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Portraits & Pixels: A Nomadic Journey

Hi, TIARÉ here! 

Hey there! I'm Tiaré Truss, your go-to Estonian girl for all things copywriting, graphic design, and marketing. Diving into these creative waters has been nothing short of a rollercoaster adventure, one that's not only filled my heart with joy but also set my clients' brands on a path to success. It's this journey of countless projects, sleepless nights, and endless learning that's shaped me into the freelancer I am today—dedicated, passionate, and always ready for the next challenge.

My Story Begins in a Land of Books

Ever been so lost in a book that the world around you just fades away? That was my entire childhood, with my nose buried in books, but none captured my imagination quite like Harry Potter. It wasn't just the magic of Hogwarts that had me hooked—it was the art of storytelling itself. Inspired, I created a play-by-post RPG, a digital haven where Harry Potter fans like me could spin their own tales. This wasn't just played; it was my first real foray into combining narrative magic with digital kingdoms, a hobby that sparked the realization: that storytelling, design, and web development were definitely my callings. Have you heard the saying that you can discover your true passion by looking at all the activities you loved doing when you were younger? Yes, fortunately, I cracked this code quite early in life.

From Backpacking Fantasies to a Laptop Lifestyle

Throughout high school, where academics and I had a love-hate relationship (mostly hate from my side), I dreamt of backpacking across Asia, of adventures in distant lands, and cultures yet to be discovered. But as fate would have it, my path took an unexpected turn towards the Baltic Film and Media School. There, amidst the rigors of Integrated Art & Multimedia studies and a sea of creative minds, I found my true north. Graduating in 2021, I realized that the nomadic lifestyle I once dreamt of could indeed be a reality, albeit with a digital twist. Trading the physical weight of a backpack for the digital weight of a laptop and Wi-Fi connection opened up a world where work and wanderlust coexist beautifully.

Kicking Off My Marketing Journey

Imagine this: a bustling café, the air rich with the scent of coffee, and there I was, 19 years old, the barista behind the counter, crafting lattes and serving smiles. Little did I know, my latte art and big smile would catch the eye of a local restaurateur, the owner of the chicest spots in town, Manna La Roosa and Tai Boh. He told me that I should become a waitress at his restaurants instead. 

 

One casual chat over coffee, and suddenly, I was catapulted into the world of social media marketing. Along with a new waitressing job, I became the social media manager for Manna and Boh. This opportunity came out of nowhere for me, but I decided to accept the challenge. I did take some latte art and pastries photos to my last workplace's social media Instagram and made sure our social profiles had some content, but this was a nice hobby... Okay, so fake it till you make it, right? 

 

A year later, armed with nothing but sheer enthusiasm, I found myself navigating the complex, ever-evolving landscape of online branding for not just one, but four bustling establishments—all by the age of 21. I had become the marketing and PR manager for four different restaurants, all while pursuing my art degree at the university.

This wasn't just a job; it was a whirlwind education in marketing that laid the foundation for everything that came next. For example, three years of work at a social media agency gave me an amazing opportunity to fine-tune my skills, collaborate and learn from a team of professionals, and build my portfolio with various projects across various industries.

Designing My Path

My design journey is a tale of evolution, from my first strokes in Paint on our family computer to the sophisticated canvases of professional software. University was a turning point, where my passion for visual storytelling was reignited and refined. I've come to see design not just as an art form but as a powerful means of communication, a way to bridge thoughts and emotions between brands and their audiences. Every project is an opportunity to blend aesthetics with functionality, creating designs that aren't just seen but felt.

Embracing the Freelance Life

The pandemic era was a pivot for many, myself included. In the spring of 2021, when COVID-19 stuck the restaurant businesses hard, I found myself becoming a fresh member of a social media marketing agency Goal. A new role as a project manager introduced me to loads of new clients and fields, and as all agency workers know, a lot of projects got done with remarkable speed. I am beyond grateful because I truly think the 3 years I spent working in the agency hardened my skillsets a lot. Also gave me a chance to work with some big names, for example, National Geographic, Jura, and Blendtec. 


During my time at the agency, I often found myself in situations where both my friends and others began to recognize my skills. Consequently, I started to engage in a lot of side hustling. Eventually, it became clear that I should formalize my services. So, drawing upon everything I had learned, I launched my own business in the spring of 2022, fully embracing the freelance world. Initially, I managed my business alongside my agency work, but by the spring of 2024, I decided it was time to dive in fully!

