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
Owen
What I’ve learned in my first 6 months working at Initiate Marketing.
In just six months at Initiate, I’ve learned countless time-saving tricks, gained confidence in my skills, and discovered the power of asking for help—and it’s transformed the way I design.
2024-03-26
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Client stories
Kevin
Propel video series
Faced with pandemic travel restrictions, we helped Tourism HR Canada tell student success stories by designing and shipping DIY filming kits across the country—an inventive solution that ultimately won us the contract.
2024-03-19
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B2B high tech
Culture
Christi
My move into trade show design
Through a year of hands-on learning and gradually increasing responsibilities, I went from zero print production experience to leading the large-scale design for a multi-room event.
2024-03-12
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Culture
Design thinking
Morgan
HOW did I end up here? Or, my first-ever industry conference
From student placement to full-time designer to meeting my heroes at HOW Design Live, my first design conference was a whirlwind affirmation I was on the right path.
2024-03-05
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Leadership
Jennifer
Before quiet quitting, there was just… quitting
Leaving publishing during the pandemic taught me that career change takes courage—but the reward is discovering a better version of yourself on the other side.
2024-02-19
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Design thinking
Jamie
Enhance your web browser with these designer extensions
A list of 10 invaluable extensions that supercharge our browser experience and productivity, especially when working with web designers and developers.
2024-02-12
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Culture
Christi
“How was work today?”
After years of searching, I’ve found true joy in my career—not just in what I do, but in where and how I get to do it, surrounded by a culture that values growth, trust, and genuine collaboration.
2024-02-05
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Culture
Anish
Work-life balance of a new father
Balancing teaching, freelancing, full-time design work, and now fatherhood might sound like a lot—but with the right support, flexibility, and passion, it all fits together.
2024-01-26
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Culture
Camilla
Camilla’s hiring process
My recruitment journey with Initiate Marketing showed me that genuine human connection—not just a resume—can transform the hiring experience and set the stage for real growth.
2024-01-26
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Leadership
Jennifer
Where some of my learning will come from
Kicking off 2024 with a curated selection of insightful books that blend familiar wisdom and fresh perspectives to inspire growth, reflection, and resilience in uncertain times.
2024-01-26
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Design thinking
Leadership
Michael
AI in the Design Industry: Friend or Foe?
While AI tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated and useful in design, they can never replace the authentic, context-driven creativity and human connection that professional designers bring to the process.