We were lucky to catch up with Helen Henny recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Helen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?
My wedding was the launching point. Everyone swooned over the invitations and began asking and referring work. It was the most personal project I had done – all custom drawings, hours of planning, thoughtful consideration for each element and the overall presentation. I had the encouragement and support to begin taking on custom projects along with creating a line of Florida-themed products. Seeing my drawings become a local hit was inspiring and the support of the community created a true connection of contributing value.
Helen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Graphic design for digital and offset print is my specialty. Brand design, event invitation packages, marketing collateral. It’s a wide range, but my true passion is paper. The tactile element of interacting with something that was only in your mind – it’s amazing. I love layering ideas on paper and creating an interactive experience. Deciphering how someone will first encounter a piece, how they will work their way through it – it’s a small story unfolding in their hands.
It’s a skill I’m proud of, being able to bring such stories to life. Often, it’s with only a short brief. Clients generally have a basic idea of what they want but not fully-formed. I work with them starting at the end – the goal of the project – and work backwards. We talk through their concepts and I present them a proposal of their vision in action. More than a simple sheet with a logo, or PDF of an invitation, I show ideas as they will be put to work – the brand as a whole, as collateral, as it can be used in various forms for various purposes. I ensure the functionality of all projects and provide inspiration for ideas to flow forward.
Incredible ideas are everywhere and I enjoy helping make them a reality. Seeing small businesses thrive because I brought their ideas to life is inspiring and motivating. Celebrating this, and the life that surrounds us in our day-to-day life is what my work is about. My product lines of greeting cards, stickers, and coloring book, connect the local community with cheerful reminders of the bright beauty and touch of humor that life presents.
There are endless projects, endless designs. The range can be bright, festive, fun, serious, minimalist, elegant, dark. Each it’s own enjoyable slice of the world.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The final product, its final purpose, the success of its intended interaction is the reward. When a client is proud of their new representation, overjoyed at the visual beauty of their event or idea, when they feel that their vision has been achieved – that is the joy of doing design.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My path is to remind others that they have important ideas and valid skills too. Simply because my talent is tangible, that I can put to life what’s in someone’s head that they can’t, doesn’t mean that they are untalented. I value my skills and work to use them to empower others in theirs. So many intangible things are admirable and I hope to inspire others to enjoy and grow within what makes them amazing. I want to remind people of the little things, so easy to forget, in everyday life that make it joyful, valuable and whole.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hhenny.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/helenhennydesign
Image Credits
Headshot: Shay Walker Photography (https://www.shaywalkerphoto.com)