Wow! My first full year as a business owner is complete!

...So many questions, so many hesitations! But one thing was for sure, I enjoy doing what I do and that is designing! Read more about my first year learnings >>>

When setting up your business from scratch and considering all the elements that need designing or redesigning it's easy to think you can try and do it yourself, but, do you know how to create a logo, brand or website? Do you have the time and knowledge to dedicate to creating something professional?

Today I want to share 10 reasons why you should hire a professional designer - like me.

Single page websites are a big hit. They have been for a while now. Effective, straight to the point and they can be visually very appealing, especially if kept on brand (which they should be!).

Sometimes with startups, small businesses or side hustle businesses, there isn't an overload of information that needs to be shared so keeping it short and sweet and on one page could be the perfect solution.

When I first set up my website I knew what pages I wanted. I knew I wanted a Portfolio, a Blog, an About me, and a Work With Me page detailing my packages and process, and obviously a Homepage. It was quite straight forward. All the pages were quite self-explanatory, but when it came to actually detailing these pages I was surprisingly stuck on what to write on my "About me" page.

Ok so you have made the decision and you are going ahead with building your website in Squarespace. AWESOME! Squarespace is a brilliant platform, it's really user-friendly, easy to set up, simple to maintain and it's affordable.

Another great feature of Squarespace is the templates. They are designed well and present information, photos, products and more in a flexible and beautiful way. There isn't a huge list of templates to choose from, but it can be daunting none the less trying to choose the perfect template.

I know, I have been there. It can all get a bit much sifting through the different templates trying to work out which one you like and if it is best suited for you.

Well, that's where this post comes in. I want to share some key points you should consider when choosing your Squarespace template.

Like a lot of small businesses, Squarespace is the platform I have used to create my website in. I also create my clients' websites in Squarespace. It's so awesome I seriously wouldn't have it any other way. I would definitely say Squarespace is the way forward for you if you want a beautiful website or blog which is easy to maintain.

Since working with Squarespace I have found a few tips and tricks which are pretty handy. So today, I wanted to share 5 really handy things I have come across or have been asked by clients.

Everyone loves a good font - whether a designer or a business owner.

Didot fonts are also seen in lots of ads, banners, posters, graphics, logos and more, it's becoming more popular! Here are my 8 favourite Didot fonts that I'd like to share with you...>

As a side hustler myself I know I wear quite a few hats. I single handed handle all areas of my freelance business and its crazy how many things I have open at any one given time. The problem is I need to keep on top of all my tasks and the only way I can do that is by using a handful of tools that help me stay on track. The best thing about it is they even help me streamline my process so I can be uber efficient!

So today I wanted to share my top 10 tools I use to run my creative business.

Branding is important. But what's more important is brand consistency.

Consistent brand communication, emotions, and customer experience. That's why in this article I cover why it's so important to have brand consistency within your business... Read here >

One of the best things about working with startups and founders is that they are new, young businesses.

Absolutely thrilled to work with Andy Reynolds again on our second project; revamping the startup WellbeingZone! Wellbeing Zone is a white label wellness platform and mobile app. It provides all the information, tools and resources you need for a fit, healthy and engaged team.

Take a look behind the scenes into the process of the rebrand and platform redesign >

An overview of KSD 2015...

From designing my website portfolio and starting to blog again, to moving over to Squarespace and setting up my freelance business properly... 2015 has been a good year! Read more >

Brand boards are great! A simple overview of your brand visual elements all on one quick reference document, which usually contains your primary logo, any logo variations, a submark, patterns fonts and colours.

Simple, yet powerful! So that's why I'm digging a little deeper in creating a brand board, how to do it and why you should. Find out more >>>

What is Client Homework you ask? Your client's ideas, brain dumps, visions... what they see their branding and website to look like. That is ultimately the goal you are working towards.

In this article I've shared some tips and advice I've picked up, about how to manage your client homework and why it is vital to your business growth... Find out more >>

We all love the feeling of signing a new client! It is exciting, rewarding and there is a area of the unknown.

But have you stopped to think about repeat business from your existing clients? No? Then this article is for you!

Here are 5 ways to reap the benefits of your existing client base and turn that business relationship into a valuable source of income. Find out more >>>

Being in the design industry, where it is ever-evolving, competitive and heavily populated it is easy to get lost in the midst of the many designers. Every one of those designers has their own confidence level.

As one of those designers, I wanted to share my view on what it's like working in the design industry and how it can influence your self confidence. Read more >>

As a founder or entrepreneur, you can't ignore the highs and the lows of the fast-paced startup industry!

Here are some of my favourite design quotes to help boost your motivation! ... Take me to the quotes >>

Branding really is SO important to your startup or small business!

To find out more about branding; what it is, why it is needed and how to go about branding your startup or small business...Read more >>

All the behind the scenes goodness for PT PLUS's brand and website redesign!

Read Client Case Study >>

I truly believe copy and design go hand in hand.

The words you put on your website are so important that some designers won't even start a website design project without them.

Find out why the words you put on your website are so important here >>>

When Bhav (short for Bhavesh) first approached me in October 2014 about creating his start up, Steakizmos', visual brand identity and website, I was slightly hesitant. I am strong believer in not mixing friendship and business, and Bhav is a good friend of mine and my family's. I find there is a fine line and it can very easily get blurred if the "rules" are not set from the start.

After our initial conversation I was certain of a few things, Bhav is a well prepared and focused. This in itself made working on this project a pleasure.

For the new Steakizmo brand and website I am excited (and slightly nervous!) to take you behind the scene and show you how the brand and website was created.