From Geosciences to Graphic Design: Charlotte's Creative Journey

I had the opportunity to connect with BYOL student Charlotte Le Roy and learn about her journey from geoscientist to food entrepreneur to budding graphic designer. I am so impressed by Charlotte’s willingness to explore different career paths and her 

commitment to continuously learn new skills. I hope you enjoy learning about her journey! 

Tell us a little bit about yourself. 

Born in Brittany, France, I’m a 43-year-old mum of two living in the UK/Scotland for nearly 17 years now. My family also includes a fabulous border collie named Ziggy. If you look back at some of my BYOL projects, you can see I’ve been using her name in some of them.

I’m a keen traveler and have always been fascinated by anything visual, especially photography. It runs in the family—my dad and brother are both artists, and my 7-year-old daughter has already caught the bug!

Family life can be full-on, so any spare time is dedicated to working on becoming a professional graphic designer. If there’s any time left, I jump on my push-bike and go cycling.

Tell us about your career path.

I’ve always loved traveling, observing the world around me, and taking photographs. Unfortunately, I couldn’t pursue photography after school because it was too expensive, so I studied geosciences instead, which allowed me to travel a lot. After earning my PhD, I moved to the UK and worked in geosciences for 12 years. However, I never felt like I belonged there, so I resigned.

Uncertain of my career path, I ventured into the food industry, running two businesses: a street food venture called “Yum Tum on the run” and a coffee shop named “Spider on a Bicycle.” During these ventures, I realized that the marketing and branding aspects excited me the most. Reworking the café’s interior design, rebranding it, and receiving positive feedback reinforced my feeling that I should be doing something more artistic.

I had always dabbled in graphic design in between jobs but I would experience imposter syndrome and go down a more obvious/serious path. However, after ending the  coffee shop adventure, I began to work more seriously on my graphic design path. 

You transitioned to the field of graphic design about two years ago. Why graphic design? What draws you to this field?

I’ve always had a creative mind and a keen eye. My imaginative and artistic skills have been nurtured over the years through my previous careers and naturally led me to graphic design.

How has BYOL played a part in this transition?

Since selling the café last September, I’ve enrolled in various courses, including BYOL, to help me become a professional graphic designer. These courses are contributing to my portfolio, which I am still building before officially putting myself out there as a freelancer.

Regarding my BYOL experience, it’s been the best for me! I’ve tried many different courses, but BYOL is by far number one. The quality of the courses, the way Dan guides you through every step, building your skills and confidence—it’s been a fantastic partner in crime on my crazy journey to graphic design.

What is your favorite BYOL class? Why do you like this BYOL class?

It’s difficult to choose, as I love all the ones I’ve completed so far. If I had to pick, I’d say I very much enjoyed the dynamic nature of the InDesign Essentials and Adobe XD trainings. Due to the nature of the software and the step-by-step guidance, you get good at it fairly quickly, which boosts your confidence.

What advice would you give to someone looking to make a career transition?

Don’t be afraid to make the move. It’s always worth trying, and it’s never too late. Any previous experience or career is valuable. Don’t undermine what you’ve done so far; it all contributes to your next step.

What is next for you? What are some future goals you have career-wise?

In the next few months, I hope to have built a portfolio good enough to take me out into the world as a freelance graphic designer. I aim to keep learning and offer my services simultaneously. I’d love to be part of a graphic design studio to learn from more experienced colleagues, but I think freelancing, working remotely, fits best with my complicated family life.

Thank you so much, Charlotte! All of us at BYOL are cheering you on as you continue on your journey to becoming a graphic designer.