So I did a little thing…
At the beginning of my career, I had no idea that what I was doing could actually become a profession. I was simply having fun designing forum skins, graphics, and email signatures for people. As a self-taught stay-at-home mom experimenting with Photoshop, I never imagined I could turn my hobby into a paying job. Eventually, I expanded my creativity by making fan art for TV shows and movies I loved (yes, I’m that nerdy LOL).
One day, an online friend who worked in the movie industry saw a piece of my fan art and said, “You know, you could be working for the movie industry, creating this stuff and getting paid tons of money, right?” I was stunned. She explained that I was essentially designing movie posters, just formatted for desktop backgrounds. It had never occurred to me that people actually got paid to create what I saw as a hobby—a form of artistic expression, much like drawing or painting.
Curious and excited, I started researching and was blown away to discover that what I had been doing had an actual name: graphic design. What?! All those years, I thought I was just playing around in Photoshop! The idea of pursuing a career in graphic design ignited something within me. Within weeks, I enrolled in an online college program for web graphic design. I also launched a website and a Facebook page to showcase my work and offer freelance design services—my first online portfolio. Four years later, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in multimedia design and development, with an emphasis on marketing.
I built my freelance business from the ground up. Countless nights were spent creating ads, refining my skills, and designing logos and forum graphics to establish myself. In 2012, I expanded my services to include photography, applying my design skills to shoot and edit portraits for family and friends. Over time, my freelance work provided a helpful, albeit inconsistent, income for my family. In 2016, when I divorced my ex-husband and moved back to Missouri, my freelancing became even more crucial. It allowed me to support my children while working traditional jobs to make ends meet. Balancing two jobs was exhausting, but it was necessary for our survival.
When I wasn’t working, I was learning. I immersed myself in YouTube tutorials and blog guides, constantly refining my graphic design and photography skills. I wanted to be the best—not just for my clients, but for myself and my kids. Living in a small town in Southeast Missouri, job opportunities were limited, but persistence paid off. Eventually, I landed a full-time graphic design position with a company that offered health benefits and a 401K. I was ecstatic—not only was I doing what I loved, but I finally had financial stability and no longer had to juggle multiple jobs. I could breathe again and enjoy life.
A few years later, I moved on from that job, but the experience was invaluable. I gained extensive knowledge about graphic design, marketing, branding, and print work—areas I had previously avoided. My current full-time role has continued to expand my expertise, and over the years, people have frequently sought my advice on design and marketing, whether for blogs, small businesses, or personal brands.
Since the early 2000s, I have worked as a graphic designer, helping numerous individuals establish brands and online presences. While I don’t consider myself an expert, people trust my insight. I love helping others, and knowing that my knowledge can make a difference gives me a sense of purpose. That’s when I had an idea…
I decided to write a book!
Yes, I wrote an eBook! It’s concise yet packed with fundamental knowledge I wish I had when starting businesses and blogs. I excel at branding and website creation, and having grown up with MySpace, social media is second nature to me. However, running a business has never been my strong suit. I suspect I have a touch of ADHD—I can design stunning logos and manage social media effortlessly, but I tend to overload myself to the point of burnout. Because of this, starting an agency wasn’t the right path for me. However, sharing my knowledge to help others launch their businesses, blogs, and brands? That excites me.
After much thought, I realized my purpose: to share the tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years as both a freelancer and an employee. Many of these lessons came through experience, trial, and error. Why not save others the hassle and provide them with a guide I wish I had? That’s how The Branding BluePrint: Build Your Brand from the Ground Up was born.
I started writing this book some time ago, but life kept pushing it to the back burner. However, I felt a persistent calling to finish it. I firmly believe that when you feel called to do something, it’s a sign from God leading you down your path—and you shouldn’t ignore it. My book is not lengthy, nor is it a textbook. Instead, it serves as a practical guide to help people establish their brand—whether for a business, blog, YouTube channel, or personal brand. Branding is so much more than just a logo, and The Branding BluePrint walks you through the entire process using the knowledge I’ve gained over the past 20 years. This includes insights from my self-taught journey, formal education, and countless hours of research and experimentation.
My eBook is currently under review through Kindle Direct Publishing, and as soon as it’s available, you guys will be the first to know! The Branding BluePrint: Build Your Brand from the Ground Up will be available for just $15.99 on Amazon, compatible with all eBook devices. I couldn’t be more excited to share this journey with you, and I hope you’ll support me as I take this next step. ♥
