Sometimes the best lessons come wrapped in the most uncomfortable packages.
Failure and I have become close friends over the years. Not by choice, mind you—but because every entrepreneur's journey is paved with projects that didn't work, strategies that flopped, and moments when you question everything.
Read MoreAfter years of client calls, I've learned something counterintuitive: the best sales calls are the ones that don't feel like sales calls. They feel like conversations between two people who want to work together.
Read MoreWorking from home has revolutionized the way businesses are conducted. No commute, flexible schedules, and the comfort of your own space—what's not to love? But after years of Zoom calls and Slack messages, I've realized something crucial: nothing replaces the power of face-to-face connection.
Read MoreThe outcome might be identical, but the journey to get there? That's where the magic—or the damage—happens.
Read MoreWhen seeking a designer for your business needs, the difference between hiring a one-trick designer and a versatile creative partner can significantly impact your project outcomes and long-term success. Here's how to evaluate potential design collaborators effectively.
Read MoreAs a brand designer, one of the most valuable skills I've developed isn't design-related – it's identifying the right clients before we even begin working together. While portfolios and processes are crucial, the success of any design project often hinges on something less tangible: the client relationship.
Read MoreAs brand designers, our past projects are more than just portfolio pieces – stories waiting to be told. Each case study is an opportunity to showcase what we created and the journey, challenges, and triumphs that shaped the final result.
Read MoreIt started with a missed deadline. Then another. And another. As a creative professional, I was trapped in an increasingly familiar cycle: bursts of intense productivity followed by lengthy procrastination and creative block. The wake-up call came when I realized I was thinking more about working than creating.
Read MoreIn the dynamic design world, the roles of brand and graphic designers often get confused. While both are crucial to a company's visual success, they serve distinctly different purposes in the creative ecosystem. As someone who has evolved through both roles, I want to highlight what makes each position unique and valuable.
Read MoreHey there, fellow design enthusiasts! Let's take a fun trip down memory lane to when being a graphic designer meant wrestling with some pretty fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) pieces of technology.
Read MoreYou know those moments when everyday life suddenly becomes a perfect metaphor? Well, it happened to me during my weekly laundry ritual (yes, really!).
Read MoreNo two humans are the same. This is an indisputable, universal truth. The same applies to those we serve in our businesses – each client is different.
Read MoreHere’s an undeniable truth: technology is advancing rapidly in all facets of our lives. Fear of our AI overlords taking over aside, these advancements are a boon for small business owners like me. Using certain apps has facilitated the branding process; they help with my efficiency and organization while working with clients.
Read MoreWhen starting a business, it’s easy to think, “I can do this myself,” if you don’t have the resources to invest in outside support. I’ve had several clients try to be financially prudent by hiring a designer through a freelancer platform like 99designs. Now, I’m not knocking on these platforms. However, it can be overwhelming if you don’t know how to get what you need from the designers or how to art direct them. That’s where I come in…
Read MoreAds do more than persuade a prospective customer to purchase your product – they color that customer’s opinion of your business and its values. That’s why it’s crucial to consider how you market what you’re selling.
Read MoreRecently, I had the privilege of reading Gay Hendricks's The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level for Anne LaFollette’s Creative Business Mastermind. Full disclosure: it’s a bit life-changing.
Read MoreI’m proud to share that I’m a Founding Member of Anne LaFollette’s Creative Business Mastermind. I had the privilege of joining this remarkable new program from Anne, a long-time client near and dear to my heart.
Read MoreChange can be a very good thing.
Recently, I translated Anne LaFollette’s website from version 7.0 to 7.1. The experience was less bumpy than I anticipated. This update comes equipped with fantastic new features that save time and reduce redundancies. It has really stepped up to the plate.
Read MoreSo much has changed in our society since the advent of smartphones and social media. They’ve irrevocably altered how we interact with those around us and with the world at large. Every industry has had to undergo a metamorphosis, especially brand marketing (and I would know a thing or two about that).
Read MoreA few months ago, Fast Company published a piece about multiple brands dumping their classic script logos. This includes Eddie Bauer abandoning its simple, elegant cursive wordmark in favor of a sans-serif font with a goose next to it. Johnson & Johnson also ditched its gorgeous, swooping letters for, you guessed it, a sans-serif font.
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