Meet Cynthia Berciano, a colour-driven Freelance Graphic Designer

Meet Cynthia Berciano, a Salvadorian-Australian freelance graphic designer driven by using colour to communicate, and is recognisable for her fun, bubbly and adaptable design style.

I love all sorts of styles, and love experimenting with them!

I take pride in my ability to think independently and offer playful solutions whilst defying the rules of design. As a designer, it’s my goal to bring clients’ dreams to life using my left (science) side of the brain and my right (creative) side – united as one! – Cynthia

Cynthia is keen to align with a studio specialising in designing materials for the physical or digital world, as long as they colour outside the lines- or a just as colourful client looking for quality design to impact and bring their next project to life.
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Moreover, when she is not designing, you can find her scrolling endlessly through Youtube, doodling, baking, or drinking a latte (sometimes all at once).

Interesting right? Let’s learn more about Cynthia Berciano from our interview.

Tell us a little about yourself and your work?

Hey! My name is Cynthia Berciano and I’m a Salvadorian-Australian (former Science student!!) freelance graphic designer and have been officially for around 3.5 years! However, I’ve always been creatively inclined, being an illustrator from a young age. Now I’m driven by using colour to communicate, and I’ve been gratefully recognised for my fun and bubbly, and adaptable design style – I love all sorts of styles and love experimenting with them! Now I specialise in Branding, Illustration, and Motion.

What inspired you to make the leap and go out on your own, and when did you first start working for yourself?

Being real? Partly because I was SO very eager to get my foot into the industry while I was still a student and build up my experience and get a feel for it! And part being a graduate designer those years back, it was tough getting hired – So I hired myself! I started working during university, taking on online briefs and small projects, and discovering myself along the way. I still consider my business in the baby stage and can’t wait for it to grow up even more.

Tell us about your experience of working for yourself?

I’d say I’m great to work with! Though luckily, I’m not the only one to think so since I’ve luckily only had pleasant clients thus far; even if I fumble and am still learning the ins and outs of the business that you wouldn’t generally learn in design school. So I’m taking my time to study and learn along the way: It’s tough, I won’t sugar-coat it, but who doesn’t want to work on their own terms?

What’s your best piece of advice for someone wanting to make the leap to becoming a freelance graphic designer?

“Just get out there” is from a person who has always been more introverted than out! So, I understand how scary it is putting yourself out there, whether it’s just for general feedback or just your general presence; the effort you put in will most likely result in endorphins so go ahead and chase that rush, even if it’s for the smallest achievements!  Everything counts!

Bonus: Be genuine! Don’t go copying what other people are doing; you can take tips on style but be original and sell your own services, the more genuine, the more people will want to work with you; speak earnestly and offer a lot of communication once you have hooked in some business!

Best tips for winning new business?

Setting strategies, and personal goals and being proactive! Even if your personal goal is just posting a couple of times a week; creating content for your socials, or mere practice- stick to it! Any time you invest in your business, even if it’s for personal gain, is an investment to your business. But if you find yourself unable to find clients, start from the bottom up! Post your services online, in forums, Facebook groups or vlogs for any jobs, and if you’re also a designer, work on pretending briefs to keep your skills up, and don’t get discouraged if it takes a while! It’s a process.

What has been your favourite project to date?

Definitively has been my personal project: “Self Care ~ stress reducer deck ~” An interactive and print illustrated flashcard deck with the aim to instruct, teach and inform primary school children (under 12-year-olds) on how to perform acts of self-care in order to reduce stress and instil habits from early on in life. The cards have a scannable QR code in the box to access a voiced motion animation of the flashcard activities- I have a little sister who’s 10, and she still uses my draft prints to deal with her own stress, so I know it’s a success and I would love to continue working on meaningful, fun projects!

What is a business win you’re currently celebrating?

Currently celebrating my own brand since I’m currently auditing my business and planning to expand and update my website and content! Watch out for that; I’ll be out of my cocoon state in no time!

What led you to join Freelancing Gems?

I joined because Torrens University, where I began my graphic design journey, was offering an online expo! It was so fun to attend and listen to everyone. I met a lot of very insightful people and managed to get a lot of info, and I was hooked – especially from the Freelancing Gems panel! Glad I have joined, I have only gathered even more info thus far and I can’t wait to communicate even more with more members!

What is one word you would use to describe Freelancing Gems?

Sensational!

What’s next for your business?

Well! I plan on going full-time on my business soon but for now, I am going to continue on the side, once my metamorphosis is complete! Right now I’m planning on working and aligning with different people and clients and carving out my niche even further and expanding my portfolio even more and putting up a shop! Lots of exciting plans in the works!

Cynthia Berciano is a freelance graphic designer specialising in Branding, Illustration, and Motion. You can connect with her on the Gem Directory.

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