Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zuza Hicks. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Zuza, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
My mission is to empower sustainable companies with distinct branding, so that they can compete with big corporations and kick their butts. I started Nicely Made, an independent design studio, to work with clients who need good branding and want to work with a soulful designer. I had a well-paid job working in house but I didn’t design for people, I designed for stiff structures and that lack of human touch simply made me unhappy. I wanted to find that human connection and help quietly rebellious brands become magical magnets through visuals that make hearts dance and eyes pop. It’s been working so far.
Zuza, 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?
My name is Zuza Hicks and I’m a brand designer. I design logos, brand identities, and packaging for quietly rebellious brands that want to do things differently. Brands that focus on building a business that supports the life they want
It’s about so much more than getting a great logo. I combine strategy and research to create powerful, meaningful brands with comprehensive tools to leave their mark.
And though getting a great logo is a goal, I hope my clients feel clarity, confidence and excitement about what’s to come for their brand after we work together. It’s all about giving them a comprehensive set of tools that they can use in the world and make sure their brand identity is consistent.
I think I have a unique perspective on design since I’m Polish and lived there until my late 20ies. I then followed my heart all the way to California and have stayed here ever since. I love being able to combine some of the European design influences with the American outlook. Even though design is an international language, there are some elements that are unique to every place and culture.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I think the memory that reminds me about how resilient I can be is the day I put in my notice without having anything else lined up. That’s when I began the journey of figuring out how to run a business. You need to trust that the universe will have your back, and it will.
Honestly, the more I expose myself to the possibility of failure, the less emotionally taxing it becomes. It helps me to realize that it is about the process, not the final outcome, which is hard to do because I’m very goal driven.
I can’t say enough about finding the right community of entrepreneurs for you to rely on for accountability and resilience. There will be many people competing for your money and it will take you some time to find your people, but once you do – use and appreciate the support.
On a daily basis, meditation, martial-artsing and acupuncture help me get distance and see a high level picture.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I wish I had more business knowledge and understanding of how to run a creative business specifically. Creating good work is essential but making sure people can see it and want to buy it – is a whole nother world. I also had to learn that there really is no roadmap for how to run your business, it’s unique to every single business out there.
- Website: https://www.nicelymade.studio/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicelymadestudio/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zuzahicks/
Image Credits:
Anya McInroy Photography
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