Amusing stories & views by us
To blog, or not to blog, that is the question. Through these musings, we hope to give you a better sense of who we are, what we believe in, and share our (design) perspective. Below, explore our creative opinion pieces and discover design tips and tricks to use in your daily life.
Industry insights
Michael
Doing More with Less: The Case for Strategic Creative
When the economy tightens, marketing spend is often the first to go. Here’s why the most resilient brands are rethinking that.
2025-08-28
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Design thinking
Christi
Captions aren’t enough: Rethinking accessibility
As a designer with close family experiences of hearing loss, I have seen how assistive tech can help but often falls short, reminding me that true accessibility means treating inclusion and dignity as basic rights, not extras.
2025-08-14
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Culture
Sarah
A year in retrospect: Navigating the creative world as a non-designer
Every challenge is a stepping stone and in this case, a very rewarding one. Read Sarah’s musing where she reflects on her first year at Initiate as she navigates the creative world as a non-designer.
2025-07-31
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Industry insights
Jennifer
This piece isn’t good enough: My experiences with impostor syndrome
A candid reflection on impostor syndrome, this piece explores the self-doubt that shadows creative work—and how asking questions, embracing imperfection, and showing up anyway can quiet the noise.
2025-07-10
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Design thinking
Ali
How Graphic Design Made Me a Better Artist
I used to think being an artist meant filling the page, but graphic design taught me the power of restraint, purpose, and letting space speak.
2025-06-25
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Culture
Michael
Fatherhood: A blueprint for leadership
Dad energy is about showing up consistently with patience, humility, and quiet strength—traits that make a lasting impact beyond stereotypes.
2025-06-11
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Industry insights
Sheri
The Working Mom
Achieving balance in a world that’s constantly tilting. Mental health has been at the forefront of my life for my entire adulthood and now into motherhood.
2025-05-28
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Culture
Linden
Art in the Midst of Ache
Working as a creative while coping with chronic pain looks different for everyone. It’s a deeply personal journey, often messy, always courageous — and sometimes, strangely beautiful.
2025-05-21
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Culture
Jennifer
Honouring Women This Mother’s Day
True celebration means not just gratitude, but also advocacy for women’s rights, healthcare, safety, and the freedom to thrive on their own terms.
2025-05-08
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Industry insights
Michael
Green pixels: The new frontier of sustainable design
In 2025, sustainable design means reducing digital waste, using AI wisely, and making eco-friendly choices in both work and tech.
2025-04-15
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Leadership
Jennifer
Switching gears: Lessons from our project management system overhaul
Involving the whole team and openly sharing the “why” made the transition smoother and more impactful.
2025-04-07
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Culture
Owen
Graphic design and the folk process
A lifelong love of folk music fuels both my creativity and my design work, connecting past and present through storytelling, adaptation, and community learning.