by Miriam Hara | Aug 8, 2025 | Advertising, Agency, Business Success, Creative, Design
Unmistakably Purple
If voice shapes how a brand sounds and represents, its visual identity is how it’s remembered. In a world crowded with choices, visuals are strategy, personality, and first impression all at once. For my business... my brand, that unforgettable visual identity begins with one unexpected colour: purple.
The Layering Approach
An unforgettable visual identity is never just about what looks good on a page. It’s about crafting patterns, moments, and details that make an impression before you’ve said a word. It embodies and propels forward the brand's logo while carrying the momentum to social media communications, and advertising.
When I considered what would signal my business to the world, I started with the simplicity of a my business' visual identity. I started with a colour that was unexpected 37 years ago. It was a colour that was rarely seen or utilized in the business world yet oddly traditional. It was a bold move in the seas of grey, blue and burgundy. Additionally, I wanted a colour that sparked curiosity, commanded attention, and reflected the kind of creative courage I bring to every project.
Why Purple?
Purple wasn’t chosen by accident. It’s the signature of my brand for a reason. Throughout history, purple has signalled creativity, originality, and even a little bit of rebellion. It’s confident, distinctive, and unapologetic just like the brands I love to build. And let's not forget...purple is often associated with courageousness...with braveness.
Albeit, purple is also personal for me. It reflects imagination, a bias toward bold ideas, and a commitment to standing for something unique, not just what’s expected. It’s the heartbeat of every piece of creative, every campaign, and every brand moment we deliver.
Consistency Creates Confidence
Of course, visual identity is about more than just one shade. It’s the patterns, rhythms, and small details that turn colour into memory. Purple is the visual thread that runs through our brand. It appears in the logo, the website, event booths, even the energy of the team.Consistency is a competitive advantage. I want people to feel the brand before they even know it’s us.
Purple invites a double take. It stands out in a sea of sameness and, in our world, that matters. Clients and potential clients alike, take note of our brand colour. Unbeknownst to them, from the very first hello, we are already having a brand conversation. One that enables us to really show what we can accomplish for their brands. The use of purple is very intentional.
Visuals That Speak Volumes For My Clients, Too
Many of the brands I work with are navigating complex, crowded spaces; health, innovation, food, lifestyle, and legacy industries that can feel overwhelming and even feel a little sterile. For them, standing out isn’t just a luxury; it’s survival.
When I and my team are given to develop an unforgettable visual identity... it isn't only about colour. It's about being unexpected...and whatever that form takes. We aim to make their message impossible to ignore and giving their brand sense of confidence and cohesion that transcends vehicle. Confidence in their communications, advertising and of course, confidence for their sales force to articulate what needs to be. The visual identity is the springboard for which all brand communications (digital, print, sales) take flight. Clients have told me that our creative choices, especially the signature visual elements, help their brands claim space, spark conversations, and signal that they’re not afraid to lead.
When someone is exposed to one of my businesses' campaigns or walks into our office, I want them to feel that spark. Purple makes sure they do. It’s a colour that opens doors, starts conversations, and makes the brand unforgettable not just for me, but for every client I have the privilege to work with.
by Miriam Hara | Apr 16, 2025 | Agency, Creative, Design
Constructive Criticism… ugh! That’s all I have to say. In the world of marketing creative the use of the term constructive criticism is as prevalent as the air we breathe! Whether designing a campaign, writing a headline, or capturing the perfect shot, everyone has a say on that creative component. It’s part of the creative process and it is integral in crafting and improving the creative asset. But let’s not sugarcoat it: feedback can sting.
Creativity is personal
Despite me telling my team that feedback, “Is not personal” , I do understand that, innately, it is. It’s difficult not for it to feel personal when you’ve taken the germ of an idea and spent hours perfecting it before you even present it. And then someone comes along, squints at your masterpiece, and says, “Hmm… it’s not quite there.”How can it not feel personal?
But when constructive criticism is given, that is the defining moment. Feedback isn’t just about hearing what needs to change, it’s about how you respond to it.
To my way of thinking, constructive criticism is the way any professional can up their game. Become really, really good at their profession. Seriously good!
Understanding the why behind the what.
Giving feedback is an art. It should, by it’s very nature, be directionally but not specific. Alas, too often that is what feedback looks like….Make this bigger. Change this colour. Tweak that headline.
