Embarking on a journey into a creative industry with a background completely outside of design or marketing felt like stepping blindfolded into an unknown world.

The first few months were a whirlwind of new terms, processes, and perspectives. “Adapt, adapt, adapt” quickly became my mantra. Flexibility would not just be an advantage, but a necessity. Shifting gears between project meetings, interpreting creative briefs, and learning to communicate effectively with designers and management required new levels of agility.

Entering an industry I knew nothing about was daunting. The initial feelings of being an outsider were overwhelming. Not only was I stepping into this unknown world, I am also Initiate’s first Studio Manager. I felt I had to prove myself constantly and catch up on years of industry knowledge. Building my confidence has started with small victories: understanding a new software tool, contributing a helpful suggestion during a brainstorming session, grasping new terminology or simply asking clarifying questions. I’m learning that it’s okay to not know everything, and that my unique perspective is valuable.

On my first day, I overheard coworkers debating the “best” font.

I had no idea this was “a thing” as I always default to Arial or Times New Roman. (Yes, they were all appalled.) I asked them, “Why do you like or hate certain fonts?” Their answer was simple: it’s based on emotion and feelings and is often subjective. This perspective has changed the way I look at and choose fonts.

Participating in an internal logo concept review was an insightful experience. It was fascinating to hear the diverse rationales behind each logo concept. Observing the various interpretations of the design brief and the creative problem-solving approaches was both educational and inspiring. One of the most interesting tidbits I learned was that the dot on top of an “i” is called a tittle. Little discoveries like these made the learning process fun and memorable. It illustrated the level of detail and nuance within the design world.

And then there was that time I was asked to create a PowerPoint Presentation that would be shown to the entire creative team.

The thought of sharing my first PowerPoint presentation to the team filled me with dread. Did I choose the right colours? Did I choose the right font? Did all my text and images align? There were so many details, it was overwhelming. But, I did it and I received positive and encouraging feedback. I have now done three! Despite the technical issues and challenges I faced, the warm welcome and positive feedback I received for my presentations and contributions meant everything.

The team’s support continues to be instrumental in my growth and confidence-building.

Knowing that my efforts are appreciated and that my perspective is valued has created a sense of belonging, especially in a place that I worried wasn’t for me. The feedback, both positive and constructive, has helped me refine my approach and develop my understanding of the industry. The positive reinforcement has transformed what could have been a difficult experience into an incredibly rewarding one.