You’re probably at least familiar with ChatGPT and its function. You might be even more familiar with the several AI apps that have spawned over the past year, which create different themed images based on photos of you. Maybe it’ll transform you into an 18th-century painting or a fairy in a fantasy novel. All this to say, AI is on the rise in the creative space, whether we like it or not.

I have a personal relationship with taking calculated risks. In fact, they’ve bled into my business as well. After studying in London for a semester in college, I felt like I could conquer the world. It was super empowering. But the next risk I took really altered the course of my life: driving cross-country from New York to San Francisco with only the stuff in my car and little money to my name.

You’ve undoubtedly heard about the Supreme Court case “303 Creative LLC v. Elenis” by now. Lorie Smith, the founder of 303 Creative and a Christian web designer, told the court that she shouldn’t have to design sites for LGBTQ+ customers because it’s against her religious beliefs. And, horribly enough, the Supreme Court ruled in her favor.

I really admire Martha Stewart. A woman who moves through life with flexibility and curiosity, confidently pursues her dreams, embarks on many adventures, and befriends Snoop. Well, that last one might be a little harder to achieve. 

July is National Anti-Boredom Month, and July 5, specifically, is National Workaholics Day. That’s certainly an interesting collision of concepts: staving off boredom and working too much. This is the perfect time to unpack what happens when creativity doesn’t flow freely because you’re overworked. You’ve undoubtedly heard the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” That 100 percent applies here. You can’t produce your best work if your creative wellspring is dry. 

Revisiting an old project always makes for a uniquely introspective experience. There’s the knee-jerk human reaction to shrink away and judge yourself for the work you did years ago, especially when comparing it to where you are now. Of course, there’s also the glass-half-full approach: look at how far you’ve come. Look at that growth.

Quitting scuba diving was a struggle for me in more ways than one. Firstly, my love for nature made me feel like I was turning against an inherent part of myself. Secondly, as a mom, I want to participate in activities with my kids. Once I moved past those hurdles, though, I realized there are so many things I can do with them that don’t compromise my boundaries. 

At heart, I’ve always been an artist, dabbling in all things related to the arts since I was a kid. I taught myself calligraphy and portraiture. Being creative was second nature to me. I had this intrinsic desire to create, but as a child and throughout my adolescence, I only thought of it as a hobby. When high school rolled around, I took art classes. My teacher told my mom I should consider an artistic career after graduation. Knowing it could be a legitimate pursuit sparked something within me.

Spring is a time of renewal, and with that comes new endeavors, projects, and chapters. I’m thrilled that this spring opened the double doors to a significant new chapter. Drum roll, please … my husband and I are property owners! We now proudly own Sundeck Cottages on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.

If one organization elevates young women and provides resources to ensure their success, it’s the Women’s Impact Alliance. I jumped at the chance to help them with their branding, as their mission profoundly resonates with me. Thanks to my favorite boss from the past bringing me into the fold, I not only did the branding for WIA, but I got to collaborate with him again.

It’s been a minute since I updated everyone about my projects. I’ve been keeping busy, and April is proving fruitful on that front. I have a few new projects on deck. Here’s what I’ve been up to lately.

This Fast Company piece dives deep into what the layoffs mean for graphic designers and where they might go. As reported in the article, Daniel Wert of Wert & Co., a bi-coastal firm, mentioned one of the critical factors that led to these recent layoffs. “The last 10 years, there’s been a lot of over-hiring,” he said.

Journey to Better Therapeutic Consulting, spearheaded by the amazing Talley Webb, connects families and children with mental health and substance use treatment programs that cater to their needs. She puts her knowledge of treatment options in the mental health sphere to good use.

Super Bowl Sunday: Where the Ads Take Center Stage

Let it be known, here and now: I’m not a football person. In fact, Super Bowl Sunday is the one day of the year when I actively watch football. To be honest, it’s mainly for the ads.

Since 2010, January has been dubbed National Human Trafficking Prevention Month to raise awareness, foster education, and prevent this heinous crime from occurring. Unfortunately, this is still a prevalent issue in the US.

When examining human trafficking rates by state in 2022, World Population Review notes that California has the highest number of human trafficking cases (1,334) while Rhode Island has the lowest (10). However, Mississippi boasts the highest rate of human trafficking per 100,000 people (6.32). To think this is a massive epidemic today is as shocking as it is infuriating and heartbreaking.

Has anything truly reframed how we travel in recent years like Airbnb? The vacation rental company has been a popular alternative to hotels (usually cheaper ones, at that) for 14 years now, and it doesn’t intend to slow down soon. Of course, as with practically every industry, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the company’s revenue, especially with travel taking a nosedive during its height.

Think about your favorite brands – what springs to mind? Is it their logos, color schemes, or some swoopy lettering? Chances are that your brain sticks to something visual. Like those brands, it’s important to forge your own visual path and create a lasting image that customers will always remember. Got to keep them coming back for more. Click here to check out our thoughts on branding with a visual identity!

The pandemic definitely played a big role in forcing me to look at my services and figure out other revenue streams.

It's a scary thing to hire someone... but completely worth it! I just recently (over the past two years) started hiring for a variety of things that I need done for my business and I don't have the capacity to handle.

This is a one-day long virtual session for established businesses that need a brand boost or help in their marketing channels. Together we decide on a goal for the day, prioritize the work and get it done.