Turning that feedback into being constructive you need to decode the feedback. It’s not about just doing what is requested, it’s about understanding why the change is being requested.
- Why did they ask for more space?
- What’s the real concern behind this change?
- What outcome are we trying to achieve here?
Start thinking this way, you will become a true professional, a collaborator.
Personal or not? Understanding the distinction.
Feedback isn’t a reflection of you. It’s a reflection of the work. And that distinction makes all the difference. When feedback is given, and the understanding of the feedback gets crystallized, the outcome is something everyone will get behind. Feedback isn’t an attack, it’s a way to make a creative stronger…better. If a creative concept or asset cannot handle the modifications, perhaps there’s a bigger issue about the creative.
Constructive Criticism: It’s a mindset.
Feedback is the thing that tells you where to focus, where to sharpen your edge, and where to let go of what isn’t working. If you are truly listening. It’s part of the process that continuously stokes the fire of passion… and refines natural.
Here are my key takeaways on turning feedback into an opportunity to grow and become better (yes, even after 40 years!)
- Listen to understand, not to respond.
- Ask smart questions. “What’s not landing here?” or “What’s the bigger goal we’re aiming for?”
- Pause. Take a walk, sleep on it, let your thoughts settle.
- Look for patterns. If you’re hearing the same note over and over, it’s not a coincidence, it’s an indication that you’re not learning from the feedback… but just doing!
The true professional creatives are the ones who know how to use the feedback to make what they’ve initially created, even better.
Don’t just do.
At the end of the day, addressing feedback isn’t about getting the job out the door. It’s always an opportunity for growth. Evolving your craft, sharpening your skills, and building a resilience will serve you long after the project wraps up.
Consider that every critique is; a chance to become better. An opportunity to think deeper, create smarter, and deliver something that doesn’t just work, it wows.
How you handle feedback will determine your professional trajectory… and subsequently your professional opportunities. Contrary to the very iconic Nike slogan, Don’t just do it, learn from it!
by Miriam Hara | Oct 22, 2024 | Advertising, Agency, Marketing
How do you know if you’re suffering from the Agency Blues?
If you’re a brand marketer you’ve lived it… you’ve loathed it.
The Agency Blues symptoms. Your heart is racing. You break out in a sweat (no, it’s not because you’re experiencing hot flashes). You toss and turn, unable to sleep or turn your mind off. Your anxiety is through the roof with “what if’s”. You’re second guessing everything. Concerned about it all, and can’t put your finger on it. You think you’re too judgmental or maybe you’re asking too much? Self doubt and disappointment set in. If you are in marketing or branding, you’ll recognize yourself among these descriptors. But here’s the thing—you don’t have to live with it.
Ideas Feeling a Little Flat?
You started working with your agency with big hopes, expecting creativity that would blow you away. But lately, the ideas coming through feel, well… flat. Not bad, just not the wow factor you expected. It happens. Even the best teams go through dry spells. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it forever.
Creativity ebbs and flows—it’s a natural part of the process—but if your campaigns are missing that extra flair, it might be time to have a conversation. Sometimes, all it takes is exploring a new perspective to shake things up. The Agency Blues don’t always mean a complete breakdown…. but sometimes it does. So don’t be afraid to look beyond your current situation—you deserve an agency that never runs out of steam.
Is Your Vision Getting Lost?
You’ve communicated your brand’s vision—multiple times. Yet somehow, what’s coming back to you feels… different. Not quite off the mark, but not quite on it either. This can be frustrating, for sure. It’s easy to fall into the Agency Blues when you feel like your vision isn’t translating. But it’s also a great opportunity to reassess and realign.
If you feel like your brand’s identity is getting lost in translation, it’s a sign that you might need an agency that really gets you. It’s entirely possible to find an agency that can see your vision as clearly as you do—and help you bring it to life in ways you never imagined.
When “Next Week” Feels Like a Lifetime
Deadlines are approaching, the pressure’s on, and yet… you’re still waiting. The Agency Blues might have you checking your inbox more often than you’d like, but delays happen. It’s worth taking a moment to reflect—are these one-offs, or is this becoming a pattern? Biting your nails as the clock ticks is stressful, no doubt, but you don’t have to keep operating like this.
There are agencies that understand how to manage time and resources efficiently, delivering not just on time, but with room to breathe. Whether it’s through better project management or clearer communication, it’s possible to work with teams that respect deadlines—and your sanity.
