My Recent Work Season: A Visual Communication Journey
As the Visual Communication Strategist at Solomon, I’ve always believed in the power of design to transform, elevate, and clarify. Every line, color, and layout decision I make is with one goal in mind: to tell our clients' stories in the most compelling way possible. Lately, my role has seen a flurry of creative challenges, as I’ve navigated through a diverse array of projects. From crafting a seamless rebranding for various clients to refining our website development process, it’s been a season filled with growth, learning, and, above all, creativity.
This season, my work has been particularly dynamic. I’ve had the pleasure of rebranding several new clients, diving deep into the essence of their businesses, and helping them reimagine their visual identities. I’ve also had the opportunity to collaborate closely with the team on website development projects, ensuring that every digital experience we create is not only beautiful but also functional and user-centric. Beyond that, I’ve been revisiting and updating content for our long-standing clients, proving that design is not a one-time effort but a continuous process of evolution and refinement.
Rebranding Projects
Rebranding is like peeling away layers of an onion, only to discover a vibrant, unique core that was always there but not fully seen. This season, I embarked on this journey of discovery with multiple new clients, each with their own set of challenges and opportunities. While I can’t disclose their names, the essence of these projects has been about more than just a visual makeover; it’s been about reshaping how these brands are perceived in the world.
One rebranding project, in particular, stands out. The client was well-established in their industry but struggled with a dated image that no longer resonated with their audience. My approach began with in-depth research—understanding their history, their goals, and most importantly, their audience’s evolving expectations. We wanted to honor their legacy while crafting a contemporary identity that would position them as leaders in their field.
The process was both exciting and daunting. We faced challenges such as balancing the old with the new and ensuring that the updated brand would feel authentic to both the team and their clients. But with each hurdle, we grew more confident in our vision. The final outcome was a cohesive brand identity that included a new logo, color palette, and a set of brand guidelines that not only looked fresh but also communicated their story more effectively. Seeing the client’s excitement and receiving positive feedback from their stakeholders was incredibly rewarding.
Rebranding is not just about aesthetics; it’s about telling a story that resonates. It’s about creating a visual language that speaks to the heart of the business and connects with its audience on a deeper level. This season, rebranding has been a testament to the transformative power of design, and I’m proud to have been a part of it.
Collaboration in Website Development
Nowadays, a website is more than just an online presence—it’s the digital front door to a business. My focus this season has been on ensuring that the websites we develop at Solomon not only look good but also function seamlessly, providing an intuitive and engaging experience for users.
One of the key projects involved a comprehensive overhaul of a client’s website that had become cluttered and difficult to navigate. We took a step back and reevaluated the entire user journey. The goal was to simplify the experience, making it easier for visitors to find the information they needed while also highlighting the client’s unique value propositions.
Working closely with the development team, we introduced several new features, including an interactive service guide and a streamlined contact form. We also implemented a responsive design that adapts beautifully to any device, ensuring that the site is as accessible on a smartphone as it is on a desktop. Incorporating new technologies like CSS Grid and Flexbox allowed us to create a layout that is not only flexible but also visually engaging.
Collaboration is at the heart of website development. It’s a dance between design and functionality, creativity and code. This project, like many others, was a reminder of the importance of teamwork and the power of combining diverse skill sets to achieve a common goal.
Updating Designed Website Content for Existing Clients
Design is never truly finished. As businesses grow and evolve, their content needs to evolve with them. This season, I’ve focused on updating website content for several of our long-term clients, ensuring that their online presence stays fresh, relevant, and reflective of their current objectives.
One such project involved a client whose business had expanded significantly since we first designed their website. They had added new services and shifted their target audience, and their website needed to reflect these changes. My process began with a thorough audit of their existing content. I identified areas that were outdated or no longer aligned with their brand message and worked on developing new content that was clear, concise, and engaging.
The challenge was to integrate the new content seamlessly without disrupting the overall design. Using a modular approach, I created new sections that could be easily added to the existing layout, maintaining a cohesive look and feel. The result was a refreshed website that not only looked updated but also effectively communicated the client’s expanded offerings.
Updating content is an ongoing process. It’s about staying attuned to the client’s evolving needs and being proactive in suggesting changes that can enhance their online presence. This season’s updates have reaffirmed my belief that great design is a living entity, always adapting and improving.
Balancing Multiple Projects
With so many projects on my plate, from rebranding to website development and content updates, time management has been crucial. Balancing the needs of new clients while continuing to serve our existing ones requires a delicate juggling act. When it comes to my approach to design, I thrive in the balancing act of accomplishing multiple requests/tasks needed, and going back and forth throughout the day. This allows me to get a renewed sense of invigoration each time I switch projects, so I don’t get too deeply focused on a single aspect. While that might not be the most effective approach for everyone, it works for me. In design, it’s all about finding out what works for you and optimizing that for efficiency and fun.
Another key to managing multiple projects is effective communication. Keeping clients updated on progress and being transparent about timelines and challenges has helped build trust and manage expectations. It’s also about knowing when to ask for help and collaborating with the team to ensure that all projects are moving forward smoothly.
Learning and Growth
Every project comes with its own set of challenges and learning opportunities. This season, I’ve pushed myself to learn new design techniques, explored the latest trends in web development, and even delved into the world of UX research to better understand user behavior. One of the biggest takeaways has been the importance of flexibility—being open to new ideas and willing to pivot when something isn’t working.
I’ve also faced some personal challenges, such as overcoming creative blocks and managing stress. But these experiences have only made me more resilient and more committed to my craft. I’ve learned to embrace the ebb and flow of creativity, understanding that not every day will be a breakthrough, but every day is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Looking Ahead
As I look ahead, I’m excited about the projects on the horizon. We have some ambitious rebranding projects lined up, and I’m eager to apply the insights I’ve gained this season to these new challenges. I’m also looking forward to further refining our website development process, incorporating more user feedback and leveraging the latest design tools to create even more impactful digital experiences.
In addition to client work, I’m setting aside time for personal development. I plan to take a few online courses to deepen my knowledge of UX design and front-end development. Continuous learning is key to staying relevant in this ever-evolving field, and I’m committed to being the best I can be for our clients and my team.
Conclusion
This work season has been a whirlwind of creativity, collaboration, and growth. I’ve had the privilege of working with amazing clients, helping them redefine their brands and elevate their digital presence. It’s been a journey of learning and discovery, filled with challenges that have pushed me to grow both professionally and personally.
At the end of the day, my goal is to bring value to our clients through thoughtful, strategic design. Whether it’s a rebranding project, a website overhaul, or a simple content update, I approach each task with the same level of dedication and attention to detail. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had this season and look forward to continuing this journey of creative exploration and professional growth.
Here’s to another season of making meaningful connections through design, one project at a time.
Solomon Advising is a marketing & branding agency focused on helping professional services firms retain their relevance and ensure sustainability by consistently promoting a credible brand. Contact us today to see how we can help improve your brand’s health.
