From Marketing to Design: A Freelance Journey Fueled by Creativity and Resilience

Could you introduce yourself?

I work under the name “8MYStudio” as a freelance designer and marketer. My work mainly involves managing social media accounts on behalf of clients, as well as creating flyers, leaflets, and websites for companies and independent business owners. I was born and raised in Japan, but since my father is British, I grew up in a global environment from an early age. At university, I studied Chinese, and since my partner is Korean, I also speak Korean. I think being immersed in such diverse cultures and values has influenced the perspectives and ideas I bring into my design work. On a personal level, I also create 3D art. Soon after I began, I had the opportunity to exhibit my work at a café and art gallery in Istanbul, Turkey. The pieces were themed around astronomy and personal identity. Although the exhibition was for a short period, it was a very rewarding experience.

That’s quite a diverse background.

In the past, I also worked in sales and retail. From there, I gradually transitioned into the design field.

Could you tell us how you transitioned into a design career?

I actually started out in sales. I was recognized for my communication skills, and that was also related to what I studied at university. While working at a real estate company, I was asked to manage social media ads using my Chinese language skills. Through that experience, I discovered how interesting advertising could be, and that led me to work at a social media marketing company for two years. That’s where I really encountered design. I had always liked it, but I’d hardly ever tried creating things myself. As I started designing to meet client requests, my work began to be recognized, and that gave me confidence. Before long, I was also entrusted with creative production and direction for social media, and I naturally found myself moving into the design field.

Why did you choose to work as a freelancer?

I actually started this past July - I'm a brand new freelancer! The truth is, I haven't been blessed with great supervisors throughout my career. Even when I was working in marketing during my corporate days, I often found myself in environments where it was difficult to express my authentic self within the organization. It was an environment where my contributions weren't easily recognized appropriately. Even the work I produced rarely had opportunities to be evaluated as my individual achievements. As this situation continued, I began thinking, 'If that's the case, I want to deliver my output directly to clients.' I found genuine joy in receiving direct feedback from clients, and I realized this approach was much better suited to who I am. I also wanted to work in a way where I could directly receive both my own feelings and my clients' thoughts, building meaningful relationships through that direct connection. Additionally, since I'm considering living abroad in the future, I chose freelancing as a location-independent way of working. Looking back now, I think those corporate experiences were valuable life lessons, and I'm sure there are others out there working hard in similar situations. I want to cherish the mindset of moving forward with the belief that new possibilities always await us beyond difficult times. If my journey can serve as encouragement to someone else, that would make me truly happy.

That’s a very encouraging message for readers. You’ve been freelancing for about two months now, right?

Yes, about two months. Already, it feels as if my world has completely changed.The way I see things is different now, and the trust I’ve built with the people I work with has been incredibly meaningful. The most important thing is that I’m enjoying my work. Enjoyment really matters—it influences creativity, expression, and everything else. Performance improves, and when the team atmosphere is good, you can create even better work. That’s why I value working with clients I truly want to collaborate with. Although the journey hasn’t always been easy, I feel I’m steadily moving toward a more positive and fulfilling place.

What do you think makes work enjoyable for you?

I’d say the number one factor is people. Valuing the environment you’re in is so important. That means taking the initiative to create the right environment for yourself and building relationships where you feel, “I want to keep working with this person.” When you can be natural and trust each other, work becomes enjoyable. To keep my motivation up, doing what I love is essential. One of my hobbies is spending time with my dogs—I have two, and they bring me so much comfort. In the end, everything comes back to design. It’s something I truly love, both as a job and as a hobby. I often find myself sitting at the computer for hours on end—sometimes I worry about my eyesight, back, and the headaches that come from staring at the screen for so long (haha). Still, being that absorbed in something feels like a real blessing. My family and partner also play a huge role. I’m fortunate to have such supportive people around me, and that gives me a great deal of strength.

It’s quite rare to move from marketing into design. What do you find most enjoyable about it?

I think marketing and design are a great match. By shaping the “pathways” that are essential for branding through design, you can give clients a sense of reassurance. I place a lot of importance on making them feel, “She really understands our brand.” The most enjoyable part of design is definitely branding—aligning my ideas with what the client envisions and then bringing that into reality. It’s in that collaboration where the real satisfaction lies. I also enjoy working with a team and thinking about how to give instructions more effectively, or how to create even better ideas together. I feel that this “design mindset” extends beyond just making things—it also shows up in how we think and how we work.

Have you had any especially difficult experiences, or moments when you thought, “This might be too much for me”?

Let’s see… since starting out as a creator and marketer, I try not to think of things as “too hard.” Of course, there are plenty of challenges, but I accept them as part of the job, so I’ve never thought, “This is too painful, I want to quit.” That said, setting KPIs in marketing is always tough. The design of user pathways changes completely depending on the target audience, so figuring out how to improve numbers is very challenging. For example, I constantly analyze things like, “What kind of thumbnail will boost performance?” It’s hard work, but at the same time, it’s also exciting to keep asking, “Why does this happen? How can I make it better?” In the end, it’s always “difficult but fun.” That’s why I’ve never truly felt it was unbearable—instead, I see it as a source of motivation.