 

This leap was more than a career change; it was a lifestyle choice—a melding of creativity, autonomy, and the freedom to work from anywhere. It was here, in the unpredictability of freelance life, that I truly found my rhythm, crafting stories, designs, and strategies that resonate across cultures and industries. 

The Nomad Life Chose Me

2022 wasn't merely another year; it was when I fully embraced the nomad lifestyle, diving into an adventure that showcased how attainable living a dream really is. In the autumn of 2022, I packed my backpack and boxing gloves, and with a one-way ticket in hand, set off to Koh Phangan, Thailand. My initial plan was simple: to train in Muay Thai for a month with my best friend Merit and a few other folks from Estonia. This was about it, I had not thought further and just decided to live in trust. Little did I know, this journey would lead me away from the path back to Estonia, for now at least.

I ended up living on the island for five solid months, took a two-week detour to Singapore, and then found myself in Bali. Originally planning only a short stay, I unexpectedly spent two months there, found my partner, and fell in love with the place. I finally understood the long-standing pull I had felt towards Bali.

Now, in 2024, I’m writing from my cherished home in Bali. It’s become my primary base for about seven months each year, while I spend the other five months in Estonia, enjoying the summer and the onset of autumn. Although I have two places I call home, the urge to explore still pulls me, and I plan to live in various other locations for shorter periods.

The nomad life has indeed been an exhilarating ride. From landing clients in unexpected places like a bikini shop in Singapore to joining a Krav Maga camp in Thailand, each experience has been a valuable lesson in living life to its fullest. Of course, it hasn’t been without its challenges—losing my phone (with my sanity) in Thailand and forgetting my laptop in a Singapore mall were definitely low points as a person whose entire life and career fit in these devices—but these hurdles have only added depth and richness to my experiences. I can handle every challenge right now with a straight face.

Nomadic life is as challenging as it is rewarding. It's about finding balance in chaos, home in unfamiliar places, and inspiration in everyday encounters. This lifestyle has reshaped my view of work, life, and the interconnectedness of our global community, teaching me that with flexibility, curiosity, and a bit of courage, the world truly is your oyster.

Let's Make Magic Together

So, here I am, with a heart full of stories and a portfolio brimming with experiences, ready to help bring your vision to life. Whether it's through compelling copy, striking designs, or strategic marketing, I'm here to make your brand shine. More than that, I'm here to inspire, to encourage you to chase your dreams, no matter how out of reach they may seem. Are you ready to start this journey together? Let's create something unforgettable and maybe, along the way, inspire you to take a leap of your own.

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WORK EXPERIENCE

  • AS Ekspress Meedia 

2017 - 2020  "Pere ja Kodu" Translator & Editor

2020 – 2020 "Naistekas" Translator & Editor

 

  • Gourmet Coffee

2018 – 2019 Social Media Manager

 

  • Tai Boh, Manna La Roosa

2019 – 2020 Social Media Manager

2020 – 2021 Head of Marketing & Public Relations

  

  • POMO Restorante, Café Opera

2019 – 2020  Social Media Manager

2020 – 2021  Head of Marketing & Public Relations

 

  • GOAL Marketing

2021 – 2024  Social Media Project Manager

  • Reverie OÜ

2022 – present  Personal Freelance Projects 

EDUCATION

  • Baltic Film and Media School

2018 – 2021 BA degree in Integrated art, music & multimedia

CERTIFICATES & COURSES

Common charity through leadership

Kiwanis Youth Camp in Germany, Wuppertal, July of 2013 

Be an artist

Kiwanis Youth Camp in Šveits, Saignelegie, July of 2014

Public speaking

Kiwanis Youth Camp in Czech, Roudnice, July of 2015

The Strategic Planning

Culture and Creativity Programme, November of 2019

Creating Value in Creative Economy

Culture and Creativity Programme, November of 2019

Culture and Creativity Course

Culture and Creativity Programme, November of 2019

How to Successfully Market on Facebook and Instagram

nullist.ee Social Media Course, January of 2020

Thinking into Results Programme

Personal 1:1 Coaching with Kai Oja, January of 2024

2024 © Web solution by Tiaré Truss

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