Why this persona fits the audience
Builds branded intake, quote, and change-request forms for a two-person design studio serving local SMB clients; usually sets up client forms directly and embeds them in websites or sends them by link as part of project kickoff.
- Age: 32
- Location: Lyon, France
- Occupation: Freelance Web Designer
- Income: €58k
- Education: Diploma in Graphic Design
- Company size: 2 (self and one junior designer)
- Years in role: 8
“The beauty of a design isn't just in its appearance, but in how seamlessly it functions and communicates.”
Arthème Sanchez, 32, is a freelance web designer and the co-owner of a small, two-person design studio based in Lyon, France. After completing his Diploma in Graphic Design, he spent a few years honing his skills at a local agency before striking out on his own eight years ago. He established his micro-agency with a focus on serving small to medium-sized businesses in the Rhône region, drawn by the desire for greater creative control and client relationships built on trust. His income of €58k reflects a steady, albeit not extravagant, success built on consistent quality and word-of-mouth referrals. Arthème lives with his partner in a bright apartment, valuing a balanced lifestyle that allows for both professional dedication and personal pursuits. His work is deeply rooted in a commitment to 'craft' and 'client clarity,' ensuring that every project, from branding to web development, is executed with meticulous attention to detail and clear communication. He recently made a conscious decision to standardize his client intake and project management processes, recognizing that the time spent on administrative overhead was impacting his creative output. This led him to explore more efficient ways to gather client information and manage project scope, particularly focusing on the initial stages of client engagement. He's currently refining a system for branded intake forms, aiming to create a seamless and professional experience for new clients right from the first point of contact. This initiative is driven by his value of 'independence,' wanting his studio to operate smoothly and efficiently, allowing him more freedom to focus on the creative aspects of his work and less on repetitive administrative tasks. His income is stable, but he's mindful of overheads and prefers tools that offer clear value without exorbitant costs, reflecting a pragmatic approach to business growth. He sees his work not just as a job, but as a craft that requires continuous learning and refinement, a philosophy that guides his recent decisions and future aspirations.
Background & daily life
A day in their life
Arthème's typical weekday begins around 7:30 AM with coffee and a quick scan of design news. He arrives at his co-working space by 9:00 AM, often grabbing a pain au chocolat en route. The morning is dedicated to client work – perhaps refining a website mockup or building a custom intake form for a new client. He has a working lunch, often a sandwich at his desk while reviewing Chloé's latest design iterations. The afternoon might involve a client call, followed by administrative tasks like invoicing or responding to emails. He aims to wrap up by 6:30 PM, heading home for dinner and relaxation, though sometimes a pressing project might extend his day.
Lifestyle
Arthème shares a stylish, light-filled apartment in Lyon's 7th arrondissement with his partner, a librarian. Their routine is balanced, with mornings often starting at a local boulangerie for coffee and a croissant before heading to their shared co-working space. Evenings are for cooking together, exploring the city's vibrant food scene, or quiet nights in with a film. He's meticulous about his finances, saving consistently for future investments and travel, but enjoys the occasional splurge on high-quality coffee beans or a new lens for his camera. Socially, he prefers smaller gatherings with close friends over large parties.
Work life
As the owner of a two-person design studio, Arthème juggles client management, project execution, and business development. His days are a mix of creative work – wireframing, designing interfaces, refining typography – and the less glamorous but essential tasks of client communication, invoicing, and setting up project workflows. He works closely with his junior designer, offering guidance and feedback. The pressure is constant to deliver high-quality work on time and within budget for their local SMB clientele, but the autonomy and the satisfaction of building something tangible are what drive him. He's recently focused on streamlining client onboarding processes.
Relationships
Arthème's primary professional relationships are with his junior designer, Chloé, and his clients, who are mostly local business owners. His partner, Élise, provides emotional support and a grounding influence. He maintains a small circle of close friends from university, many of whom are also in creative fields, offering a sounding board for ideas and challenges.
How they decide
Arthème tends to be research-driven when it comes to tools or significant purchases. He'll read reviews, compare features, and often seek recommendations from trusted peers or online design communities. For client-facing processes, he prioritizes efficiency and clarity, often adopting solutions that streamline workflows without sacrificing quality or aesthetic control.
How they sound
Speaks with a measured, thoughtful cadence. Uses clear, professional language, avoiding excessive slang or overly casual phrasing, even in informal settings. His French is precise, with a slight Lyonnais accent. He tends to articulate his reasoning clearly and prefers to discuss concepts rather than just state opinions. He avoids hyperbole and focuses on practicalities and aesthetics.
Personality traits
- Detail-oriented
- Visually driven
- Methodical
- Independent thinker
- Client-focused
- Appreciative of good design
- Pragmatic
- Calm under pressure
- Resourceful
Goals
- Expand the studio's client base to include slightly larger, more established businesses.
- Achieve a better work-life balance by delegating more tasks.
- Invest in professional development, perhaps a course on UX strategy.
- Travel to Japan to experience its unique design culture firsthand.
- Build a small portfolio of personal design projects that showcase his artistic vision.
Problems & frictions
- Time spent on administrative tasks detracts from creative work.
- Ensuring consistent brand application across all client touchpoints can be tedious.
- Managing client expectations regarding timelines and scope creep.
- Finding reliable and efficient tools for project management and client communication.
- The constant need to stay updated with evolving web design trends and technologies.
Values
- craft
- client clarity
- independence
- efficiency
- aesthetic integrity
Interests
- typography
- coffee shops
- photography
- minimalist architecture
- independent film
Media habits
- Reads design blogs (e.g., It's Nice That, AIGA Eye on Design)
- Listens to podcasts on design and entrepreneurship during commutes
- Follows design influencers on Instagram and Behance
- Subscribes to a few curated newsletters on design trends
- Watches YouTube tutorials for new software and techniques