Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amy Robinson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Amy, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
As a kid, I always enjoyed art. It was something that just brought me joy and comfort. I figured there was something in the art field I could make a career out of (even though I didn’t know what it was yet) and after high school I enrolled in an Art School to try and make that dream possible. After trying out a couple of different majors, I realized I was just left wanting more.
During this time of searching, I found the love of my life and we set the date to get married. I learned so much about myself in this process of DIY-ing our wedding –mostly that I have very particular tastes. So if I couldn’t find something, I was just going to make it. Our theme had peacock feathers within it. No one had designed much of anything with peacock feathers let alone fancy wedding invites. This was my first proper introduction to Graphic Design. I finally felt like this was it, the space I was supposed to be in. I dove headfirst back into school with a newfound passion and fell in love with proper design, not just making pretty things. I was fond of the rules of design and creating with purposeful design in mind. I knew design could make a difference in helping people. After graduating, I transitioned to ASU to further my design education. Part of the schooling required an internship which allowed me to see design firsthand and the impact it has on community groups.
I was on a team that worked to rebrand a local non-profit organization that assisted people experiencing homelessness. Toward the end of my formal schooling, I took an internship with a design agency where I started learning the business side of design and agency life. I was hired directly by an agency to work as an in-house designer for an NFL franchise which continued my growth not only in the business of design but also in how to be a brand and visual identity “super-hero”. But the element I was missing was the chance to help people on a 1 on 1 basis. In 2018, I started my own graphic design business and I was able to put my passion and energy into helping others with their dreams and goals. I was also able to incorporate design education into my business and assist businesses push past a pretty logo, but understanding the full power and value of purposeful graphic design. It seemed to be a natural flow when I decided to take the education element a step forward and move into teaching graphic design history, and studio at The Design School at Arizona State University. Now, a practicing, seasoned small business owner and teacher, this allows me to help guide the next generation of designers as they learn, grow, and continue to teach others.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m the energetic owner and sole Graphic Designer for Tiny Fox Creative, a local boutique in AZ specializing in helping small businesses and nonprofits succeed through design education.
My professional design journey includes employment with entities like the City of Phoenix, LaneTerralever, and The Arizona Cardinals. In addition to being a solopreneur, I also teach Graphic Design History as well as foundational studio classes at Arizona State University.
Currently, I am in the process of expanding Tiny Fox to incorporate content strategy and copywriting under the umbrella of a partnership. With the help of the sassy wordsmith, D’Ann with Literary Diva, our joint partnership “the brand girls’ kitchen” will broaden the educational reach of Tiny Fox while aiding more entrepreneurs all in one place.
Driven by curiosity, the passion to help people, and make people laugh at the same time, I’ve continued to grow Tiny Fox from a mini start-up to an educational design boutique where I can balance being a curious graphic designer, visual brand builder, mom-boss, educator, and an obnoxious workout enthusiast.
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?
Ooh, I can only give three? This is tough but I would say:
• Tenacity
• Passion
• Humor
Tenacity:
I am consistently reminded of Ms. Maya Angelou’s poem ‘Still I Rise’. Building a business is hard work. Building a business, with a full-time teaching job, while being an unwavering cheerleader for a fifteen-year-old mid-tiny and ten-year-old tiny dictator, and extremely vivacious wife, there have been situations that have made it difficult to press on. Despite those moments, I focus on the vision of why I started and am expanding Tiny Fox and see the reason to keep grinding and rising.
How to improve? Lean into your ‘why’. More than ever when the going gets tough, the best thing you can do is lean into why you started your journey in the first place.
Passion:
I love everything about my small business (as well as teaching), and the joy it brings to others when their dream is that much closer to being achieved or they learn something new they can instantly apply. Having passion helps me push through those tough times a lot easier.
How to develop? Your business should encompass the things you love and that truly bring you joy. This will make the “work” for them feel like play. Though profit is always the goal for a business when you are passionate, profit isn’t nearly as big of a concern because the passion that fuels your business keeps the business going and the profits flowing.
Humor – I try to find the funny in everything. When speaking with my clients or my students, I always try to incorporate humor. This has probably been the most impactful for me. Keeping a smile and sharing a laugh can make a world a difference in the best of times and the craziest of times.
How to develop and/or improve? Show up daily, give thanks, and try to find the good in everything. This has to be intentional as some days are harder than others. If you look hard enough, humor is all around us, even if we make our own. Can’t find a place to start? Do an internet search for the Artic Fox that has a case of the giggles.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
To be completely transparent, my biggest area of improvement has been around my mental health. A few months ago, I was diagnosed with ADHD. It was a bit shocking at first, but once I was able to have a better understanding of it, I knew it was the perfect time to re-evaluate how I could use my neuro-spiciness as a superpower (versus fighting against it daily). Taking time to relearn why and how I operate has created process changes both in and outside of my business. It has been such an eye-opening and rewarding experience that has given me room for growth and more importantly, extra grace for myself as I handle stressful or intense situations. This diagnosis could have easily benched me, but it has propelled me into a cycle of self-care and awareness that has made myself, my family and my business better for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tinyfoxcreative.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/tinyfoxcreative
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/amyerobinson1
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Cooper Graham Photography (the one with me and the fox) Alicia Samone Photography
