An Interview with Lindsay Toth of Launch23
Name: Lindsay Toth
Company Name: Launch23.com
Website: Launch23.com
Social Media links:
Instagram.com/launch.23
Pinterest.ca/launch23
A quick list of highlights of the last 5 - 10 years? (In a few sentences)
After finishing my Degree in Visual Communications, I worked as a graphic designer for a few short stints at companies that weren't the right fit for me. Eventually, I got a Jr Graphic Design role at an Agency in my hometown. As it was a very small agency, persistence, and a willingness to learn and take on new challenges (and some lucky timing) lead me to move up to "Graphic Designer" and then "Creative Director." This had always been my dream job/roll. I've been with the Agency for over 7 years.
I had been dabbling in freelance work and with the idea of starting my own business for the last few years. It wasn't until 2019 that I started taking this more seriously and started investing in my dreams and business through courses and committing my time.
I've spent my free time focusing on my health and fitness, finding a good balance of activity and fun in my life. I've also been travelling both solo and with friends.
What’s an example of work that you do? Talk about it, provide links to product(s), provide images. Whatever best represents it.
The most recent website and Branding project on my website is a good representation of the work I do. My favourite projects are working with business owners who are passionate about the work they do.
I'm still working working part-time at my day job as a Creative Director at a Marketing Agency, so I'm selective about who I work with. If I don't think the project will be fun or a good fit I won't take it on.
I'm also in the Beta test phase of launching website templates that I designed for people in beauty and health services (think hairdressers, masseuses, makeup artists, permanent makeup, lash techs, etc).
I'm getting some tests clients and feedback done before the launch of the templates at the end of this month!
Click on the image to learn more ↓
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What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I really enjoy strategic conversations with business owners. Whether they are a new business owner or have been in business for years. I like having conversations about how they can achieve their goals for their businesses. That can relate to branding, their website, or sometimes it has nothing to do with the services I offer but if it's an area I have knowledge about I'm happy to offer any advice I can.
What advice would you give to somebody else who wanted to start a similar business?
Do as much work as you can to start out. If you are a new designer (fresh out of school or self-taught) do practice projects, volunteer to do design work for a non-profit, or try and find a job working as a designer for someone else. The more work you can do, the more you'll know yourself as a designer and it will allow you to develop your design aesthetic. Once you have this experience, you'll realize that charging people something like $50 for a logo isn't sustainable and isn't worth the time and effort you put into your craft. Plus, you'll have a portfolio of work to share with future potential clients.
What do you do when you aren't feeling creative?
If I'm feeling like I'm in a slump I find the most inspiring thing I can do is to go to a local bookstore. I find it especially helpful going trough a section that I wouldn't normally visit and just walk around thinking and looking through the books. I'm not sure why but time at a book store often leads me to have a handful of new ideas for projects and feeling super inspired.
With the limits of COVID-19 right now I haven't tried a social distancing alternative yet. Maybe scrolling through a selection of books online, or doing laps around my bookshelf will have the same effect? I'm not sure, but if I get desperate, I might have to give it a try!
If you could teach the entire world just one concept, what would it be?
I think it would have to be empathy, it feels like so many of the issues we have wouldn't be an issue if everyone had the desire and ability to put themselves in other's shoes and really think about how they would feel if they were that person. To feel the joy or sadness for themselves if that situation happened to them. I feel like my personality and morals are built around empathy.
As a website designer, why offer Squarespace templates?
I went back and forth on the idea of creating templates for a while. Eventually, I decided that because there was a need at a lower price point that I should try and offer a solution for that need. Hence, the creation of the DIY Squarespace templates.
I’m not worried that offering templates is going to elimanite clients who’d like a custom built website, they are people who want the job completed by a professional and are willing to spend the money to have someone else do the work so they can spend their time on other areas of their business.
The fun 5! Five fun questions
Do you love or hate roller coasters?
LOVE! My brother and I once road “The Hulk” roller coaster 11 times on a family vacation in Florida.
What was your first job?
I was a paddling pool attendant, in the summer I would bike over to a fenced kiddy pool owned by the city and be in charge of filling it, adding the chemicals and watching to make sure everyone was using it safely. It was pretty quiet most days, so I got to read when people weren't using the pool. I also worked at McDonald's around the same time.
What 3 things do you always pack when you travel?
Swimsuit, Runners, Cellphone.
What's your favourite family tradition?
Watching movies with my family on Christmas Eve. We usually watch Home Alone, but as long as it's something that makes my dad laugh. I find his laugh contagious and if he gets going laughing it sets me off laughing as well.
How often do you play sports?
Twice a week! I play dodgeball 2 times a week with friends (looking forward to getting back into it once it is safe to do so!)