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(Part 1 /2)
I’ve always shown up on Contra as the professional version of myself, but lately I’ve been thinking about how little space we leave for the human side of our stories.
My 2024–2025 journey as an independent designer hasn’t gone the way I imagined. When I moved to Ireland in 2023 and went freelance, things were finally gaining momentum. I secured strong retainer clients, worked with international teams, and felt deeply confident in the path I was building.
Then my mom passed away unexpectedly.
Grief doesn’t pause deadlines or invoices, and when you work for yourself, there’s no safety net. During that time, I lost clients. I slowly found my footing again through project work, only for my health to force me to slow down once more.
#IndependentDesigner #FreelanceJourney #UXDesign #BrandDesign #HumanBehindTheWork
Thanks for sharing your story, Liz! Sending you a virtual hug as the grief moves through you and you move through life <3
Thank you Celia<3
The network for creativity
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Creatives on Contra have earned over $150M and we are just getting started
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Really nice restraint here. The gradient system feels expressive without overpowering the typography — hard balance to get right.
I’ve been testing AI tools to generate packaging concepts.
Here’s my honest take: AI is powerful, but only if you are clear.
If your prompt is vague, the result is generic. If your style direction isn’t defined, it defaults to whatever the model thinks is “good design.” Which usually means safe and trend-driven.
The better results came when I had the opportunity to art direct it or design a draft reference that I could use to guide the results.
And typography? Still hard, nailing intentional type systems is another story.
Are you using AI… or is AI designing for you?
Curious. do you usually sketch a rough type system first before prompting? Typography still feels like the real battleground.
Modus is a contemporary urban boutique hotel built around architectural clarity, controlled warmth, and quiet confidence.
The identity avoids decorative luxury and instead focuses on structure, proportion, and atmosphere. Inspired by the building’s curved facade, warm wood tones, and evening light, the visual system balances deep greens, muted brass accents, and restrained serif typography.
The language of the brand reflects the hotel itself. Urban yet intimate. Modern yet timeless. Every element supports a cohesive experience where design is intentional and hospitality feels personal rather than performative.
Modus positions itself not as spectacle, but as presence. Luxury here is measured in precision, materiality, and atmosphere.
Credits :
Animation: @Jitter
Graphic Design: @Figma
Beautiful restraint. The identity really captures that ‘quiet confidence’ you described — especially how structure and warmth stay balanced without slipping into decorative noise.
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