Blog
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.
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!
Beware the Design Gremlins: 5 Common Branding Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Ever wonder why your brand design feels... off? Meet the design gremlins - those sneaky little creatures causing colour chaos, font frenzy, and alignment disasters in your Canva creations. From rainbow Instagram posts to unreadable script fonts, these 5 common branding mistakes might be sabotaging your professional image. But don't worry - I've got specific action steps to banish each gremlin and create consistent, polished visuals that actually work for your business. Ready to stop wrestling with design at 2am?
DIY-ing Your Website?
When you first start thinking about your website, you might be thinking: “This is easy - I’ll just quickly put something together, and it’ll be fine!”
But three weeks later, you’re confused, stuck, and seriously considering throwing your laptop out the window.
Let’s avoid that. Here are some tips to get you going smoothly.
Branding for Neurodivergent Business Owners: Making It Work for YOU
Branding can feel like a massive, overwhelming task - especially if you're neurodivergent.
There’s a lot of noise out there about what you 'should' do, but guess what? Your brand doesn’t have to follow the usual rules. It just needs to feel like YOU and attract the people who’ll get you.