02/09/2022
I love helping individuals and small businesses brand themselves. Both through visual and verbal communication I get the opportunity to tell their story. The many skillsets have been learned to help identify who they are, establish brand affinity and meet specific targets locally and on a national level.
Here are 10 reasons why I love what I do as a creative:
#1 Creative confidence is a must. I am introverted at heart but when it comes to objectively explaining why I created something... I will discuss it. Whether it is one on one or in front of an audience. These talks in collaborative environments and constructive criticisms are a great learning experience. Once I get out of my shell I tell to connect with like-minded people.
#2 This skill set challenges me to critically think. I spend quite a bit of time outlining plans, executing projects and researching everything in-between. It makes working individually a must sometimes. I love to be in my own world sketching or learning a new tool I can use to help what I do.
#3 I combine art, psychology and technology to communicate ideas. By using a variety of design elements and tools to achieve artistic or effects on someone feelings. These all can and will interpret in their own way. Artsy yes, but what I do is more technical than anything. There is a ton of psychology and theories behind marketing and design. Furthermore, there are many technical rules in marketing too. If one step is missed you will receive something back not up to par with the solution you are trying to achieve.
#4 Solving problems is my forte. Graphic design can be the ultimate brainteaser. Choosing the right fonts, colors, and lines to create a balanced composition, while simultaneously conveying meaning. It is like a puzzle that has endless ways to be solved. It can be super complicated. In order to succeed you will need to love a good challenge to find a solution.
#5 I wear all the hats. From designing to strategizing, I do it all. I am always growing and learning to bring new techniques to my partners. On the other hand, I also have to do all the work involved with owning a small business such as marketing myself to taxes and logistics. One must be able to pivot and multitask.
#6 I offer my potential partners different options so they can choose a project with all the bells and whistles they want. As I build the proposal, I get to know the people behind the products. I have learned from experience there are numerous places people have come from. I make custom menu items to what needs to be accomplished.
#7 My projects are always changing. From designing full websites to creating Search Engine Optimized content for a small business, it all varies. I have created vehicle wraps and billboards. From small projects to large marking campaigns. A new day equals a new problem I need to solve through graphics, interfaces or communication.
#8 I can create something from nothing. Like an artist, I create. It is done through words, sounds, videos, pictures, ideas, written work and concepts and so much more. I am wired in such a way to create something new and different from what I take away from a conversation or a project brief. It all is pushed through the people, product and process approach.
#9 Hearing stories connects my future. Ever since I was a kid, I loved hearing and telling stories. From the earliest memories, I can recall my father telling me stories about WWII. Also, comic books were a big part of my early years. This works hand-in-hand with listening to a brand's story. I must retell that story through writing, producing graphics, website content, emails, landing pages, print articles or anything else. Storytelling carries a brand to new levels.
#10 Technology is one of the hardest components of what I do, yet one of the most rewarding. Information technology has changed so much over the years and it has also spread through everything designers do from design to content creation, metrics and distribution. I love it, and continue to enjoy the journey of learning more about how it is making the future in marketing more effective, measurable, creative, diverse in distribution and dare I say frustrating too.
Some brands pictured: The Starfish Cottage Cakes, Wag-n-Walk, Coastal Plastering and Repair, Maternal & Perinatal Services, LLC, Five Hives Apiary: Florida Honey, Elderberry Syrup and More
