
Is there something you don’t do?
Yes! I’m not doing social media. I’m not into the whole Pinterest-Instagram-Tiktok thing. I don’t do it for me privately and I don’t do it for clients. There are other people who are much more skillful than me and who are very good at social media. This also means that you don’t have to ask for my social networks because I don’t have them 🙂
Why are you on the Graphic Design Discord Server?
I love being in contact with other designers. I’m also always interested in trends and new tools and looking at the work of others to learn and help. I enjoy giving advice to other designers, discussing layouts and talking about ideas. Networking is fun, and that’s exactly what I do on the GD Server.Mainly to have fun and as a mentor.
Can you work for me?
I am always open to work as long as the enquiry is professional. I do not do private favours. On the server we have many helpful and skilled people who are happy to help. My hourly rate starts at $100 and I mainly work with companies and other agencies in the European area. If you have a project for me, please send dm me with detailed information.
Can I contact you?
If you need advice, the entire Graphic Design server is ready to help. If I can help you with your question, I will see and answer it on the server. The more information you provide with your question, the more likely you are to get help from other designers. If you really want to dm me, please be friendly and write more than just „hi“, otherwise I won’t answer. You can write me in english or german. Thank you!
Your advice for young designers?
Be friendly, learn and listen! Graphic design is fun, but it’s not as easy as it seems. To be a good designer, you need time, effort and a love of design. Don’t stop asking other designers for help. Only with help you’ll get better. Study all the tutorials you can find and don’t give up if you really love design. And always be nice to other people!
Fun facts
I did my first „branding“ when I was 9 and chose this profession when I was 15.
I am an expat living in a foreign country near the beach and loving it.
I’m a cozy gamer and I love retro games. I love my Steam Deck and my LTEK Prime.
I’m a fulltime working mom of two girls and two cats. Master of Chaos.
I was already working remotely before digital nomad was a regular term.
I started with Photoshop 5, QuarkXpress 3 and Freehand 8 on Mac OS 9.
Yes, I’m old. I’m 11 years older than Google.
Cats. And Garden. And Netflix. Steam Deck. Cozy Corner. Freedom. Totoro and Sherlock.
From Zero to Hero
A real project as an example of my work
With no idea of his brand and only a symbol of a stag’s head, I began this journey with a real start-up client. Starting with a new logo, a concept for typography and colours, icons for each product and a 3D-Visual of the product the brand was brought to life.
Key visuals as emotional marketing support, product illustrations for better product understanding, a concept including Hand drawn Icons for the new website and the realisation in WordPress contributed to the success the client has today.
The startup now has employees and had to relocate to cope with the production demand. I continue to support my client in the areas of design and marketing to this day.
