Beca Dutra
Q What do you do?
“I make brands look their best by creating unique and beautiful brand identities, websites, and any other digital marketing assets. ”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I started my career at a big ad agency as an art director. Over time, I found myself too distant from the work I was making. Yes, the budgets were high but the impact I had on the work was dwindling with so many degrees of separation. I left the big agency and looked for something smaller and I landed as a full time in-house art director for a mid-sized luggage company. I had an incredible experience there but eventually missed the diversity of being able to work on various brands. That’s when, drumroll please, I launched my studio! I now work with small to medium sized brands/companies where I really feel I can connect with my clients and have an impact on their brand. I feel really lucky to be able to do this and thankful for every step of the way.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I aspire to be an expert not a leader. I really love what I do and I’m constantly curious. If I’m tasked with something I don’t know, that’s when I have the most fun. There’s no software or technique I won’t try and I think that’s really helped evolve my style and skills as well as give me an edge.
Q What are you working on right now?
A couple of things, but primarily my studio launch! I just built a ~shiny~ new website and launched my studio IG account. Now, I’m really looking for the right clients and partners to create more fun work with.
Q What’s your style?
I’d say I have a clean but fun and slightly chaotic aesthetic. I’ve always been really passionate about architecture and a lot of my designs are heavily inspired by the brutalist movement. It’s highly expressive yet minimal. My latest site is a great representation of this as well as the landing page I built for Away’s “For All Routes” product line launch. I’m a sucker for a good grid and clean lines.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Currently I’m really loving web design and cooking. All web design project requests and new recipes are welcome!
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I’ve recently launched my studio and started my own business. As incredible as it is to have autonomy over my schedule and clients, there’s a lot of additional tasks that come with it. I’ve found myself often frustrated by the everyday needs of my business piling up on top of my actual work.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
It would be a dream come true to hire a part-time personal snack chef. I love good food, more than almost anything in the world. So if I could have someone create delicious snacks and treats for me throughout the day, it would be incredible.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Oh young Beca. Don’t worry as much. Your skills will grow with time. Don’t be frustrated by the current outcome but instead be inspired and motivated by the vision you can’t yet bring to life. Soon you will be able to. <3
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
As I mentioned before, I’m really geeking out on web design right now. It’s such a fast growing field with so much opportunity. I’d love to speak to a seasoned web designer or even developer to learn more from their experience. Specifically, I want to learn more about e-commerce and SEO.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Web design, web design, and brand identity. Looking for the right clients who wants to do something fun and bold.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I’m a lover of all things travel. My dream client is a boutique hotel or restaurant that leans on the side of luxury but is playful with its design. A cool kid on the map. Ideally on a remote piece of land where I could go visit and *wink* work from.
Q What is your rate?
"Rates vary from client to client and project to projects. It is what is. But some estimates below:
Hourly = $95
Landing page = $3k-5k
Full Site = $7k-15k
Brand ID = $3-7
There are always exceptions! If I fall in love with a project or client, I will find a way to make it work. "
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Really any way people want to! I love getting to know and connecting with my clients, so the more details the better. Give me an idea of scope, goals, budget, etc, and if it seems like an interesting project, I’ll be quick to want to jump on a call.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
"The incredibly talented Sarah Campbell. She’s already the queen of ILC Studio and I’m her biggest fan.
Other people and studios I’m also currently fangirling over: (IG Handles)
@chloescheffe @Sometimes__always @Hheeej @FiskProjects"
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I travel and let myself get lost and inspired by whatever is around me that day.
This member profile was originally published in June 2023