Today, I experienced something life-changing. I officially became a United States Citizen! 🇺🇸✨ My path to citizenship and my career as a graphic designer are so interconnected. I came to the United States 20 years ago because my parents urged me to come here for college. I didn’t want to do it because I didn’t want to leave my boyfriend behind in Mexico. Luckily, I followed their advice and enrolled at the University of Texas at El Paso (ok, THEY did all the paperwork and convincing). 🙈 At first, they weren’t thrilled that I was studying graphic design because they were convinced I would starve. So I put my head down and did the work so I could prove them wrong. 😄 One day, someone from Scripps Network came to speak to my Communication class. I was the only student to approach her afterward to ask for her card that lead to later ask for an internship opportunity and they said yes! 🙌🏼 After the internship at their headquarters in Knoxville, TN was done, I asked for a permanent job and they created one for me. They even sponsored my immigration. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today – on so many levels! 🙏🏼 I learned that if you want something for yourself, you have to ask for it. I don’t know what I’m going to do with all my free time now that I’m not studying for the naturalization test. I studied my notes so much I could probably rewrite them from memory. I’m so grateful to be on the other side of this process and have this stability for myself and my son. Of course, he doesn’t fully appreciate what this means, but someday he will. There’s no real “business” purpose for this email but you have supported me both as a designer and as a human, so I wanted to share my amazing news with you! 🤗 Now… I just have to decide how I want to celebrate. We'll start with burgers 🍔 but if you have any other ideas, please share them with me! 🇺🇸
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Katie deGrazia makes specializes in creating cohesive capsule wardrobe for everyday professional men and women. If there’s one thing I will always say “yes” to, it’s Girl Scout Samoas. I have no self-control when it comes to those heavenly little rings of caramel, coconut, and chocolate. 🤤 This year, I was so busy working and traveling that I didn’t have a chance to buy cookies from the girls who set up a table outside my local HEB. And since there was no way I was going to go without them, I had to hunt for the cookies myself. I found a local Facebook group for moms and asked if anyone knew where I could buy some cookies. I was immediately flooded with messages. A good problem to have! The cookie dealer I ended up choosing stood out from the crowd because she had three important things going for her: 🍪 Clear Purpose - She had a big goal to sell 1,500 boxes of cookies so her troop could afford to purchase new uniforms and spend the night at the zoo. Fun! 🍪 Social Proof - The person who recommended her wasn’t her mom, it was just someone who knew about her big goal and wanted to help her achieve it. 🍪 Easy Sales Process - The reply to my comment included a link that took me directly to her sales page so I could see all of my options and place an order. No matter what industry you’re in, there are going to be a lot of people selling pretty much the same thing as you. To stand out, you have to connect with people, share your values, provide good social proof, and of course, make it super easy to work with you! People think that web design is just about aesthetics, but it’s so much more. Great design helps attract your ideal clients, communicates your unique value, and builds trust. Plus, intuitive design makes it easy for people to find what they're looking for, leading to more sales. 🙌 When I work on a website design for a client, I think about all of this. Your website is like a salesperson working 24/7 so you can sell cookies — or whatever it is you sell — in your sleep! So what do you say? I’d love to design a new website that helps you and your brand stand out from the crowd – in the best possible way! Reach out to me via my contact form and we can chat through some ideas! The Lumin Group's purpose is to co-create more human-centric work places through individual & team training experiences that result in real change. The last time I bought something based solely on the branding was just 2 days ago when I put a box of Mexican-style rice and beans in my cart without a second thought. Do I like rice meals? Sure… but boxed ones? Not so much. It was 100% the colors and the fonts that lured me in. 🥰 Simply put, it was love at first sight. I’m sure you’ve done the same thing. It’s human nature — we’re drawn to pretty things! As a designer, it’s my job to help people fall in love with your brand. If you want, you can think of me as a branding matchmaker for your business! 💗 The way your brand looks is a powerful thing. It attracts people. It signals who you are and what you’re all about. And it even creates passionate advocates! When people love your brand, they talk about it and share it. That’s huge for a small business! I’ve been so lucky to help people transform their businesses with intentional brand identities. You can see from their testimonials how the look of their brand has impacted their success: I’m publishing this post on Valentine's Day... aka the day I convince myself that Reese's Hearts are a balanced meal. 😆 It's the perfect time to get a new brand identity to help more people fall head over heels with your business!
I have 1 spot left in February. If you want it, send me a message here and let me know! We can find a time to chat about your ideas and find a design service that fits what you’re looking for. I can’t wait to be your branding matchmaker! |
AUTHOR
Karla is an award-winning designer, branding expert and mentor. She has designed for brands including BRIT+CO, Discovery, HGTV, Food Network, Facebook, and more. ARCHIVES
March 2024
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