Success story: Andre Timm, an outstanding Freepik contributor
Greetings! Today we are excited to introduce Andre Timm, one of our Freepik contributors. Throughout his interview, we get a closer and technical look at his career and his collaboration with Freepik. At the same time, he also offers a personal approach where he talks about his life and interests.
Let’s start and get to know him better!
- Hi Andre! Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live. Do you have any hobbies?
I work and live in Estonia. As for hobbies, I try to stay as physically active as possible to balance out all the sitting down that is inevitable with design work. Recently I have found running to be the sport for me, both for the body and mind. But it gets really icy here in winters, so the running can easily resemble skating more than anything.
- Tell us about your portfolio: How many vectors have you designed throughout your career? When did you first start designing? What style are you most comfortable working in?
I’ve been doing design and had a general interest in the arts for a long time, but got into vector art a few years ago. During that time I’ve probably designed around 1000+ different vector artworks. Much more, if I count the very first steps. Style wise, I’ve tried out very different visuals throughout my career, but I’d say that “flat design” and anything that can be done with a pen tool is my style. 🙂
- How did you become interested in design? When did you start working in the industry?
I have always sort of been drawn (pun intended) to drawing. But I got into digital design a few years ago when I discovered that traditional career paths are quickly becoming a thing of the past and self-educating and learning new skills based on one’s passions is the new alternative. And I found my passion in design.
- What made you decide to work with microstock platforms?
I decided to go to Microstocks, because, as freelance designers, we have to diversify into other ventures, not just pure client work. This helps to even out the income streams. Also Microstocks are a great way to get some exposure.
- What advice or tips would you give anyone starting out as a graphic designer?
My advice for designers who are starting out would be to set a goal to make a little progress every day. For example, learn about composition or color theory, watch some tutorials, sign up to courses etc. Even if it’s just a new shortcut you just learned in Photoshop or Illustrator – it’s progress. And with time, it will all add up. As with everything in life, the ones who stick with it are the ones that succeed, no matter how bumpy the ride. 🙂
- And what about people who are thinking about getting involved with microstock platforms?
For people considering trying out Microstocks, I would definitely recommend at least giving it a try. You’ll earn some extra income, plus if you consistently upload new material, you’ll inevitably make leaps of progress on the way.
- What made you take the step to join Freepik?
I ‘d been using Freepik for inspiration and vector assets for about a year before I decided to join in and contribute something of my own. I decided to join because Freepik has such a wide reach compared to other traditional stock sites and this way my work is seen and downloaded by a lot of people.
- Which do you think are the main advantages of working with Freepik’s contributor model in comparison with other platforms?
The main advantage of the Freemium contributor model over other traditional platforms is that on Freepik my work gets a lot more views and downloads. Also, freepik has higher Return-Per-Image than any other stock site I know of.
- What advice would you give to other designers that want to be contributors on Freepik? Do you have any tips of how to succeed on our platform?
I think the key of being successful on Freepik, as on any other stock site, is to upload constantly and have a well diversified portfolio (Warren Buffet would agree with that). Paying attention to different seasons and holidays is majorly beneficial.
- Would you recommend other designers to join Freepik as contributors?
I would definitely recommend Freepik to other designers. There’s nothing to lose to at least try it out. I know creating new vector artwork regularly and uploading to freepik has been a huge help for my technical and conceptual design skills. That alone has made it worth it for me!
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