We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kaden Tranum a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kaden, so great to have you with us today. There are so many topics we want to ask you about, but perhaps the one we can start with is burnout. How have you overcome or avoided burnout?
Avoiding burnout has been less about stepping away, and more about designing my work in a way that fuels me instead of draining me. In the creative world, it’s easy to take on everything, say yes to every project, and treat passion as an endless energy source. I have learned that passion isn’t a substitute for balance. Passion is its own component that you need to understand in order to enjoy your job.
I have avoided burnout by protecting the parts of the process that inspire me. Collaborating with clients and other creators, turning ideas into visuals, and seeing brands come to life. I build variety into my workflow so no two days feel the same. I want every project to be a challenge and to be different, this is what keeps the creative mindset going for me. I space my projects out intentionally, not accidentally. I give myself time to pause before I’m exhausted, instead of after.
Most importantly, I treat creativity like a muscle, it strengthens with use, but only grows with rest. Avoiding burnout isn’t about escape or stepping away, it’s about creating a rhythm that works for you. As an artist, you have to have respect for your clients and yourself. If you exclude yourself from the equation and only focus on your work, you will experience burnout.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
The idea of Tranum Graphics started as a simple love for visual storytelling. Turning ideas, emotions, and identity into something people can see and feel.
What began as designing for friends and family has grown into a Creative Business that helps entrepreneurs, organizations, and brands communicate who they are with clarity and confidence.
Tranum Graphics offers: Graphic Design, Website Design, Digital Media, Photography, Videography, and Custom Product Printing. This allows clients to have a unified visual presence under one roof instead of hiring 5-6 different companies where you end up spending thousands of dollars.
What excites me most is watching a client see themselves and their ideas come to life from what I have created. It’s not just a logo or a website, this is their vision becoming visible. The best part of my job is being apart of that transformation and giving people tools that help their business grow.
Tranum Graphics is built on a simple belief: Helping others. I take the time to understand each client’s personality, purpose, and goals so their ideas feel authentic, not generic. That personal and collaborative approach is what sets my work apart from my competitors.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding our Media offerings, launching new design packages for small businesses, and developing branded merchandise that showcases creativity and craftsmanship. There are exciting new things coming: New services, educational content for entrepreneurs, and more ways for clients to bring their ideas to life.
My goal isn’t just to design, it’s to believe in others and help them. If my work helps someone grow their business, connect with customers, or step into their identity with confidence in any way, this tells me: DO NOT STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING!
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?
The three things that have made the biggest impact on my journey: creative curiosity, relationship-driven communication, and the willingness to learn the business side of design.
Creative curiosity keeps my creative mind growing. I never wanted to create the same thing, so I stay curious about styles, tools, trends, and storytelling. For anyone starting out, try new techniques, study brands you admire, and don’t box yourself into one style too early. Curiosity keeps your work fresh and your passion alive.
Relationship-driven communication changes everything. Tranum Graphics isn’t just about making something look good, it’s about understanding people, listening to their vision, and translating it visually. If you’re early in your journey, focus on listening as much as designing. Ask questions, learn what matters to clients, and communicate clearly. Strong relationships lead to trust, client repetition, and referrals.
Learning the business side of creativity was the skill that unlocked growth. Pricing, project management, client expectations, timelines, and contracts are not the most exciting parts, but they are what turn talent into a sustainable business. My advice: don’t avoid it. Learn how to value your work, create a business structure, and treat your craft like a business from day one. It will save you a lot of stress, increase confidence in yourself, and help you grow a lot faster in the creative world.
If you develop these three areas: curiosity, communication, and business discipline, you won’t just get better at your craft, you’ will create a path that supports and fuels you everyday.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Over the past year, my biggest area of growth has been learning to think and operate like a brand, not just a designer. I’ve always loved the creative side, but this year I became much more intentional about business strategy.
Clarifying my services, refining my style, improving my client experience, and building systems that make the work smoother and more consistent. This shift has helped Tranum Graphics feel more defined, more professional, and more aligned with the businesses and individuals I serve.
I’ve pushed myself to expand my skills, especially in Digital Media, Web Design, and Storytelling. This is how my clients can have a cohesive brand across every platform and still stay active instead of just having one spotlight moment that people will forget.
This year has been about leveling up my business not just in talent, but in identity, clarity, and purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tranumgraphics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranumgraphics?igsh=c3ptYXdnZG56MWZh&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Image Credits: Tranum Graphics
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
