I had a conversation recently that stopped me in my tracks: "Design isn't art."

My immediate reaction? "Wait, what? Of course it is!"

But then I sat with it. And I realized the person making that statement had a point—just not the one I initially thought they were making.

Let me explain.

I've been watching Lululemon's struggles lately, and honestly? It's a masterclass in what happens when a brand loses its way.

Here's what I wish every solo business owner knew about sustainability and intensity.

Here's the truth: There are two giant phases to creating a website that actually works for your business. Most people want to jump straight to Phase 2 (the pretty part), but skipping Phase 1 is why so many websites end up looking good but not performing.

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.

Here's what those failures taught me, and how they've actually made my business stronger…

After 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.

Working 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.

The outcome might be identical, but the journey to get there? That's where the magic—or the damage happens.

When 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.

As 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.

As 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.

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.

In 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.

Hey 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. 

You know those moments when everyday life suddenly becomes a perfect metaphor? Well, it happened to me during my weekly laundry ritual (yes, really!).

No 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. 

Here’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. 

When 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…

Ads 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.

Recently, 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.