We were lucky to catch up with Sydney Hoff recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sydney, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Early on in my career, I had to make a decision to either wait for clients to approach me or to take initiative and actively introduce myself to potential clients. Despite the fear of rejection, I chose to take a risk and reach out to various businesses and entrepreneurs. Some responses were disheartening, but I learned not to be deterred by a ‘no’ and to persevere.

I’ve had several instances when local business owners have declined my graphic design services for one reason or another. Whether that be budget constraints, or just not feeling quite ready to pull the trigger to take the next steps with their business operation. However, months or maybe even years later, they approach me, having reconsidered and recognized the value of investing in quality design. We are then able to collaborate successfully!

These experiences taught me that being in the creative industry requires courage and the willingness to embrace risks. Not being afraid of rejection has led me to new opportunities and fulfilling work. I carry this lesson with me as I continue to grow and make a positive impact on my clients and their businesses. Taking risks has not only expanded my client base but also brought me immense joy and fulfillment in my creative journey.

Sydney, 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?

Hello, readers! My name is Sydney, and I’m a passionate web/graphic designer and brand manager. My journey into this exciting industry began during my college days. It was during my coursework that I discovered a special interest in graphic design, leading me to take independent studies to learn and hone my skills further. Since then, I’ve immersed myself in the world of design, and almost every job I’ve taken on has required some level of creativity and design expertise, which helped me gain experience very quickly.

As a designer, I offer a wide range of products and services that cater to various needs. From creating eye-catching websites to engaging print graphics for any occassion, my goal is to bring my clients’ visions to life and exceed their expectations. I take pride in understanding my clients’ ideas and their unique requirements, and delivering solutions that truly resonate with their brand and aesthetic.

One thing that sets me apart from others is my approach of being accessible to anyone and everyone, regardless of their business type, style, or budget. I believe that every client deserves exceptional design and branding, and I don’t limit myself to specific niches. This versatility in my work brings variety and keeps me inspired to explore new creative possibilities.

The problems I solve for my clients go beyond just delivering a visually appealing product. I understand that design and styling play a crucial role in enhancing a brand’s identity, creating a memorable experience, and boosting customer engagement. Whether it’s revamping a website to improve user experience or designing a captivating brand identity to stand out amongst competition, I am dedicated to delivering impactful solutions.

What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about me is that my passion for creativity and design knows no bounds. I am constantly seeking fresh ideas and am always looking to dip my toes into a new subculture. I take great joy in bringing my clients’ dreams to reality and fostering strong, long-lasting relationships. Whether you’re a small business looking to enhance your brand or an entrepreneur wanting to jumpstart your business, I’m here to be your creative partner, and together, we’ll craft a brand that leaves a lasting impression.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One challenge that non-creatives may not understand is the vulnerability that comes with putting our creative work out into the universe. As creatives, we put everything we have into our projects, big or small. And, they are often deeply personal for us. Receiving criticism or negative feedback, while helpful, can simultaneously be difficult because it feels like a direct reflection of our abilities and identity.

The push and pull between wanting to stay true to who I am while being well-respected and appreciated as a creator can truly be a rollercoaster of emotions where highs of accomplishment are often accompanied by moments of self-doubt and vulnerability.

Non-creatives might find it challenging to understand why we struggle to disconnect emotionally from our work. But, it’s this very experience, with all its ups and downs, that is so rewarding for us. It truly fuels our passion.

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

Word of mouth has been the most best source of new clients for me. The referrals and recommendations from satisfied clients turned friends have played a significant role in growing my business.

Time and again, I’ve had clients approach me saying, “I heard about you from a friend who loved the work you did for them.” This organic word-of-mouth marketing creates a ripple effect, where one happy client leads to several others seeking my services.

The best part of word of mouth lies in the trust it promotes. If you hear about my work from someone you know and trust, it establishes an immediate sense of credibility. You feel assured that I can deliver on my promises and provide a final product that you love!

In addition to direct referrals, my portfolio has become a powerful showcase of what I can achieve. Being able to peruse the successful outcomes of past projects has brought several customers to me!

Truly nothing compares to the genuine word-of-mouth recommendations from my happy customers. As a creative professional, it is so rewarding to know that my clients appreciate my efforts and are eager to share their positive experiences with their friends, family and colleagues. Word of mouth continues to be the most effective way for me to connect with new clients.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/by.skdesigns and @_sydneykaye
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sydneykayedesigns