Blog
Things to do before working with a designer
You've decided to work with a designer, brilliant! But now what? I don't want you turning up with it all figured out. This is your no-pressure guide to getting prepared, from colours and fonts to the whacky ideas you've been too scared to say out loud.
Why should I buy a brand package?
That little voice telling you Canva's "good enough" and a brand package is too big an investment? Here's what it's really costing you in lost hours, unfinished ideas, and a business that's staying smaller than it should, plus one simple exercise to find out if you're ready for help.
I don't really know how to work with a Graphic Designer.
If the thought of working with a Graphic Designer makes you picture jargon, juxtaposition, and a brand that stops feeling like "you" you're not alone. Here's why that fear is holding you back, and what working together can actually look like when it's built on conversation, not corporate speak.
Will this work for me?
You've been looking at your brand for a while and getting that feeling that it just isn't a good fit anymore. You know you need to do something, but finding the right person feels overwhelming, and deep down there's a bigger fear going on. Let's talk about it.
It’s only branding…
I'm guilty of calling myself a "colourer innerer" and playing down what I do, but branding is so much more than that. Here's why it might just be the most important thing you do for your business.
I'll fix my Brand later…
You keep saying you'll fix your brand later. But later keeps getting pushed down the list and meanwhile, your ideal clients are looking you up and not quite seeing the person they met. Here's why that disconnect matters more than you think.
How to tell if you brand is holding you back
You used to love working on your branded stuff. Now it feels like a chore. If you're dreading Canva, cringing at your own lead magnets, and going in circles with colours and fonts that don't say you - your brand might be holding you back. Here's how to tell.
Why I only offer one Brand Package
I love designing so much my instinct is to do all the things. So why do I only offer one package? Because I kept watching clients leave with a logo and then doing things that made me want to look away.
I'm a self-taught designer.
Graphic design nearly missed me because of a weird tutor and far too much Changing Rooms. Here's how I ended up here anyway - and why I wouldn't change any of it.
How long does brand design actually take?
Wondering how long brand design actually takes - and what you're paying for? Here's an honest, week-by-week breakdown of the full brand design process, from first conversation to final files.
What does a brand designer actually do all day?
Ever wondered what a brand designer actually does all day? Spoiler: it's not just colouring in. Here's an honest behind-the-scenes look at what really goes into building a brand - the mess, the 3am ideas, and the one question that drives every decision.
More colour freedom than you think
Think you have to limit yourself to five brand colours? Think again. In this blog I'm sharing how to build a colour system that gives you creative freedom and consistency - so your audience starts recognising your content before they've even read a word.
What to Do When Your Creativity Has Fled the Scene
You opened Canva with the best intentions, but then... emails, cute dog videos, a squirrel in the garden, and suddenly your creativity has wandered off without you. Sound familiar? Here's the thing: there's nothing wrong with you. Creativity can't be forced. But there IS a simple 10-minute trick that can help you capture design inspiration without the endless scroll - and yes, you're allowed to use stock photos while you're at it. Let me show you how to create the templates you actually need, even when your brain isn't cooperating.
I'm Not Creative Enough for Canva
Staring at a blank Canva screen thinking "I'm not creative enough for this"? Stop right there. Starting a business takes creativity - you've already proven you have it. The truth is, those people who look like they're doing it all? They have help (they're just not always saying it). Right now, you don't need a designer - you need to experiment, make mistakes, and find your feet. Because creativity and polished design are two different things. And guess what? You're more creative than you think.
To use AI or not to use AI? That is the question
As a designer, here's what I really think about AI in design - and why it's okay to use it when you're starting out (but not forever). Let's talk about finding the balance between tools and investment.
5 Canva mistakes that hurt your brand (and how to fix them)
Running a business means DIYing your graphics - at least until you can afford to outsource. But common Canva mistakes can make your brand look unprofessional. From overcrowded carousels to poor alignment, these five errors are holding you back. The good news? They're all easy to fix. Learn the simple design tricks that make your graphics look professionally made, even if you're a complete beginner.
How to know if you need custom branding or if templates will work
Here's what most designers won't tell you: you don't need a custom brand and logo on day one of your business. Controversial? Maybe. But when you're juggling admin, marketing, sales, and customer service, a rigid brand isn't what you need - flexibility is. Learn how to use templates and DIY tools like Canva to build visual consistency (without the overwhelm), plus the unmistakable signs that signal you're ready to level up to a full custom brand. Spoiler: it's not about budget - it's about knowing who you're talking to and what you want to say.
Professional but fun
Stop fighting yourself with mismatched fonts. One versatile font family like Poppins - used strategically across Bold, SemiBold, and Regular weights - plus a balanced color palette creates that elusive "professional but approachable" vibe. Learn the exact proportions and implementation checklist for brands that need to be both credible and friendly.
Accessible design isn't just 'nice to have’
Think accessible design is complicated? This step-by-step guide shows you how to make your website and social media accessible in 6 months - no tech degree needed.
What's actually inside brand guidelines
You hear designers banging on about branding guidelines constantly - they're so important, they help with consistency, they make designing easier. But HOW? This complete guide breaks down exactly what goes into branding guidelines, from mission and values to logos, colours, and fonts. Whether you're DIYing your brand or working with a designer, you'll learn what to include and why each element matters. Plus, grab my free Canva template to get started today!