We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alex Tailor. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alex below.
Alex, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
As a branding and graphic designer based in the Ojai Valley, I have come to understand that creativity doesn’t flourish under constant pressure—it follows its own rhythm.
When my creative flame wanes, I find that stepping away from my workspace and spending time outdoors allows me to gain fresh perspective. A brisk walk through my neighborhood or stroll into town clears my mind and encourages me to recenter to my “why.”
Connecting to my purpose— that is, empowering female founders and solopreneurs through the art of brand storytelling— helps me keep my creativity alive.
Revisiting past projects can also reveal hidden gems, reigniting my inspiration in unexpected ways. Sometimes, I’ll seek out insights from books, magazines, and blogs beyond my field; learning about adjacent industries often provides fresh, innovative ideas for my designs.
In my experience, creativity is a skill that grows stronger with practice and a willingness to fail sometimes! Embracing its natural ebb and flow has taught me to show myself grace during those moments when inspiration feels elusive.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a graphic designer with a penchant for brand storytelling. In my everyday, I lean on timeless design principles to help savvy founders share their business stories with ease and impact.
An alumna of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), I found my niche early on working with wellness-driven companies such as Forward Female and Hammitt. My professional journey also includes working agency-side as a graphic designer with companies like Coyuchi, MASK Skincare, Blue Pheasant, TIDL Sport, and more.
I love helping my clients unlock their creativity. My favorite part of the process is creating a fluid space where they can tap into their inner artist and collaborate with me. They’re incredible, resilient individuals, and together, we’ve crafted logos, websites, product packaging, and so much more!
Recently, I expanded my services to include Squarespace website design, a powerful 1-week logo intensive, and brand consulting calls— ideal for busy solopreneurs and DIY founders seeking to elevate their brand with expert guidance and support.
When I’m not working, you can find me exploring on a local hiking trail, cozying up with a pastry in hand at The Dutchess, and tidying up at home with my cat Lotus.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, I’d say that the most impactful qualities have been consistency, openness to client collaboration, and a “less is more” philosophy. These elements have not only guided my creative work but have also helped me grow as a business owner.
Although tough to practice, consistency has been my north star in running my business. Prioritizing steady, reliable progress over perfection has been a game-changer. I often time-block my projects, ensuring dedicated focus periods each day. I also work with a business coach and participate in an accountability group to keep myself on track. For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to build consistent routines that support your goals—even small daily steps make a big difference over time.
I believe in a transparent design process where my clients are actively involved. Welcoming their feedback and creative ideas is essential, as it allows us to create something meaningful together. For those starting out, I recommend releasing the fear of judgment and being open to constructive input. Surround yourself with people who can offer insights and challenge you to improve—collaboration can lead to incredible breakthroughs.
My approach to design centers around the idea that less is often more. Great design removes distractions and highlights the essential elements of a business’s story and values. Over time, I’ve learned to focus on what matters most and let go of the rest. If you’re new to design, I encourage you to cultivate a mindset that prioritizes clarity and balance. Find ways to simplify your work, and you’ll be surprised at how impactful simplicity can be!
Lastly, prioritizing balance has been crucial in my entrepreneurial journey. Taking care of your mental, physical, and emotional well-being is foundational to crafting exceptional work time and time again.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller has been one of the most game-changing resources in my branding journey. It solidified for me that branding is more than just visuals—it’s about crafting a story that speaks directly to your audience. Miller’s approach makes it clear: the customer is the hero, and the brand? Just the trusty guide. This shifted my entire perspective, and now I’m all about creating design solutions that connect on a deeper level. I’m focused on making sure every project is clear and simple, so the brand’s message shines without a bunch of unnecessary fluff.
If you’re just dipping your toes into branding or design, I can’t recommend Building a StoryBrand enough. It’s packed with practical insights to help you shape your message in a way that positions you as THE expert in your field. I’ve woven these principles into my own process, making sure my clients’ voices are front and center. It’s supercharged my project outcomes, and has honestly been the backbone of my approach to helping founders build authentic, lasting connections with their communities. Happy designing!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alextailordesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alextailordesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alextailordesign/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-tailor-83735b141/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/alextailordesign/
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