That’s wonderful. Thank you. Shifting from being an employee to freelancing must have been a huge turning point. At that moment, did you have any worries or struggles?

Definitely. I had my share of worries. Moving from full-time employment to freelancing is such a big change. But I’m the type of person who, once I decide to do something, I just go for it. Even before leaving my job, I was analyzing my strengths and the value I could offer, and I prepared my portfolio carefully. So when I finally made the transition, I was able to actively reach out to clients right away. From there, I was lucky to meet great clients and expand my network. Now, I feel like things are really coming together.

So the progress you’ve made is the result of careful thought and steady effort.

That’s right, and I smile much more now. Before, the work environment didn't suit me well, and I didn't have supportive supervisors. When I came home, I felt so down that I could barely find the energy to leave my room - I was really struggling emotionally. But gradually, I started to pick myself up and worked hard to approach things more positively. I guess you could say I climbed my way back up. I was determined not to give up.

What makes you feel, “This is why I do this work”?

For me, it comes down to spending joyful moments with the people—and pets—I love. Time with my family and partner is precious, and so is caring for my two dogs. Being able to treat them or take them on trips is one of the small but meaningful rewards of my work. At the same time, I’m also working for my own career growth.

I see. In terms of your career, what kind of goals do you want to reach?

I want to become a creator people can rely on, while staying accessible and relatable. My goal is to support others who face similar challenges and to give them hope. I want to be the kind of creator who makes people think, “I know exactly what you mean.” Rather than being confined to the title of “designer,” I see myself as someone who can support others facing similar challenges and help them take even small steps forward. What matters most to me is inspiring a positive mindset—if my work or my words can encourage that shift, it’s deeply rewarding. When positivity is shared from one person to another, it grows into connections, opportunities, and joy that reach far beyond me. That is the impact I hope to create.

This is a bit of an abstract question, but—what is design to you? How has it influenced your life? What changed before and after you started? And if you hadn’t discovered design, what do you think you’d be doing now?

At the beginning, I never thought of myself as a creative person. My mindset was straightforward and serious, and I approached things in a very conventional way. Once I stepped into the creative world and began building connections, I discovered new perspectives—realizing, “There’s another way to look at this,” or “If I try it differently, it could be even better.” That shift opened up my perspective in ways I hadn’t imagined before. Another big thing was that I was able to establish my own style. I’ve always loved looking at other people’s creative work, and now I can clearly see: “This person expresses things this way, and I express them that way.” That clarity has been really meaningful.

Are there any designers who influenced you, or ones you particularly like?

So many (haha). I think all of them mixed together form the foundation of who I am today. I look not only at Japanese design but also Korean, Chinese, and European design. They’re all completely different. I love interior design as well—I often look to Scandinavian design, like Marimekko, for inspiration. Of course, I also enjoy graphic design. In my opinion, design doesn’t have a single “correct” answer. There isn’t a rule that says, “This type of design must be used for flyers, and this type must be used for social media.” Instead, I take in the good aspects of each, thinking, “I like this person’s design,” and absorb it. Also, I can’t recall the name right now, but there’s a designer who creates 3D work and has done album covers for artists and K-pop groups. I really love their work and often look at it for inspiration.

Did you start working in 3D out of necessity for your job?

Not at all—it was purely a hobby. I started teaching myself by watching YouTube videos and relying on my own instincts. At first, I didn’t even have a Japanese portfolio, so I began by creating one in English. At the time, I was experiencing harassment at my marketing job and thought, “I need to have some kind of achievement to show.” I wanted to create something with impact, so I decided to try 3D. I trusted my own sense and uploaded the work I made, and then someone in Turkey reached out to me after seeing it—that’s how I ended up being invited to exhibit my work. What began as an attempt to build my portfolio eventually became part of my own style and even led to an exhibition. If there’s one quality that carries me forward, it’s my initiative. I’m the type of person who, once I think “I can do this,” I just go for it. I’m still like that today—if someone asks me to try something, I’ll jump in, and I’ll also make my own suggestions. I don’t just do exactly what I’m asked to; I’ll say, “I think it would be even better if we did this.”

What kind of place is Tokyo for you?

Tokyo is my hometown, but first of all, it's such a bustling city, isn't it? There are many foreigners and tourists, and all kinds of people are living vibrantly here. The cultural turnover is fast, and I feel like time passes quickly in this place. I've been to rural areas both in Japan and overseas, and compared to the peaceful atmosphere and warm human connections there, Tokyo is a completely different world. Trends change rapidly too, right? For example, Harajuku and Shibuya are like 'meccas of trends.' They have long histories while constantly evolving. Also, from when Shibuya 109 was established until now, the fact that it has consistently remained a trendsetting hub is truly amazing. When you actually walk around, you can see that things have changed from the previous Lolita fashion to completely new styles now, and you can witness truly diverse expressions regardless of gender. It makes sense that people from overseas pay attention to it. I feel that Tokyo, especially Harajuku, embodies Japan's creative spirit.

