I’m not gonna lie… 2024 started out pretty rocky. 

I found out mid-January that Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, a dream education client whom I’ve served as primary design and branding partner to for 15+ years, wasn’t renewing my contract effective February 1, 2024.

They were ready for a change, a new direction. And after 15 years of working together, of course, I get that.

But even still, it was a hard blow to my self-confidence and my checking account. 

🌸 But as they say, with time comes perspective. And thankfully today, the road ahead feels more hopeful and optimistic. 🌸

Working with the Library over these last 15+ years has been an important part of my professional development and reinforced my passion for supporting educational institutions and nonprofits with strategic branding and graphic design. 

It’s been a true joy to work on program materials for annual events like Summer Break and remember back to my own childhood. How much I looked forward to participating in summer reading every year and how much the theme and visual materials for the program enhanced my overall enthusiasm and enjoyment.

And then, the experience came full circle, and I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY to create that same excitement and love of reading and learning for Charlotte-area residents—of all ages—who used my digital and collateral designs as part of their Summer Break experience. It was an absolute blast!

I can’t make honorable closure with the Library in a single newsletter, nor would I want to. I’m still musing on how I want to share and celebrate our work together. But you can be assured that I’ll share all that impact – both that the Library had on me and the direct and indirect ways that I contributed to the Library’s programming, promotions and fundraising for the good of our Charlotte community – in a future newsletter or two.

Today, I’m looking ahead…

I’ve given a lot of thought to the question, “What do I want to create in this new opening from the Library’s departure?” So far, here’s what I’ve come up with:

• Have more fun
  Seriously, Y’all, I want to get out, explore and do things that bring me joy. That includes bird watching (still looking to spot my first pileated woodpecker), learning hand lettering and taking SkillPop classes that strike my fancy.
   
• Lean into learning and practice
  I’m a recovering perfectionist. Maybe you can relate? I’m giving myself permission to learn and grow and do new things badly (or at least not perfectly) at first. One area where I’m putting that into practice is learning how to create content. This very newsletter, for instance. In fact, I’m taking an intensive on writing content and sharing more of myself, both as a brand and graphic designer, and as a woman who’s still trying to figure things out and bring more joy into her life.
   
• Cultivate relationships that are important to me.
  I want to make more time to reach out to connect with old friends and create opportunities to make new ones. If you want to meet for a coffee date here in Charlotte or schedule a Zoom chat if you don’t live nearby, email me, and we’ll get a date on the calendar. 
   
• 🤩 And here’s my BIG, BOLD, BODACIOUS vision for myself:
  I want to work with more education-focused clients: independent and charter schools, colleges and universities and educational nonprofits like libraries.
  
  That’s the work that really lights me up!
  
  I love working with marketing and development directors to help share their school’s unique approach to education, imbued with their values and beliefs. And most importantly, showcase and celebrate the truly inspiring stories of impact and transformation that follow.
  
  Education is the one true equalizer. It’s a keystone of democracy. It’s a means of personal empowerment. It’s a force for good that begins with the individual and grows to create a better future for whole communities. The more I can get in that flow of empowerment, transformation and unlimited possibilities, the happier and more fulfilled I’ll be. (Add another check to my first bullet item. ✅)
  
  👉 If you’re a Marketing or Development Director for a school or nonprofit or know someone who is, email me to schedule a free 30-min call with me.

If you’re still reading, thank you! You’re exactly the kind of person I want to connect, learn and grow with. 

As I stand at this crossroads in my professional and personal journey, I’m excited by the possibilities that lie ahead.

👉 If you’re up for taking this journey with me (which I sure hope you are!), stay tuned for more musings, inquiry and thoughtful content where I dig deeper on subjects of design and creativity to create more compelling communications.

👉 If you’re also at a crossroads in your career and looking to connect with someone experiencing the same, email me and I’ll set up a time for us to connect for a 30-min Zoom chat, I’d love to continue the conversation with you personally.

👉 If you’re ready for a go-to creative partner to execute on strategic campaigns or extend the bandwidth of your team in reaching enrollment, alumni engagement and fundraising goals, email me now, and we’ll schedule a 30-min Zoom chat to connect and learn more about each other.

Thanks for reading,
Karen

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