| Name: Des Ombaka Market: France Role: Visual Designer |
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I'm currently in...
Grenoble, in the southeast of France. It is not far from the Italian border and the Alps. Grenoble is surrounded by mountains and lakes, so it is a great town for people who like winter sports or enjoy walking trails in the summer. It is an interesting town for its diverse cultural heritage. Not only would you find the French writer Stendhal's house, which is now a museum, but also a lot of restaurants and shops from different cultural groups.
When I’m not freelancing, I enjoy…
Reading. This last year, I particularly got interested in light novels and webtoons. I like that they have the same format as a tv series, with a new episode every week or every other week. Also, watching true crimes documentaries. I honestly think they allow people to better understand human nature. Finally, traveling, discovering new cultures, and learning new languages. I have a long list of countries that I have yet to visit. I think there is no better way to expand your mind.
My biggest professional achievement to date was...
Breaking into the creative field as a freelance visual designer. Being self-employed was a simple thought that had many times crossed my mind, but I wasn’t ready for it. So, I went from full-time employment to a part-time job until finally I made that leap. Although finding work and landing new clients can be challenging at times, it is really satisfying when you manage to meet the client’s expectations.
If I could share one piece of advice it would be...
Find yourself some hobbies that feed your interests. This will allow you to return to work revitalised and avoid burnouts. Also, be open to learning skills. As a self-employed creative, you have the advantage of managing your time. So, you can always squeeze into your schedule a little time to learn new skills and gain new knowledge. Finally, being a freelancer takes time and perseverance, whether to reach your goals or communicating with clients, so patience is key.
The last book I read was...
If It Bleeds by Stephen King. It is a collection of four unrelated novellas that was released in April 2020. The first two, Mr. Harrigan’s Phone and The Life of Chuck, deal with characters approaching the end of their lives. The third titular story is basically a mini sequel to The Outsider with Holly Gibney as the main character. The last one, Rat, is about a writer who strikes a Faustian bargain to write a novel. The first two stories, especially, are fantastic. They are imaginative, but thoughtful, while retaining King’s trademark creepiness.