Welcome back to “The women who rule”, a Victory Blog series that gives you, our loyal readers, the chance to get to know the women that make up the Victory Media team. From their day-to-day, to their hopes, dreams, and skincare routines.
Today, meet Victory’s Graphic Designer, Natalie Neerhof. Hailing from a long line of creative souls, Nat feels right at home creating gorgeous graphics and designs for our clients. Seriously talented, fiercely creative, and just the right amount of weird, we can always count on our girl for fresh ideas, hilarious boomerangs, and great music recommendations. Day-to-day, Natalie keeps us all giggling with ever-changing nicknames, well-timed dog videos, and of course, a never-ending flow of beautiful design work.
Fast Facts
Name: Natalie Neerhof
Job Title: Graphic Designer
City: Ottawa, ON
Astrological Sign: Libra
Years at Victory: 1
How would you describe your role at VICTORY?
My role, just like Kelcey’s, is to create beautiful pieces that not only please our clients, but appeal to our clients’ audiences. From Instagram graphics to print pieces, and everything in between, if our clients are happy with the results, then I’ve done my job well!
Walk us through a day in the life of Natalie.
A day in the life of Natalie … well, I have never been a morning person and definitely haven’t started making that transition yet. Usually, I wake up and check my notifications right away to see what the day holds. With a plan in mind for what I need to get done, I make myself a cup of tea (I’m also not a breakfast person) and get straight to work! I usually put on my noise canceling headphones and start up a classic rock playlist that I have curated, heavily influenced by my Dad. This keeps me going for 3 to 4 hours of deep, concentrated work.
Around lunchtime, I’ll often walk to Happy Goat Coffee for a bite or order from Art Is In Bakery on Uber Eats. Honestly, if my bank account could talk, it would probably ask me if I ever cook. There are just so many delicious places to eat around downtown Ottawa, it’s hard to resist!
Afternoons are a little slower paced for me. If nothing too urgent comes up, I like to respond to emails, research inspo or get myself started on some new projects. My evenings usually involve hanging out with friends, my boyfriend Richard, or, in the winter months, kicking back and watching some Netflix. In the summer, you can usually find me on a patio sippin’ sangria!
Tell us your favourite, and least favourite, thing about working from home.
My favourite thing about working from home is definitely the flexibility. Our boss, Tara, is a dream babe and is super understanding with appointments, or if we just need some time to de-stress. She never makes you feel bad about things in life popping up unexpectedly and having to come first. Also, not having to put on makeup or style/wash my hair everyday has done wonders for my skin and hair!
My least favourite thing has to be sometimes feeling like quite the loner. I find myself making way too many weird noises or talking excessively to myself when I’m working solo. But, even though we Victory girls aren’t physically together everyday, we still keep each other company all day long.
How would you describe the aesthetic marketing industry to someone who’s new to this world?
To be completely honest, I never really thought about designing for aesthetic marketing or working for a company like Victory prior to meeting Tara. But, I’m so happy I found it! It brings together my love for simple, beautiful design and making people feel great! I have now become a big advocate for any treatment or surgery that can increase your self-love and confidence. I love that I get to support our clients by designing amazing pieces that encourage people to treat and take care of themselves.
Favourite social media network?
Oh man, you can never go wrong with Instagram! I love the opportunity to catch a glimpse into the lives of my friends who I don’t get to see as often as I’d like. Plus, memes are just plain great. A close second is Snapchat, but only because I like to send my friends and family weird photos of myself without worrying they’ll end up on my wedding slideshow or some place embarrassing.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
As corny as it sounds, the old “find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” cliche is really true! I love this career that allows me to be so creative everyday while being surrounded by such great role models.
What’s on your bucket list?
So many things! I recently visited Nicaragua and I am inspired to travel more regularly. Thailand is next on my hopeful list, complete only with a Full Moon Party. I am a big music festival lover, so an experience like Burning Man or Coachella would be amazing. Skydiving is also on my bucket list – typical, I know.
Share some of your favourite local hot spots.
I already mentioned my main spot, but I’ll say it again – Happy Goat Coffee. The combination of great music, tasty drinks and walking proximity to my house makes it number one for me. Art Is In Bakery has the best ham and cheese sandwich I have ever tasted and Baker Street Cafe has a classic eggs benny that I dream about. When I’m feeling fancy, Charlotte is great for cocktails with friends. Plus their bathroom wallpaper makes a great selfie backdrop!
Current Netflix addiction?
For a while I thought I was the only person in the world who hadn’t seen Game of Thrones, so I’m plowing through that series right now. It’s a serious time investment, but worth it for John Snow. If I’m ever in a sad mood and need some cheering up, I watch some Queer Eye, because the Fab 5 are my absolute favourite humans on earth.
What’s your skincare routine?
My current skincare routine mostly involves not falling asleep with my makeup on. Kidding… kind of. Over the past few years I have become much more aware of the importance of quality skincare and how simple it can be. Working at Victory has taught me so much and I now try to put thoughtful consideration into the products I buy.
I suffer from dry skin all year round which makes moisturizing a very necessary part of my daily routine. I just started using the SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Masque and I’ve been amazed at how nice my skin feels. It has reduced my redness quite a bit as well. I also use a facial sunscreen every day all year round!
