Today we’d like to introduce you to Annie Fox.
Hi Annie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Annie Fox and I am a freelance graphic designer and illustrator, specializing in brand collateral design. I moved to Knoxville from Florida in 2021 to work in the corporate world. After three years as graphic designer for Altar’d State’s bridal brand, Vow’d Weddings, I left to gain a bit of power over my life again. I thought I would just freelance for the summer while recovering from burn out, but the more projects I took on, the more I realized that owning my own business was the next step for me. When I realized I could break the 9-5 schedule that is engraved in my brain from working a desk job, I became more productive and took care of myself more. Having a creative job can be so draining, and prioritizing rest and self-care has been crucial in the growth of my business. I feel like I have gained my life back. Since freelancing full-time, I have worked so hard to be able to play so hard. In the past year, I have gone to the Era’s tour, taken myself on a solo vacation from Bali to Australia, cruised through the Caribbean, and met my favorite singer (Benson Boone!). My next trip is a volunteer trip to Costa Rica to experience sea turtle conservation. I am truly honored to be able to pay my bills doing what I love — Just because you are an artist does not mean you have to be starving!!! We send so much of our lives working, and I feel so lucky to do what I love every day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
While I’m making it sound so fun and easy, building a brand (ESPECIALLY your own) has so many challenges. Like every creative, I struggle all the time with imposter syndrome. I am so thankful for the people I work with, and my friends and family for motivating me and reminding me of my skills and talent when I am struggling to see them myself.
I also lost my dog, the absolute love of my life, at the very beginning of forming this business. The beginning days of starting a business is hard enough, so that on top of it was one of the hardest times of my life. I am not even joking when I say that “I Can Do It With A Broken Heart” by Taylor Swift was on repeat for WEEKS.
No business is perfect — I could list 100 struggles I have had since starting this business, but ultimately it is so worth it. I am thankful to be tired in the pursuit of a challenge of my own choosing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I provide a wide range of graphic design and illustration services to clients in Knoxville and beyond, but I like to say I specialize in brand collateral — Essentially once a company has set branding, I love to do absolutely anything from there. This includes everything from print design to murals to social media content to custom illustration.
Graphic design is really just finding the best way to communicate something (sometimes that just happens to be fun and look great). My main goal is to help businesses and individuals effectively communicate their message through impactful design. I truly adore what I do and feel so honored to live a life creating beautiful things for others.
I take the time to get to know my clients to ensure I am giving them the best possible work. I have always been a super passionate person, and the based on the feedback I have gotten, my clients can see I care so much about being a small part of their journey.
I am most proud of how I have stayed true to who I am through my business. I have strong values and it has been refreshing to see that I can be who I am through my business, and not only continue to get work, but get work because of it. There is something special about being seen, respected and valued for who you authentically are.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
As a solopreneur, I spend a ton of time on my own, but I have benefitted from those who have contracted me out and the support and guidance of fellow Knoxville freelancers. Visiting The Maker City Summit introduced me to so many fellow makers, and changed my mindset in the way I work on a daily basis. Even if it is as simple as sitting next to each other to work at a coffee shop, the act of meaningful connection is invaluable. From others I have learned to know my worth, and to charge accordingly, which was eye opening.
Jess Curtis over at J-Bird Digital Designs has been an integral part of building my little business. Not only has she continued to trust me with her own brand, but she has been my biggest cheerleader and support. She has introduced me to the lovely local makers community in Knoxville, and I will forever be grateful for her mentorship and friendship.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://anniefox.design/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniefox.design/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anniefoxdesign/
