My approach to work:
streamline, optimize, make it more fun
As a creative, my work traditionally focuses on creating, delivering, and moving on to the next project. However, as a very type-A person, I'm drawn to improving both the work and the workflows.
Figuring out how to streamline processes so that my team and I can deliver more with less time and lower effort is a fun and satisfying exercise. And it unlocks additional hours and creative energy that can be redirected to more strategic and challenging work, which makes creative teams happy.
This interest in optimization and improving systems led me to earn my Certified Associate in Project Management credential. The knowledge gained from earning and maintaining that certification continually amplifies my impact as a creative professional.
In my day-to-day work, this means:
Documenting regularly and succinctly: Keeping simply written notes, contextual history, and standard operating procedures in a centralized repository or directly where needed. If it's not easy to read or find, it will collect dust.
Templatizing as a part of workflow: When a project ends, turning assets and processes into new templates or improving existing ones.
Creating tools to empower and delegate: Providing user-friendly templates for colleagues outside the creative team so they can self-service with tools like Canva, Google Suite, and Microcroft Suite for some assets without creative resourcing.
Automating the mundane: Integrating logic and automation into applicable software to reduce manual work on redundant tasks and lower errors.
Even outside of my role as a designer and creative, I’m often in the midst of an optimization project with other departments and initiatives, on and off the clock. Some of these projects include:
Helping to build Talkiatry's intranet in SharePoint and regularly supporting teams in maintaining and growing their sites
Creating a low-tech, stop-gap knowledge management system at The Hatcher Group
Regularly serving on cross-department software implementation teams at The Hatcher Group, helping to set up and socialize new time tracking and later project management software
Creating a digital volunteer manual and on-site suite of materials for the local cat cafe where I volunteer
Ultimately, I want the creative process—and any process—to feel lighter and more enjoyable. When systems run smoothly, people have more room to solve new problems and do their best creative work. And have a little more fun along the way.
If that resonates with you, let’s connect.