I recently had the amazing opportunity to be a guest on the Brand Therapist podcast hosted by branding expert Yamilca Rodriguez. As a freelance graphic designer, getting asked to share my perspective and story on an up and coming branding podcast was an exciting chance I'm so grateful for.
Yamilca made me feel welcomed from the moment I logged onto the zoom call. I appreciated her genuine interest in my journey and the conversational flow as we talked about my unique start in and journey in design.
In the podcast, I had the pleasure of sharing my background as a multidisciplinary designer who had an interesting design journey, starting with Microsoft Paint. From a young age, I would experiment with art and design, fueled by my grandmother's unwavering support for my artistic endeavors--even when the drawings were terrible. Over time, I transitioned to more sophisticated tools like PowerPoint, where I designed posters and t-shirts for school. This early experimentation laid the foundation for my future career in design.
Eventually, I landed a design internship at Pacific Lutheran University, where I began to hone my design skills further. Fast forward to today, and I'm a full-time marketing specialist, multidisciplinary designer, and freelancer, helping small businesses and people of color realize their dreams through marketing-backed design. My mission is to give voice to their visions through impactful art and marketing strategy.
I was also able to share my perspectives on design. My belief is that effective design is not just about aesthetics; it's about designing with a purpose, backed by research and strategy. It's about helping clients find their voice and compete with larger corporate brands. In essence, I'm in the business of giving voice to dreams through art and design.
Throughout the podcast episode, I shared insights into my personal brand and hopes for the future. A few key takeaways include:
The Power of Being Adaptive and Dynamic: In the world of design, being adaptive and dynamic is crucial. It's about being flexible and open to change, even in the face of challenges.
The Influence of Childhood: Our childhood experiences play a significant role in shaping our creative journeys. In my case, the support and encouragement I received from my grandmother fueled my passion for art and design.
Personal Branding: I shared insights into my evolving personal brand, which balances strength with a feminine touch. My brand reflects determination, tenacity, and persistence.
The Fear of Not Being Memorable: One of my greatest fears is not leaving a lasting impact or legacy. I strive to make a difference and be remembered for my work and contributions.
The Importance of Speaking Up: As a person of color in the corporate world, I emphasized the importance of speaking up, even when it's uncomfortable. Sharing diverse perspectives is essential for building inclusive brands and businesses.
Appearing on Brand Therapist was such a valuable experience that allowed me to share my design journey and perspective. I’m so thankful to Yamilca for giving me the chance to hopefully inspire others, showcase my skills, and meaningfully add to the branding conversation.
Check out and support the Podcast!
I highly recommend subscribing to the Brand Therapist podcast, especially if you want to level up your small business branding. Yamilca has a real talent for drawing out her guests' stories and condensing key branding takeaways.
You can use the links below to check out the Brand Therapist podcast, where you can explore more inspiring episodes and gain valuable insights into branding and entrepreneurship. You can find the podcast on Acast and YouTube or Spotify.
My episode Link: Brand Therapist Podcast
My Episode YouTube Link: Brand Therapist Podcast on YouTube
Brand Therapist Podcast: Listen Here