Hey there you badass brand designer, I'm happy you're here.
As a brand designer, you’re not just an artist creating logos and color palettes; you’re a storyteller, a strategist, a coach, and often, a problem-solver. Whether you’re running a studio or freelancing, life and business will inevitably collide, almost always unexpectedly.
In this short post, we'll explore how navigating life’s challenges can help you become a more impactful designer, stronger entrepreneur, and grounded human being.
Embracing the Chaos
Personal life, like design, is rarely linear. As a brand designer, you may start with a clear idea for a project, but as client feedback, market trends, and even your personal life shift, you often need to pivot. These unpredictable moments can feel stressful but can also inspire creativity and yield better results within your work (if you know how to approach the situation).
In my 28 years on this planet and 4 running a business, I've learned that things rarely go according to plan.
A concept may be rejected, a client may drop you in order to go in a different direction, or a pandemic might uproot your entire life (we're all too familiar with that). The key is to remain flexible. Flexibility allows you to adapt without breaking.
In my personal experience, the best designs, and the best business strategies, often arise when I’m forced to take a different approach than I initially intended, pivoting. Whether it’s switching up a branding concept at the last minute or changing how I communicate with clients, adapting to change is invaluable and essential for a healthy work/life balance.
Takeaway: Flexibility is your friend. Embrace it, flow with the ever-changing seasons, be open to what these hardships may present you on the other side. It may not only help you survive, but thrive in business and life.
The Intersection of Personal and Professional Growth
As much as we’d like to separate our personal and professional lives, the two are often intertwined, especially as a brand designer running your own business. Personal growth will directly influence your ability to run your business effectively. When you’re mentally and emotionally grounded, you can make clearer decisions, work more efficiently, create stronger connections with your clients, and be more open to new opportunities that arise.
Emotional intelligence is a powerful tool. Understanding your own emotions, as well as those of your clients, helps build rapport and trust. It’s also essential for navigating the emotional roller coaster that is entrepreneurship. You’ll face anxiety, frustration, and even moments of imposter syndrome—but developing this awareness will help you manage your emotions and those around you, keeping you grounded, centered, and focused.
For instance, I’ve found that some of my best client relationships have come from moments of vulnerability. Early in my career, I hesitated to show uncertainty or ask for help. But I realized that being honest—about timelines, challenges, or even my thought process— leads to better client relationships and better projects. Setting the expectation for timelines and delierables helps keep yourself and your clients in check. This has helped me immensely with communication, I recieve less emails like 'Where is this deliverable at?" and "When will we get the logo?", as the expectations are clear and set from the get-go.
Takeaway: Personal growth fuels professional success. Invest in your emotional well-being; get exercise, rest, eat healthy, look after yourself; then watch your business soar.
Finding & Revisiting your "Why"
At the heart of every successful brand—and every fulfilled person—is a clear sense of purpose. As a brand designer, your “why” will be what drives you through the challenges and motivates you to keep growing, even when things get tough in your personal life.
While on my own journey, I’ve found that whenever I’ve felt lost or discouraged, reconnecting with my “why” brought me back on track. Why did I start my own business? What impact do I want to make on the community? What is driving me to continue finding new inspiration? By consistently reminding myself of my mission—to help uncover business owners super powers through design —I’ve been able to regain focus when it feels like I'm running off-course.
Takeaway: In every facet of life, understanding your “why” will be the compass that keeps you aligned with your goals. Revisit your why often. Know the reason you do what you do.
Everyone's on Their Unique Path
No one's path is exactly the same. Especially when life is full of ups and downs that are often unpredictable. Here's the thing though... as a brand designer, you’re equipped with the creativity, resilience, and adaptability to navigate them. Whether you’re facing personal challenges or business setbacks, each trial presents an opportunity for growth.
By staying flexible, resilient, and connected to your 'why', you can turn obstacles into stepping stones toward success.
At the end of the day, life and business will almost always be intertwined as an entrepreneur. How you navigate one will inevitably influence the other. Embrace the journey, no one can tell you how you're meant to navigate it. Remember that every setback is just part of the process toward becoming a stronger designer, entrepreneur, and human being.
Here's to unlocking fresh possibilities, from your favorite brand designer ❤
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