We recently connected with Sara Neal and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

One big change I’d love to see is more real-world financial education in college, especially for students pursuing creative fields who might go on to freelance or run their own business. When I graduated with a degree in Studio Art, I left school with a solid creative foundation, but no clue how to manage the business side of things. No one taught me how to track income and expenses, create a profit and loss (P&L) statement, understand business structure and tax basics, keep personal and business finances separate, or price my work confidently.

All of that I had to figure out on my own—through hours of research, trial and error, and conversations with a few generous peers who were willing to talk openly about their experiences. And even then, talking about income and pricing your work often feels taboo.

It would have made such a difference to have a class that covered the basics of running a creative business. Regardless of whether someone ends up freelancing or starting a business, everyone can benefit from learning how to manage their finances. Knowing how to save, pay taxes, and allocate income for annual expenses is essential to making responsible financial decisions—no matter your career path.

I’ve learned a lot through experience, but it didn’t have to be so hard or isolating. A little guidance early on would have gone a long way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Sara Neal. I’m a brand identity designer based in the Orlando area, and I help small businesses—especially women entrepreneurs—create branding that feels aligned, intentional, and true to who they are.

My background is in lifestyle photography and graphic design, and I earned my B.A. in Studio Art with a double emphasis in both. I spent the first part of my career working in publishing and at a boutique branding agency, where I honed my creative direction skills and learned the power of thoughtful storytelling. In 2018, after becoming a mom and moving to Florida, I left agency life and launched my own studio. That pivot gave me the freedom to choose the kind of work I wanted to do—and the kind of clients I wanted to serve.

Today, I collaborate primarily with digital-first businesses who are ready to level up their branding. Most come to me feeling unclear or overwhelmed by DIY design. My role is to help them uncover what makes their brand unique and translate that into a cohesive visual identity they feel proud to share. Through strategy-first workshops, research, and design rooted in emotional connection, I craft logos and brand systems that resonate with their audience and reflect their values.

What sets my approach apart is the way I blend creative instinct with intentional strategy. Every color, font, and layout decision is backed by rationale. I don’t just hand over a logo—I guide my clients through a process that helps them find clarity, confidence, and momentum.

One project I’m especially proud of is the brand refresh for Berry Interesting Productions. After 15 years in business, the founder was ready for a more elevated look that matched the caliber of her work. We refined her logo, color palette, typography, and photography direction to create a brand that felt fresh but still familiar. She later shared that the update gave her a renewed sense of confidence—and that it helped her attract the kind of clients she had been aiming for all along.

At the end of the day, I want my clients to walk away with more than just beautiful visuals. I want them to feel energized, clear, and excited about what’s next.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

There are so many resources out there that it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Early in my journey, I often had to rely on trial and error—especially when it came to running the business side of things. I wish I had known sooner which tools and communities would actually support my growth as a creative and as a business owner.

One of the best decisions I made was joining Together Digital in 2019. It gave me a supportive network of women who understood the freelance landscape and could speak openly about pricing, workflows, and client relationships. That kind of honest, behind-the-scenes insight is something I wish I had found earlier.

For learning and inspiration, I still come back to:
– Skillshare and YouTube for tutorials and refreshers
– Instructors like Aaron Draplin and Will Paterson for brand design insight
– LinkedIn Learning, which many local libraries offer for free (a hidden gem!)

When it comes to finances and client management, I’ve kept things pretty lean:
– I now use Indy for contracts, invoices, and time tracking (and previously used Fiverr Workspace)
– Google Sheets helps me stay on top of income and expenses—I compile everything into a Profit & Loss doc at tax time
– FreeTaxUSA has been my go-to for filing taxes as a freelancer (they don’t charge extra for Schedule C)

And for my workflow? It’s a mix of digital and analog:
– I start most projects in Milanote—great for mood boards and visual planning
– I’ve moved away from task management apps and now keep a Google Calendar for client-specific deadlines
– I also maintain a physical binder with project notes and deliverables—it’s how I stay grounded and organized day-to-day

The biggest takeaway? Find tools that support how you work best, and don’t be afraid to adapt your systems over time. What works for someone else might not be the right fit for you—and that’s okay.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’ve made a few big pivots in my life and career—some planned, others not so much. Each one taught me something important about flexibility, self-trust, and figuring out what kind of work really fits.

I started out studying photography at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Midway through, I added graphic design after realizing how naturally the two disciplines worked together. That decision shaped the rest of my creative path. After college, I worked in publishing as a photographer and designer, then moved into agency life at a boutique branding studio. I loved the work—but once I became a mom, my priorities shifted.

In 2018, I left my full-time job, moved to Florida with my family, and started freelancing the following year. I didn’t have a local network or roadmap. I just knew I wanted more freedom in my schedule and to do work that felt personal and meaningful. It was definitely a leap—and there were moments I questioned if I’d made the right choice—but over time, I found my footing.

Joining Together Digital in 2019 was a turning point. That community helped me build connections, gain confidence, and realize I wasn’t doing this alone. Since then, I’ve continued to evolve my business, refining my services and learning how to balance being both the designer and the business owner.

Pivoting isn’t always easy, but it’s been essential to my growth. I’ve learned to trust my gut, ask for help when I need it, and keep adapting as life and business change.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://saranealcreative.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara_e_neal/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-e-neal/

Image Credits

Sara Neal, Mr. Mockup