Sarah Bourge
Brand Designer / Founder of French Bre(a)d Studio
Paris, France
Q What do you do?
“I create unique visual identities for creative businesses, with a focus on food-related brands (restaurants, coffee shops, food and beverage packaged-products...)”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I followed an art foundations program at VCU (Richmond, VA) and then attended a design school in Paris where I got a Master's in Art Direction (2020). After graduating, I started out as a freelance generalist graphic designer and founded my own branding studio a few months ago (2023).
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Typography takes center stage in all of my work and it is always reflected in my projects. I appreciate the profound influence that carefully chosen fonts can have on a brand's image. I'm passionate about empowering creative businesses that are ready to create a timeless impact in an ever-changing world!
Q What are you working on right now?
I'm finalizing a branding for a Parisian bistrot and market. The visual identity created balances modern and timeless designs, celebrating local producers and eco-responsibility.
Q What’s your style?
I define my style as a blend of romance, elegance, and a touch of modern vibrancy. One project I feel captures this are some wine labels I designed where bold typography meets classic elegance, moving away from classic wine labels we often see.
Behance
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I've always loved taking pictures and I'm really excited when I get to direct a photoshoot for the branding projects I work on! I love art direction and set design and would love to explore that more, especially in film.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
As a natural introvert and empath, I find it difficult to connect with potential clients IRL. I want to learn more on how to connect with new people without sounding salesy! That being said, I'm aware of the strengths I have from being an introvert, such as really listening to people and taking the time to observe the world around me.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I would definitely hire someone that could help me connect with new people and potential clients. Marketing and social media would also be a huge help!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would have told student-me to work harder on building a network, and get some hands-on freelance experience! Even if it's for small projects with tiny budgets, we all have to learn how to deal with real projects and real clients. I would have loved to have more experience when I started freelancing after school.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Probably a lawyer and accountant!
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
At the moment, we offer a core branding package called our 'Signature-Sauce Brand Identity'! We also have two other packages, one focusing on branding+socials and the other on branding+website.
We work with a variety of creative industries but focus on food-related brands! Think restaurants, personal chefs, bars, cafés, tea shops, food and beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, home and kitchen design, tableware..."
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Our ideal client is someone open-minded who's not afraid to explore creative and fun designs! They collaborate actively and are honest about their feedback! There's nothing more frustrating than a client feeling embarrassed to critique and not be honest about their feedback. Let's openly communicate to create the best results!
Q What is your rate?
Signature-Sauce Brand Identity: starts at 6k EUR
Taste-Tested Branded Socials: starts at 7.5k EUR
Freshly-Baked Web Design: starts at 9k EUR
I occasionally take on custom projects, with a 500 EUR day rate.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
DM us on Insta or fill out our inquiry form.
frenchbreadstudio.com/contact
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Margot Lévêque! French type designer, amazing work.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Observe your surroundings, take care of your mental health!
This member profile was originally published in October 2023