Do you like Tokyo?

As a creative environment, I think it’s truly a wonderful place, but sometimes I feel there’s a bit of distance between people. There are moments when I wish there could be warmer communication. I’m the type of person who values warmth in communication, and I’d love to have meetings in a more enjoyable atmosphere. While taking work seriously is certainly important, my ideal is an environment where everyone can create with smiles on their faces. I really hope more creators who can enjoy the process of making things will emerge. Tokyo is really a city full of creative stimulation, and I love that aspect of it. However, what I’ve noticed while working is that when I compare Japan and other countries, each has its own strengths. Japan has a culture of carefully following requirements definition and procedures, which provides a great sense of security. The attitude of paying attention to details and preparing thoroughly before moving forward is something uniquely wonderful about Japan. On the other hand, overseas I often see the approach of “let’s try it first, then learn from it.” Both are valuable methods, but Japan’s meticulous process sometimes tends to inflate the workload. In creative work, there are many discoveries that can only be seen by actually getting your hands dirty and trying things out. If we could strike a good balance between the importance of planning and the joy of trial and error, I think we could create even more wonderful things.

Earlier you mentioned plans to live abroad—will you also be working there?

Yes. As a freelancer, I’d like to handle both Japanese projects and local projects in parallel.

It’s an exciting step toward a more global career. You’ll likely encounter many situations where you’ll need to take on challenges or risks. How do you decide whether to move forward or hold back?

I’m not the type to overthink things—I believe the best way is to act quickly once I decide to do something. The fear never goes away completely, but having a Plan A and a Plan B makes it easier to take that first step. Life only happens once, so I think it’s better to pursue what you want to do—that’s what gives you peace of mind. When I’m unsure, I check with my own body whether I really love it. If I sit down at my computer and my hands start moving naturally, then I know I love it. If going to museums continues to excite me, that’s another sign. Having small cues like that makes it easy to shift gears when the time comes. Also, having at least one thing you’re confident in makes decisions faster. For me, that’s marketing and communication. I love talking with people, and if I can be helpful, I want to give proactively. I also value continuing to use the skills I’ve learned. And when I’m talking with others, I always make a point of smiling. Even in meetings—just the fact that someone is willing to talk with me makes me happy and motivated.

It sounds like you’ve really built your skills through hands-on work. Was there anything you consciously focused on to improve?

While I was working at a company, I also attended a web design school. Since I was already creating social media posts and flyers as a marketer, I wanted to strengthen my skills in web. What really helped was that I also learned sales there. In this industry, just showing your portfolio isn’t enough—you have to communicate what value you can provide. That’s why I put a lot of effort into crafting strong proposals and sales messages. I feel the more communication skills you have, the more situations you can win. The school also had solid support for marketing and even provided aftercare for landing projects, which was a huge help. Choosing the right school makes a big difference.

Do you have a dream client or a project you’d love to work on?

I’d love to work on branding for startups—companies that are creating something new. Being able to build a brand completely from scratch for one company would be really exciting. I also want to have my own brand someday. My partner and I have talked about opening a café, and if we did, I imagine expanding the design into many forms—cups, merchandise, even apparel. I think it would be really interesting to see how that kind of brand could evolve.

If you could send a message to your past self before starting your current work, what would it be?

Don’t give up, no matter how hard it gets. If you quit, the world you could have seen ends there—but if you keep going, you’ll get to see what lies ahead. Believe that happiness is waiting on the other side of difficult times.

At that time, what kind of future did you picture to get through it?

Not everything was in place from the start, so while I had the support of my family, I also had to be determined to figure things out myself. If I loved design, then I just had to throw myself into it. I thought hard about what actions I needed to take to make my goals real, and then I acted. I actively learned from the stories of people who had already succeeded. As I did that, the outline of my own future gradually came into view. I think going through tough experiences can actually strengthen your ability to motivate yourself. I kept cheering myself on: “You’ve got this, keep going.” Life isn’t something anyone else can live for you. It’s about how you choose to write your own one-time-only story. By learning from successful people and throwing yourself wholeheartedly into what you love, you can keep moving forward. If someone else is struggling, I want to encourage them in that same way.

That’s wonderful. Finally, do you have a message you’d like to share with the world?

To be honest, my past was intense. But I poured myself into design to the point where it turned things around, and I want to continue building relationships of trust with clients as a matter of course. I don’t want to lose the spirit of enjoying the creative process. If I can become a source of hope for people facing similar struggles, I’d be very happy. And if fate brings us together someday, please feel free to reach out.