The latest profile I have for you is from Jo Klima, freelance designer and founder of The Darling Tree.

Jo is based on the Gold Coast – we met through Twitter and have just completed a client project together.

Working with Jo was an absolute pleasure – she was easy to work with and always delivered on her responsibilities quickly and professionally – so I thought I’d introduce you all to her today!

Her specialty is smart, feminine design – if you’re in the market for a website design or redesign it would pay to have a chat to Jo.

Q) How long have you been working online as a designer?

I graduated from a Bachelor of Design (Graphic Design) at QCA in 2004 and over the following 4 years worked with companies producing designs for online software and web development.

Although my Uni degree focused on print design the work involved at the companies allowed me to venture into online design, however I think the principles of typography and layout I was taught at Uni definitely helped me become a better web designer.

After many months of planning, at the end of 2008 I made the move to full time freelancing by creating The Darling Tree, and 2009 has seen steady growth in the business and many new and wonderful clients.

Q) As a freelance designer, what are your top tips to keeping multiple projects organised and on schedule?

• Regularly updating your clients on your progress is a good way of keeping track yourself.
• If you have promised to deliver work at a certain time, it becomes a priority to have it done by that time.
• I also allow for some leverage on when I complete the work, that way if urgent requests arise I still have sufficient time to deliver the work, and if they don’t then I can provide the work earlier than expected – happy clients either way!

My main organisational tool is the good old daily and weekly To-Do List.

Q) Good web design is an essential ingredient to a brand’s success online. What are three elements that every well designed website should have?

1. A clear focus and goal for the website, whether it be sales, inquiries or members. The website must be planned accordingly to succeed in that area.
2. A well-built site is important so a client can easily update it, or refresh the design as the business grows or changes
3. A beautiful design which is not only functional but also represents your company and it’s personality.

Q) Do you have any online projects that you’ve created for yourself?

I’ve always had a long list of side projects I’d like to do, and while it is growing I have found some time recently to launch a few small projects.

Chandeliera was launched in early May and was inspired by my love for chandeliers.

I also started a mini blog at Gold Coast Designer to showcase new work to the local market.

A while ago I started Miss Jo which I have plans to develop further later this year, among other exciting ideas!

Q) Are you available for hire?

Yes, I’d love to hear from anyone looking to improve their branding or online presence, simply send me an email at jo@thedarlingtree.com or visit The Darling Tree.

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Filed under: Inspiration, Interviews