I am a woman of color, “fire colors,” as my mother once said.
It’s true. I have always gotten a bit fired up by a burning cause. Now I use that fire to produce compelling creative that draws attention to them.
You stand up. I help you stand out.
I specialize in helping non-profits and advocacy-based organizations develop and refine their voice and identity. I concept and deliver campaigns and collateral that educate and drive emotion. I break down complicated policy-speak into digestible pieces paired with strong visuals. Everything I create works as a family and tells a story to support and further an aligned cause.
It’s about creating authenticity.
Your creative should be a direct reflection of your organization’s impact or potential for impact. It starts with your messaging. Now, more than ever, words matter. And successful design often stems from those root words.
Speaking of roots, I am first and foremost a writer. Along the way, I learned accounts and later morphed into creative director. I manage a team of designers handpicked based on your initiative. I hold everything real tight because I believe a burning cause is not something to let go of.
If you are reading this, you probably do too. Let’s steady our gaze and fire it up.
I am an agile communications expert with a wealth of experience writing for agencies, associations and non-profits.
I am looking for clients who have a vision but who trust my expertise to see that vision take shape. Sound like a good fit?
What exactly do you do?
I provide creative services: writing, editing, branding and design. I also provide consulting services. If you are launching a new organization or initiative, I can help you decide what items you may need and the order you need them in. If you are already out in the ether, I can evaluate your existing creative, provide pivotal feedback, and help you determine next steps.
How do you do it?
I do a deep dive to become one with you and/or your organization. I listen. I learn. Then I add the fire. And so the transformation begins, aided by structure and process. Branding has its own formula and mine is a three-step carefully guided process. If you are a well established organization, I can simply take your style guide/assets and run depending on lead time and project complexity.
How do you work with clients?
I am flexible. You can hire me for end-to-end development and execution of your creative: content and design. Or—if you are a bigger agency and already have a creative team in-house, you can hire me as a freelance writer/editor on your project. I am an agile communications expert with a wealth of experience writing for agencies, associations and non-profits. Editing is my sweet spot. I can plow through virtually any kind of content quickly and efficiently. Most of my work is project-based but a retainer makes sense if you have substantial volume on a regular basis. We can determine the best option after I assess your needs.
Do you only work with non-profits?
I am versatile. While I am actively seeking more advocacy-based work, if you have something cool we can collaborate on, I want to hear about it! Anything is worth a conversation and I have a handful of existing corporate clients. I also offer custom branding on projects that are purely fun as a separate extension of cause.
What makes you different?
I am honest. Brutally honest. But that’s what you want in a partner and advocate. If something isn’t working, I’ll tell you why and then we’ll develop a solution that does.
What are specific examples of the products you produce?
Identity: logos, taglines, business cards, stationary suites
Collateral: rack cards, postcards, brochures, slick sheets, sales kits, press kits
Campaigns: print and digital ads, direct mail pieces
Publications: reports, annual reports, white papers, case studies, journals, magazines, newsletters
Environmental: vehicle wraps, interior and exterior building signage, billboards
Events: trade show displays, banner stands, signs, conference guides, SWAG including promotional items, t-shirt and apparel design
What about websites? Currently, no. I package all artwork files for your web designer/developer to use as a boilerplate for brand cohesion. I can, however, assist with website content.
Do you have your own vendors?
Yes, and that’s another benefit of working with me! We’ll talk paper and finishes and then I’ll manage the print side of things with trusted, vetted shops that have the right capabilities for your project and that produce high quality work for the best value. This way I can ensure integrity of the end product, work through any issues on your behalf, and better control the in-hand delivery date. I can also provide a press-ready file to a vendor of your choice but I do not assume the same responsibilities.
When should I reach out?
The sooner, the better. Spaciousness is key when developing new creative. It’s important to leave ample time to follow process and do strong work. Getting on my production schedule early is step one, especially if the project is time-sensitive. If you are a brand new organization or still in an ideation phase, please reach out but it’s best to have matters like naming, legal and funding secured before starting any design work. If you need help with naming and related web domain research, I can provide that as a precursor to the branding process.
Who is your ideal client?
I am looking for clients who have a vision but who trust my expertise to see that vision take shape. Ultimately, I become your partner and advocate upholding brand integrity across all creative. Together, we work to ignite your cause.