I’ve been in the visual communication game for a long time.
My early career was shaped by a powerful niche: photojournalism. I had the honor of working with a global roster of conflict photographers; shaping stories, guiding narrative, and helping get their work seen, published, and paid for. Think single-frame storytelling at its most raw and human. Names like Jeff Hutchens, Shaul Schwarz, Per-Anders Pettersson, Nickelsberg, Bob, Brent Stirton, David Scott Holloway, Jonathan Alpeyrie, Farah Nosh, Amy Toensing, Palani Mohan and many more; visionaries now telling bigger stories in film and documentary (stills and video).
That chapter taught me hustle, heart, and how to support creative excellence under pressure. When I pivoted into design and brand strategy, I brought that same mindset with me. But I lost something: the creative community I once had through University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, The Associated Press, and Getty Images.
I’ve been solo for years, building Teal Studio, serving solopreneurs and small businesses with clear, strategic design. But after some tough personal seasons, I realized I was craving more than clients. I was craving creative camaraderie again.
So I bet on myself.
I invested in becoming a founding member of the Brand Builders Alliance™. I joined because I knew I could give more, grow more, and be better surrounded by brand pros who get it. The support already feels like the flock I didn’t know I needed.
Briefly joining Matt Davies ⚡️ Mastermind last year, then attending Jacob Cass 🦩 ’s Brand Builders Summit last August, confirmed it — I wasn’t just looking for training. I was looking for aligned, intentional collaboration.
Here’s to building brands, better - together.
#community #branddesigners #brandidentity #visualcommunicator #flock🦩 creativecommunity #education #mentors
