We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Eliza Barrett. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Eliza below.
Alright, Eliza thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
Success, to me, is about living a life that offers both comfort and freedom—the ability to take a week off when I need to recharge, to travel without financial stress, and to feel proud of the work I create. It’s not just about financial benchmarks; it’s about the balance of creative fulfillment, time, and energy.
There are weeks or months when I feel undeniably successful—when a project comes together beautifully, when a client tells me my work exceeded their expectations, or when I get to enjoy the flexibility I’ve built for myself. And then there are times when doubt creeps in, when I feel stuck or uncertain. But I’ve come to realize that success isn’t a static destination—it ebbs and flows, and that’s okay.
One of the moments that shaped my view on success was when my father passed away unexpectedly. In the middle of immense grief, I was able to step away from work for a month without everything falling apart. I didn’t have to ask for permission, scramble to make ends meet, or push myself beyond what I could handle. That experience reinforced for me that success isn’t just about what I build—it’s about having the space and stability to take care of myself and the people I love when it matters most.
Success looks different for everyone. For some, it’s hitting $20k months; for others, it’s simply providing for their family and putting food on the table. I think the key is defining it on your own terms—because chasing someone else’s version of success will never feel as fulfilling as living your own.
Eliza, 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?
Certainly! I’m the founder of Eliza Design Studio, a branding and web design studio focused on crafting timeless, visually stunning, and strategically sound brand identities. My approach balances beauty and utility—creating brands that are not just aesthetically refined but also deeply functional and meaningful.
My path into design happened naturally. I’ve always had a background in art, drawn to aesthetics, composition, and storytelling from an early age. In college, I took a few courses that introduced me to design, and that’s when everything clicked—I realized design was the perfect intersection of creativity and strategy. Those courses opened me up to the possibilities of branding, and I became fascinated with how visual identities shape businesses and experiences. Eventually, I started working with clients one-on-one, and from there, Eliza Design Studio was born.
I specialize in branding and web design, helping businesses establish identities that feel both personal and distinctive. I believe branding should be contextual—rooted in a story, aligned with the founder’s vision, and designed to resonate with a specific audience.
For my clients, I provide:
Full Brand Identity Design – from logos to typography to custom brand elements
Website Design & Development – primarily Shopify and Squarespace, creating seamless, strategic online experiences
Creative Strategy – ensuring every brand decision serves a purpose beyond aesthetics
Astro Branding – a unique service where I use a client’s natal chart to craft a brand identity that aligns with their natural strengths, energy, and purpose
Astro Branding is one of my most personal offerings, blending design with a deeper layer of intentionality. By using astrology as a foundation, I create brands that feel authentically aligned with who my clients are—helping them not just look good but feel fully seen in their business.
What makes my work different is my dedication to taste over trend. I create brands that feel classic and enduring—never just following the latest aesthetic wave. My goal is to design something that still feels relevant and beautiful years down the line. I also take a deeply personal approach with every client, ensuring their brand reflects their essence and connects meaningfully with their audience. Astro Branding adds another layer to this—helping entrepreneurs build brands that are not just visually compelling, but energetically in sync with who they are.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Seeing them feel more confident in their brand—watching their business grow because they now have an identity that truly represents them—is the most fulfilling part of what I do. Also being able to work for myself was something I never envisioned for myself, but doing it has really bolstered my confidence!
I’m also proud of the versatility of my work. I’ve designed for everything from boutique florists and ceramic studios to high-end lifestyle brands and digital-first businesses. Each project is a unique reflection of the founder and their vision, and that keeps my work exciting.
Eliza Design Studio is not about just “making things look pretty.” It’s about creating thoughtful, intentional branding that helps businesses stand out in a meaningful way. If you’re looking for a design partner who will dig deep, ask the right questions, and create a brand that truly reflects your vision—I’d love to collaborate.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
One of the biggest things non-creatives may struggle to understand is that creativity isn’t just an ability—it’s a process, an emotional investment, and oftentimes a battle with self-doubt.
Unlike traditional careers with clear paths and linear progress, a creative journey is filled with uncertainty. There’s no exact formula for success, no single way to measure growth. The work we do is deeply personal, yet it also has to function for others—our clients, their audiences, the market. Striking that balance between artistic integrity and strategic problem-solving is an ongoing challenge.
Another thing people often don’t realize is how much mental energy creative work requires. It’s not as simple as sitting down and producing something on demand. Inspiration, research, refinement, and iteration all take time. Some days, ideas flow effortlessly; other days, nothing feels right, and that can be immensely frustrating.
Perhaps the hardest part to explain is that good design isn’t just about making things look nice—it’s about meaning, clarity, and purpose. People sometimes underestimate the depth of thought that goes into every decision, from typography choices to brand positioning. Great branding isn’t just decoration—it’s storytelling, psychology, and strategy woven together.
If there’s one insight I’d share with non-creatives, it’s that creative work is work. It’s not just a fun hobby or a talent that switches on and off—it’s a skill honed over time, requiring just as much discipline, effort, and investment as any other profession.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that success in a creative business comes from constantly working, hustling, and saying “yes” to everything. In the early days of my studio, I thought that to grow, I had to take on every project, accommodate every request, and always be on. But over time, I realized that busyness isn’t the same as progress, and saying yes to everything often means saying no to yourself.
The turning point came when I found myself creatively drained, taking on projects that weren’t aligned with my style or values just because I felt I should. I was overextending myself, sacrificing the quality of my work (and my own well-being) just to keep up with external expectations. It wasn’t sustainable.
I had to unlearn the idea that working more equals being more successful and instead embrace a more intentional approach—learning to work with my energy rather than against it. Some days are naturally more creative and inspired, while others are better for organization and deep strategy. By recognizing my own rhythms and cycles—both creatively and energetically—I was able to structure my work in a way that felt more sustainable, intuitive, and fulfilling.
Ironically, once I let go of the need to constantly prove my worth through overworking, I started attracting the right clients, creating better work, and feeling more fulfilled in my business. Now, I remind myself that success isn’t about doing the most—it’s about doing the right things, with the right energy, for the right people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elizadesignstudio.com
- Instagram: elizadesignstudio
