IWD2019: Rita Matos on Quitting a Stable Job to Venture into Life as a Freelancer
WORKING NOT WORKING
We’re supporting Balance for Better as part of International Women’s Day and celebrating spectacular female creatives on Working Not Working who need to be on your radar in 2019. We’re delighted to highlight 9 members who lead the creative conversation through both their careers and personal projects. This interview series covers the pursuit of professional creativity and the breakthroughs, accomplishments, ambitions, dreams, and lessons that follow.
WNW Member Rita Matos is a Lisbon-based Designer with a focus on exhibition design, editorial design, and visual identities for everything from underground music events to art museums. Below, Rita shares advice for creative women and discusses her proudest moment. “Probably having the courage to quit the comfort of a cool, stable job at a studio to venture into doing my own thing as a freelancer.”
What was the catalyst for pursuing a creative career? What kept you going to get to where you are now?
I just really liked to write and draw all the time. I pursued art school but I didn't know what design was until I was in college. I enrolled in Communication Design which, from the description, seemed to be one where I could draw, write, but also try other things. I eventually ended up loving it and from there just kept aiming to turn into a good designer.
What's your proudest creative breakthrough or accomplishment and why?
Probably having the courage to quit the comfort of a cool, stable job at a studio to venture into doing my own thing as a freelancer.
What's the one piece of advice you'd share with fellow creative women?
Stop underestimating yourself and making decisions out of fear. Be aware of the value you bring and don't be afraid to speak out.
“The people who definitely inspire me the most right now are the ones closest to me, so I’d say all my creative women friends. They remind me I’m not alone, and they inspire me to be a better person and designer.”
Pay it forward. Name a badass creative and tell us why they inspire you right now.
I can't really name just one, but the people who definitely inspire me the most right now are the ones closest to me, so I'd say all my creative women friends. They remind me I'm not alone, and they inspire me to be a better person and designer.
What would be your dream project or job?
I want more of the bigger 360º projects that I can kick off with a team, because I really am happier working collectively and learning with the super talented people in my network. And I want more of the projects where I can challenge myself out of my comfort zone and with which I can really learn and grow from.
