We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sarah Joy Street. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sarah Joy below.
Alright, Sarah Joy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with 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.
I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Communications from Kennesaw State University, where my formal education provided a strong foundation in design principles, the art of pitching ideas, and the critical role of sketching. During my time in college, I gained valuable hands-on experience through various graphic design roles. I worked at a local print shop, where I developed a solid understanding of print production, customer communication, and project management. Additionally, I sought mentorship through AIGA, which played a pivotal role in shaping my personal brand. My internship as a corporate in-house designer further honed my skills in maintaining brand identity and ensuring consistency across marketing materials.
After graduation, I made the decision to step away from my design career for a few years, allowing myself the opportunity to travel and grow personally. This period of self-discovery ultimately led me back to my passion for design, and I decided to start my own design business. Although my journey back into design was nontraditional, I embraced self-learning through platforms like YouTube, online courses, and books to refine my skills.
In hindsight, I recognize that continuing on my design path immediately after college would have accelerated my professional growth. While my peers advanced more quickly in the field, taking a break was essential for my personal development, and I don’t regret that decision.
The most valuable skills I’ve acquired stem from my formal education. Nothing compares to critique sessions, where presenting work, explaining design choices, and receiving peer feedback were invaluable learning experiences. To this day, I hear the guidance of my professor, reminding me to “let the type breathe” and “check your margins.” Her one-on-one feedback continues to influence my design process.
Balancing life’s demands with professional growth is a challenge many face. As an adult, juggling responsibilities can make it difficult to dedicate time and energy to learning new skills and tackling design projects. I’ve learned the importance of balance and listening to my own needs. Having experienced burnout, I now know when to slow down and take the necessary breaks to maintain both creativity and well-being.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello! My name is Sarah Joy, and I am a brand and website designer specializing in helping small service-based business owners. After earning my BFA in Graphic Communications in 2017, I spent a year teaching English in Taiwan, which ignited my passion for travel and exploring cultures. Upon returning to the U.S., I pivoted away from graphic design and joined the U.S. Air Force. During my seven years of service, I had the privilege of living in Germany, an experience that allowed me to travel around Europe and explore new countries. After leaving the military, I returned to my true passion—graphic design—and launched my business part-time in 2022.
My business was born out of both a personal transition and a desire to help fellow business owners connect with their dream audiences. My journey has involved exploring various areas of design, from corporate and non-profit work to logo creation. Ultimately, I found my niche in branding and website design, a field that combines scalability, profitability, and, most importantly, work that I deeply enjoy.
I offer two core services: branding and website design. My branding service is tailored to help both new and established businesses connect with their ideal clients, elevate their offerings, and present a consistent, professional image online. Each branding package is infused with personality-driven illustrations and a complete visual identity toolkit, providing my clients with everything they need to build trust and grow their business. My website design services focus on creating a captivating online presence that engages viewers and encourages them to get in touch. I understand how challenging it can be to build a brand and website on your own, which is why I’m passionate about helping business owners alleviate that burden so they can focus on what matters most.
What sets me apart as a designer is my unique approach to blending my clients’ personalities into their brands. I take the time to get to know each client, ensuring that their brand reflects their individuality. I believe that a truly memorable brand highlights those personal quirks, and I bring this to life through custom illustrations, thoughtful typography, and carefully curated color palettes.
I’m particularly proud of my military background and formal design education, both of which have profoundly influenced who I am today. My time in the military taught me resilience and effective communication, while my design education equipped me with the technical and creative skills needed to think critically and deliver high-quality work. Together, these experiences have shaped my personal brand and form the foundation of my design business.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative professional is the autonomy it provides in shaping how, when, and where I work. As an introverted business owner, I value the flexibility to work in an environment that suits me best—whether that’s from the comfort of my couch or during late-night hours when I feel most inspired. This freedom allows me to align my work habits with my creative flow, all while maintaining deadlines and delivering results that keep my clients satisfied.
In contrast to my experience in the military, where following orders and working within strict structures was essential, my role as a creative business owner allows me to take full control of how I manage each project from start to finish. If I decide to implement a new client management system or refine my processes, I have the freedom to do so. This sense of ownership and flexibility is what makes being a creative entrepreneur so fulfilling.
Have you ever had to pivot?
My business and career journey has been anything but linear. I’ve navigated periods of burnout and overwhelm, leading to several pivotal changes along the way. From teaching English in Taiwan after college to joining the U.S. Air Force, my career path has been unconventional. Now, as I prepare to become a new mother, my business is once again evolving to accommodate my shifting priorities.
During these times of transition, I’ve relied on the support of loved ones, therapy, and journaling to help process my thoughts and stay grounded. Reflecting on my journey, I occasionally wonder how different my life might have been had I followed a more traditional career trajectory and pursued a design role straight out of college. However, doing so would have meant missing out on unique experiences—like riding a scooter through the rural streets of Taiwan, developing resilience while being away from family during the holidays, and falling in love and meeting my husband while stationed in Germany.
Career pivots can be both daunting and exhilarating. My advice: trust your instincts when they guide you toward a different path. You may be surprised at the unexpected opportunities and growth that await you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sarahjoystreet.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjoystreet/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahjoystreet/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahjoystreet/
- Other: Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/sarahjoystreet/
Image Credits
Laura Quintero Photography