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.
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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Leadership
Owen
A lesson learned through guest lecturing
I share how a guest lecture at Algonquin unexpectedly rekindled my passion for design and reminded me why I love what I do.
2025-12-12
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Design thinking
Owen
Why graphic designers are supernaturally good at baking competitions
I’ve noticed that graphic designers like me seem to crush it in baking competitions, and I think I know why.
2025-11-03
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Leadership
Jennifer
Why leaders should consider moonlighting too
The passion project, when pursued with intention, isn’t a distraction from leadership. The whole point of leadership isn’t to manage what is; it’s about imagining what could be.
2025-09-29
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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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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.