The JOURNAL

You know that moment when someone says, “Let’s make pizza at home!” and your first thought is Eww, David? Seriously, why? Every time, it ends up costing more than delivery, tastes like disappointment, and your kitchen looks like a scene from a natural disaster movie. And then, when the smoke clears, you realize the harsh […]

(And no, it’s not about picking a fancier font) Your product is brilliant. Your passion is infectious. But your packaging… well, let’s just say it’s not doing you any favours. You can’t hide behind the shelf whispering, “psst… mine’s better,” to someone in yoga pants, half-distracted, comparing labels while scrolling on their phone. You can’t […]

Branding = the outfit.Marketing = leaving the damn house. It’s one of the biggest misconceptions in small business: people think branding and marketing are the same thing. Spoiler aler: they’re not. They’re more like cousins who show up to the same party but have totally different jobs. What Is Branding? Branding is who you are […]

As a small business owner, you’ve probably been bombarded with advice about the importance of branding. Everyone says you need “proper branding” to succeed, but what does that really mean? And more importantly, what does it cost? Is it $500? $5,000? The GDP of a small nation? Here’s the thing: professional branding isn’t just about […]

Let’s talk about cults, baby. No, not the creepy basement kind with matching robes and suspicious Kool-Aid. We’re talking about the kind where people camp outside stores for days just to buy a water bottle. (Looking at you, Stanley Cup warriors.) The Cult Brand Phenomenon Ever wonder why people tattoo the Apple logo on their […]

Are you sabotaging your brand without even knowing it? From inconsistent visuals to chasing every trend, most brands are guilty of these common mistakes. Don’t worry—we’ve got the tough love (and solutions) you need to fix your branding and finally stand out. Ready for a reality check?

Let’s be real: I don’t know the first thing about trauma therapy, speech therapy, or roofing (I’m not even sure what tools roofers use — a hammer? Shovel? 🤔). And here’s the kicker: I don’t need to. My expertise isn’t in knowing how to guide someone through emotional healing, help them find their voice, or […]

Imagine this: You walk into an old petrol station off the highway, the kind that’s seen better days. The shelves are dusty, the snack selection is, well, questionable, and the cashier behind the counter is eyeing you with mild disdain as you load up on not one, not two, but three bags of Flamin’ Hot […]

So, I’m kicking off something new here—welcome to Tip Tuesday. But honestly, is it really Tuesday? Yesterday felt like a Tuesday, and the day before that felt like one too. Maybe it’s just me, or maybe I’m just impatient for school to start again. Forget the Sales Pitch: Focus on Solving Problems Here’s a little […]

How to Ensure Your Design Process Goes Off Without a Hitch Want your design process to be as smooth as a well-oiled machine? Start with a solid foundation: finished copy. That’s right—every word, claim, and legal requirement (yes, those pesky barcodes, recycling symbols, and country-specific must-haves). Think of it this way: a designer without copy […]