1.0crowdspring Bloghttps://www.crowdspring.com/blogAudree Rowehttps://www.crowdspring.com/blog/author/audree/rich600338<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="GkgwaVFyiK"><a href="https://www.crowdspring.com/blog/12-questions-meet-carmen-tsang-canada/">12 Questions: Meet Carmen Tsang (Canada)</a></blockquote><iframe sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" src="https://www.crowdspring.com/blog/12-questions-meet-carmen-tsang-canada/embed/#?secret=GkgwaVFyiK" width="600" height="338" title="“12 Questions: Meet Carmen Tsang (Canada)” — crowdspring Blog" data-secret="GkgwaVFyiK" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" class="wp-embedded-content"></iframe><script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ /*! This file is auto-generated */ !function(d,l){"use strict";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&"undefined"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!/[^a-zA-Z0-9]/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),c=new RegExp("^https?:$","i"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display="none";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute("style"),"height"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):"link"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute("src")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener("message",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll("iframe.wp-embedded-content"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute("data-secret"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+="#?secret="+t,e.setAttribute("data-secret",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:"ready",secret:t},"*")},!1)))}(window,document); //# sourceURL=https://www.crowdspring.com/blog/wp-includes/js/wp-embed.min.js /* ]]> */ </script> https://images.crowdspring.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/27132546/heyheykermitimage.jpg500500In our 12 Questions blog series, we feature interviews with someone from the crowdSPRING community. For these interviews, we pick people who add value to our community – in the blog, in the forums, in the projects. Plainly – activities that make crowdSPRING a better community. Be professional, treat others with respect, help us build something very special, and we’ll take notice. We’re very proud to feature Carmen Tsang (crowdSPRING username: heyheykermit) today. Carmen lives and works in Markham, Ontario,Canada. 1. Please tell us about yourself. Hey all…it’s really excited to be interviewed by crowdSPRING…and it’s actually my very first blog interview, so really looking forward seeing it go live.  Let’s get the ball rolling… My name is Carmen Tsang, I was born in Hong Kong and move to Canada for good about 10 years ago after I completed my degree in education. My DECISION to move to a country with a whole new culture and lifestyle was tough (start everything from zero??) but I told myself to give a try while I am still young, so, at that time I bought a one way air ticket, and off I go….til now, 10 years later still residing in Canada.  I knew that there’s no harm even I couldn’t make it at that time (just an experience), i still remember my tutor once said, “no matter what you do…aiming for the best, preparing for the worse.” Without any local experience my first job in Canada was a home decor assistant, luckily after 2 months, on the day of my first birthday in Canada I got a full time job offer as graphic designer.  In 4 years’ time, I gradually worked my way up to the art director level, overseeing the design department and lead a team of 4 designers and freelancers.  While everything seems so perfect (stable job & income), me, a workaholic, found myself trapped in the imbalance of work and personal life.  I feel torn and I made another DECISION.  I quit the full time job, walk out of my comfort zone, and start to work as a full time freelance designer.  At that time, I did not think deep on how to set up a design business, no planning, no researching, no risk estimating, no cost-calculating, I just start doing it…. Although day 1 of my business, I only have one client (yes! ONE!), I gradually build up my clientele for the past 6 years.  At this moment, I am happy for what I have attained…enough business to keep myself busy Mon-Fri 9-6.  As a full time freelance designer working in home office, I keep myself in a rigid yet flexible work schedule – work diligently during office hours, but try not to work at night or weekends.  Now I can spend more quality time with my partner and family to enjoy the every taste of life through traveling, cooking, reading and movies…..