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
The skill you’re not talking about
Most creative teams are good at talking about the work. The brief, the concept, the execution, the feedback. It’s the other conversation — the one about where our own skills are heading — that tends to go quiet. Here’s what happened when I brought it to my team.
2026-05-29
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Industry insights
Linden
The invisible work behind invisible illness
Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), MCAS, and POTS means my body occasionally treats everyday tasks like extreme sports. But it’s also changed the way I approach design, problem-solving, and work in ways I never expected.
2026-05-26
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Industry insights
Leadership
Jennifer
From vendor to partner: The shift that changes everything for marketing
Marketing teams often treat agencies as vendors, not partners—leading to missed insights and extra revisions. True collaboration and trust turn creative output into campaigns that perform.
2026-03-27
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Industry insights
Michael
Micro-changes that bring macro impact
If your brand feels dated, the logo is not always the problem. The system is. Micro-changes to templates, web components, and content defaults can create a surprisingly major shift.
2026-02-25
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Industry insights
Linden
Annual reports: The most underrated brand power move
An annual report should be more than a compliance exercise. Done right, it’s a strategic brand asset that builds trust, tells your story with clarity, and showcases your impact. With thoughtful design and accessibility, it becomes a powerful tool that sets the tone for what comes next.
2026-02-12
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Design thinking
Industry insights
Linden
Why hitting pause on marketing will cost you more than you think
When times get tight, a lot of companies hit pause on marketing. But, newsflash, the silence doesn’t feel neutral. It feels like giving up. And that’s not cute.
2026-02-02
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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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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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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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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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Industry insights
Jennifer
The authenticity piece: are you bringing your true self to work?
Authenticity at work—showing up as your true self with empathy, boundaries, and self-care—is essential for meaningful connection, personal well-being, and building a positive culture where everyone belongs.
2024-11-08
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Industry insights
Jennifer
The art of hiring: balancing creativity and culture in a design agency
Is it your graphic design skills that matter most when applying to work at Initiate Marketing? Is it your attitude? Or playing well with others? All of the above.