Meet Ryan Palmer

We recently connected with Ryan Palmer and have shared our conversation below.

Ryan, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

For me, creativity is about always learning and challenging myself. In web design and digital marketing, there’s no shortage of opportunities to try something new—whether it’s exploring the latest tools, tackling unique client challenges, or improving processes to make my work more efficient and impactful. My background in industrial engineering and applied management taught me how to approach problems strategically, and that problem-solving mindset drives a lot of my creative ideas.

Music is another outlet that keeps my creativity flowing. Writing and playing music gives me a way to step away, recharge, and return to my work with fresh energy. It’s a different kind of creativity, but one that complements my drive to build and create, whether I’m working on a song or designing a website.

I think the key to keeping creativity alive is passion. I’m passionate about solving problems, learning new skills, and delivering great results—whether that’s for a client project or something personal. Staying engaged and curious ensures there’s always something new to spark an idea.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Ryan Palmer, Creative Director and Owner of Palmer Creative Co., a full-service agency specializing in web design, branding, and digital marketing. My work is all about helping businesses stand out by creating websites, logos, and marketing strategies that deliver real results.

My journey into creativity has been shaped by my unique perspective. As a child, I had retinoblastoma in both eyes, and that experience gave me a deep appreciation for how I see the world. Whether I’m designing a website, building a brand, or working on a marketing campaign, I approach every project with a mix of curiosity and gratitude for the details that others might overlook.

In addition to Palmer Creative Co., I’m also passionate about music. Through Palmer Records, I produce music and play rock with my band, Grymn. Music has always been a big part of my life, and it gives me a different creative outlet that complements the work I do professionally.

What excites me most about my work is that no two projects are ever the same. Every business has a story to tell, and I thrive on figuring out how to bring that story to life in a way that connects with their audience. Whether it’s a sleek new website or a brand identity that truly resonates, I love solving problems and creating something that makes an impact.

Right now, my focus is on growing Palmer Creative Co. and building long-term partnerships with clients. I want to help businesses not just with their initial projects but with their ongoing marketing and design needs. At the same time, I’m continuing to develop Palmer Records and create more music with Grymn.

For me, it’s all about passion—whether it’s helping a business grow, writing music, or learning something new, I’m driven by the chance to create something meaningful.

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 qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are curiosity, problem-solving, and adaptability. Each of these has played a huge role in shaping both my career and how I approach challenges, whether in business, music, or life.

Curiosity: I’ve always been driven to learn. Whether it’s diving into web design trends, coding techniques, or branding strategies, staying curious has kept me ahead of the curve. For those starting out, I’d say don’t limit yourself to just what you’re comfortable with. Explore new areas, even if they seem unrelated at first—you never know how they might connect later.

Problem-Solving: My background in industrial engineering and applied management taught me how to look at challenges through a strategic lens. This mindset has been invaluable, especially in web design and marketing, where every client has unique needs. If you’re looking to develop this skill, start by breaking problems into smaller pieces and focusing on practical solutions. It’s not just about finding the right answer but understanding the process to get there.

Adaptability: Industries evolve, trends change, and new tools emerge all the time. Being able to adapt quickly has been key to staying relevant. For example, transitioning from engineering to running my own agency required a completely different skill set, but being open to change made it possible. My advice? Stay flexible and don’t be afraid to pivot when opportunities or challenges arise.

For anyone starting out, my biggest advice is to embrace the long game. Learn as much as you can, experiment with different areas, and don’t be afraid to fail—it’s all part of the process. Focus on building a strong foundation, whether that’s through gaining technical skills, understanding the basics of business, or finding what truly excites you.

Also, surround yourself with people who inspire you. Collaboration and feedback are some of the best tools for growth. And most importantly, stay passionate. Whether it’s through building websites, writing music, or solving problems, find the work that excites you and let that drive everything you do.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

I think the best approach is to lean into your natural strengths while building the skills you need to turn those strengths into something impactful. I’ve always been an artist, storyteller, and business person—those have been my core passions for as long as I can remember. But to make those talents profitable, I had to dive into the technical side of things, like web design, marketing strategies, and branding.

When I majored in engineering, it was because I was told it was a good fit for creative people. While it taught me problem-solving and strategic thinking, I quickly realized it wasn’t where my passion was—it felt too easy and boring. Shifting into advertising, branding, and design gave me the opportunity to combine creativity with strategy, and that’s when everything started clicking for me.

My advice? Focus on what comes naturally to you—that’s where your best work will come from. But don’t be afraid to invest time in learning the skills that complement your strengths. Those are the tools that will help you take your natural talents and turn them into something bigger, whether that’s a successful career, a business, or even a creative project.

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