We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brittani Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Brittani, thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

My journey into graphic and website design actually began on BlackPlanet.com! At just 16, I probably had no business being on the platform lol, but looking back, I see how God used it for what I do today. I was captivated by profiles that really stood out and was determined to figure out how they were doing it. Turns out, they were enhancing their pages with HTML coding and creating visuals with graphic design software such as PaintShop Pro and Adobe Photoshop. That curiosity led me to dive in and teach myself both graphic and web design, reaching out to some BlackPlanet.com users and learning by trial and error.

Looking back now, I feel it could’ve been helpful to have a mentor. Finding someone who had already walked this path may have sped up the process. But I wouldn’t trade the hands-on experience because it taught me some of the most essential skills: patience, attention to detail, open-mindedness, and creativity.

The biggest obstacle was the learning curve. Teaching yourself how to code and design with limited resources can be overwhelming, but it also sharpened my problem-solving skills. Now, I get to bring that same curiosity and creative spark to guide my clients.

Brittani, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I got started in marketing in an unexpected way. After graduating, I attended a job fair with plans to inquire about a teller position at a credit union. But my resume, which highlighted my self-taught graphic and web design skills, caught the eye of the recruiter. Instead of the teller role, they saw potential in my design skills and connected me with their marketing team. They even created a marketing assistant position just for me, where I reported directly into the SVP of Marketing. This opportunity was pivotal, as I learned foundational marketing skills that shaped the trajectory of my career. From there, I have worked across healthcare, real estate, and advertising industries, continually expanding my knowledge and expertise.

Marketing is the superpower I bring to my brand design business today. My work isn’t just about creating beautiful visuals; it’s about combining the art of design with the strategy of marketing to help businesses stand out and connect with their target audiences. I specialize in graphic design, website design, content creation, and brand shoot creative direction, with a particular focus on empowering women-led businesses to shine.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend creativity with strategy. I don’t just deliver a logo or a website—I provide comprehensive design solutions that help my clients show up confidently in their businesses and effectively communicate their value. Whether it’s refining a brand’s visual identity or ensuring a website speaks directly to its target audience, my goal is always to empower my clients to take their brands to the next level.

I’m most proud of the confidence I help instill in my clients. Seeing a business owner light up when they see their new brand identity or website is incredibly rewarding. It’s that sense of pride and ownership in their business that I aim to cultivate.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I’ve built my social media audience by focusing on authenticity. From the start, I decided that I wasn’t going to chase numbers or followers, but instead let my work speak for me. I use social media as a portfolio, showcasing behind-the-scenes glimpses of my creative process, my projects, and the story behind the work I do. It’s important to me that my audience sees both the final product and the effort it takes to get there.

I’m incredibly thankful for the community I’ve cultivated on social media. While I may not have the biggest following, I’ve found that authenticity and the quality of my work have been far more valuable. It’s led to meaningful opportunities and amazing referrals.

For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is simple: be yourself and focus on the quality of your work, not the numbers. Engage with your community, share your journey, and don’t be afraid to show the behind-the-scenes moments. Consistency and authenticity will always stand out in a crowded space, and those who connect with your message will become your biggest advocates.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Referrals have been the best source of new clients for me, and I truly believe they are the greatest compliments a business owner can receive. When someone refers you, it means they trust your work enough to recommend you to others—and that’s a powerful endorsement.

In addition to referrals, I occasionally offer my services in exchange for the opportunity to showcase the work as content. I see this as an investment in my business, almost like advertising. Every time I’ve shared these projects on social media, it has led to new business. It’s a strategic way to not only demonstrate my skills but also expand my audience in an organic and authentic way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brandwithbritt.com
• Instagram: @brandingwithbritt and @beewithbritt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandingwithbritt/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittani-johnson-mba/
• Youtube: @beewithbritt

Image Credits

From Within Arts (Personal Photo)
Ideal Shots (First Additional Photo)