During the first three months of my graphic design career, which began with a combination of online classes and hard practice, I was anxious to obtain practical experience. I recognized that practical experience would be beneficial to my development, therefore I searched out possibilities to work on minor jobs for actual clients. I aimed to create a portfolio and improve my talents from the ground up. Surprisingly, I met Ellie Cutajar, a talented freelance photographer located in Malta who had recently earned her PhD. Ellie needed a logo for her growing freelance photography business, but she needed more time to look for a designer.

Given her hectic schedule, Ellie contacted me to create a logo that reflected her photographic style. This opportunity happened during my first year of studying graphic design, characterised by intense learning and experimentation. Ellie’s photography style was minimalist, thus she wanted a logo that reflected that look. I took this request to heart and started sketching many ideas, trying out different methods to represent her brand visually.

After a few revisions, I came up with the idea of designing a monogram that might also serve as a pictorial brand. I wanted to combine the initials ‘E’ for Ellie and ‘C’ for Cutajar into a single design that also included a visual hint relating to photography. The answer was a logo with combined letters forming the outline of a camera. This symbol was not unique, but also closely related to Ellie’s career, making it an excellent reflection of her brand. The design’s simplicity and beauty complemented her minimalist photographic style.

Working with Ellie allowed me to create more than just a portfolio piece. It helped me gain a better knowledge of the professional realm of graphic design and the collaborative nature of client-designer partnerships. I learned how to handle comments, iterate on designs, and eventually provide a solution that satisfied the client’s objectives and expectations. The success of this project strengthened my confidence and confirmed my enthusiasm for graphic design, motivating me to keep growing and seeking new challenges.