Ages ago, when I first started at an agency, I learned a lot about working with clients on logos, mostly through trial and error. Once, after a client killed a perfectly good logo because he didn’t like the color green, I decided to always show the first round of logos only in black and white. Why? Because it allows the mark to speak for itself without bias or reliance on color. There were lots of those types of lessons when I first started. Quite frankly I am thankful for them; they have helped me hone a process for myself.

In a world where everyone needs it now and wants to be there quickly, I choose to take the scenic route.

I was recently on a group call and one of the designers chirped that she churns out a new website for her clients every other day. I was blown away. Just floored. That is a LOT of work to get done in two workdays. And that included a logo! I have been doing this for quite a while and I started to wonder am I a dinosaur unable to keep up with kids fresh out of school? Is this where it is all headed? I had a lot of questions. What was she using to get all of this done so quickly? Are there new tools I just don’t know about yet? So. Many. Questions.

It’s that time of year again people. We’ve nearly made it to the end of 2021. Whew, right? So, what is in store for 2022?

Pantone just released the 2022 Color of the Year: Very Peri. It’s a lovely purply-blue color. I have been spotting similar hues all over the place in recent months and even began using a similar shade on my website for a pop of color a few months ago. In addition to a more vibrant color palette for 2022, as far as design goes, I think we are in for some trends toward irreverence and fun.

Here are my predictions for the world of design in 2022.

Entrepreneurs, if you don’t have a brand strategy, here are four reasons you could be leaving money on the table.