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.
Culture
Leadership
Michael
18 years in: Initiate is all grown up (sort of)
Initiate Marketing is my baby and has now officially reached adulthood. But we’re nowhere near finished growing.
2026-09-09
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Culture
Industry insights
Jennifer
There’s proof in the numbers
A reflection on the journey that brought us here, as our agency gets ready to celebrate 18 years!
2026-08-19
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Culture
Design thinking
Linden
My first love: Typography
In my mid-twenties, I dropped out of a miserable English degree and stopped letting others dictate my life, which landed me in my first actual year of a graphic design program. For the first time, I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.
2026-08-14
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Culture
Industry insights
Leadership
Michael
72 Seasons of Initiate: What 18 years in business taught me about building something that lasts
When I look back on building Initiate, I don’t measure success by multi-figure exits or financial vanity metrics. I measure it by the lives we’ve impacted, the careers we’ve helped grow, and the long-term partnerships we’ve built along the way.
2026-08-13
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Culture
Design thinking
Ayla
The door that leads to creative curiosity
This September will mark four years since I moved to Ottawa. I’ve always been an adventurer at heart, drawn towards exploring new places, learning as much as I can, and simply being curious about the world around me. With being endlessly curious, it’s led me to wonder where it lends itself to my creativity. Is it because I am creative that I am drawn to a thirst for knowledge? Or is it because with curiosity comes the ability to be creative?
2026-06-15
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Culture
Ayla
Learning to design my future
I just landed my first job as a Junior Graphic Designer — and I’m still in shock. Here’s what six weeks at a real agency taught me about design, growth, and figuring out where I’m headed.
2026-05-29
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Culture
Owen
How to get to Southam Hall? Practice, practice, practice
I share how a guest lecture at Algonquin unexpectedly rekindled my passion for design and reminded me why I love what I do.
2026-03-02
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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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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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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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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.