Do you like looking at people’s design portfolios? I do! So today I would like to introduce you to Matthew Leak, owner of Status By Design.

Firstly, could you please tell us about yourself? (Who are you, where do you live, what do you do for a living?)
Hey, I’m Matthew Leak and I’m from Manchester, UK. I’m currently a student studying for my A levels at college, but when I’m not sat behind a desk studying, I’m sat behind a desk designing. I’m a Web & Graphic Designer, and I am the creative director of Status by Design. (www.statusbydesign.com)

Who/what is your biggest inspiration in life and business? Also where do you get your design inspiration?
The biggest part of my design inspiration definitely comes from wanting to better myself. I have seen some impressive designs out there, and I always say to myself when I see them, that that will be my artwork up there one day. Another vital part of my inspiration is the music I listen to. It might sound silly, but if I’m designing, I will almost certainly be listening to music, and the music I listen to definitely reflects the final result. In case you’re wondering, I am a huge fan of electronic music, the main genres being trance, house & drum and bass. At the time of this interview, I’m listening to Blames essential mix, it’s really good.
My inspiration in terms of who & business is definitely the crew over at Attik. Those guys are amazing.

You run two design companies and a blog, why did you start these?
I started freelancing around a year and a half ago. I did this because I knew that when I was older I want to be my own boss, or the boss of other people. I prefer the thought of working for myself much more than working for somebody else. So I decided to start while I could. There was nothing stopping me, so I just went for it. About a month ago I decided to start Status by Design. So rather than working under ‘Matthew Leak – Freelance Web Designer’ I am now working under Status by Design. To me the name says it all, and the name of the company is just perfect for a design company, it’s cool.

Have you ever had times where you thought yourself or your businesses as a “failure”? If so how did you stop feeling like it? If not how do you keep yourself so optimistic?
Yes. It was when I first started freelancing. I was working on a site, sent the concepts to a client, and he didn’t like them, so he didn’t pay me for my time. Although this was a setback, I used it to my advantage. This determined me to get much better. And over the past year and half to two years I have really excelled, and I’ve been told by many colleagues, friends & clients that I’m extremely talented for a 17 year old.

Have you any advice to give to those currently in the position you were in when you first started?
Just keep working at what you do, getting better and building up your portfolio. If you don’t have any work, or can’t get any work, then keep trying. Never give up. I like to keep web portfolios client based. But some of the work in my printed portfolio is from imaginary clients. This is a good way to practise, and to brush up your skills so when the time comes to sitting down with a real client, you have an impressive portfolio for them to see.

What plans do you have for the future?
I would like to have my own modern / slick design studio, with a reputation for being one of the best in the industry, and to have an impressive client base, like Attik. But in the meantime I am looking at building some partnerships with printing companies who outsource their Graphic Design work. So with a few relationships built, Status by Design will be well on the road to success.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you for interviewing me.
Thank you very much Matthew. I think that was a very good interview, I hope you all do too! Do you have any questions for Matthew?

Shane