What’s the ROI? The Numbers Game
You’re investing time and resources into campaigns, so naturally, you want to see results. If you feel like you’re playing a guessing game with results, it’s not unusual. But there’s a better way. You should be able to see the numbers that matter and understand how each campaign is performing without feeling left in the dark.
The Agency Blues can sometimes make it feel like progress is slow, but it’s often just a matter of better reporting and communication. Some agencies prioritize transparency and data-driven insights. They’ll deliver creative work and the metrics to prove it’s working. You don’t have to wonder if your marketing is effective—there are agencies that make it crystal clear.
Can You Shake the Agency Blues?
If any of these scenarios sound familiar, don’t panic. At the end of the day, you’re not trapped. You don’t have to suffer through the Agency Blues. If you’ve been feeling let down by flat ideas, missed deadlines, or unclear results, it might be time to explore other options. Consider this your opportunity to find a partnership that aligns with your goals—without the headaches.
And if you’re looking for that perfect fit, there are agencies (perhaps one with a hint of purple!) ready to come to your rescue. Because the Agency Blues aren’t forever—there’s always a brighter, more creative partnership on the horizon.
by Miriam Hara | Jul 30, 2024 | Advertising, Agency, Management
Nostalgia for the Mad Man Era
It’s hard not to be nostalgic about what was once the ‘life of a creative’ in a marketing agency. We were the epitome of cool. Dress-down Fridays? Every day was a casual masterpiece of quirky tees, ripped jeans, and comfy sneakers. Flexible hours meant strolling into the office with a coffee at 10 AM or working from the cozy confines of home whenever inspiration struck. (Never mind the 24 hours days working on pitches and presentation!). And yes, the corporate world envied us. Afterall… “Those creatives have it all!”, while secretly admitting that they didn’t understand the first thing about creative world (or brain) at all!
The COVID Shift
But then came the year of the great equalizer: COVID-19. Suddenly, the perks that set us creatives apart has become quite the norm. Remote work was no longer a privilege but a necessity/ Our once-coveted flexible hours were now standard practice across industries. And let’s not forget about the dress code.The corporate world swapped suits for sweats, and our secret society of the daily casual Fridays lost its exclusivity.
Remember Drafting Tables?
There once was a time, not too long ago, that concepts and designs that were developed by advertising agencies were not only revered. They were viewed as the work as work of arts. Corporate clients were in awe on how we, creatives could conjure up brand magic – with our pens, papers, markers, airbrushing and typesetting. The brand stories we weaved and visuals we conceived left clients in wonder-struck. Atlas, all things change. As the digital revolution marched on, computers and AI joined the fray, the coveted talent of creativity seemed accessible to anyone with a decent laptop and an internet connection. Gone was the drafting table…and with it the corporate awe of the creative mind.
A New Reality
So today in the ‘life of a creative’, at least a creative at 3H starts not with a leisurely coffee run, but with a Zoom call. If we’re home, I would like to say we’re often still in our pyjamas, but no… we definitely dress casual…as our clients do on the other side of the laptop. Much to my chagrin, our brainstorms during COVID, had become virtual – and although our whiteboards are digital. Post-COVID, we do brainstorm, occupying the same physical space! The banter of the office, the shared lament of tweaking a design to death and of course, the shared ah-ha moments—that still happens! (YES!)
The Creative Struggle
Amidst all of these changes and shifts, the core of what we, and the “life of a creative’ remains unchanged. We still chase the thrill of the perfect idea, the rush of a campaign coming together, the satisfaction of a client’s wonderment. Yes, we navigate the challenges of remote work, balancing our creative impulses with the ever-present hum of distractions. The digital revolution, to be honest, gave us creatives amazing tools offering design advantages that really are awesome! The perks may have become common, but the true nature of creativity—the spark that ignites great ideas, the passion that drives us to push boundaries—that remains uniquely ours.
We accept that we may no longer be the exclusive keepers of flexible hours and casual dress codes. However as creatives, we continue to thrive, finding the creative in each brand mandate… and truly loving the journey of finding that one creative nugget.
We’d love to do just that for your brand. Let’s chat to see how we can bring your vision and your brand to life.
by Miriam Hara | Jul 9, 2024 | Business Success, Communications, Social Media
Like many social platforms, the LinkedIn social platform has evolved. It launched itself as a social platform for professionals and to a large extent it has maintained that unique edge. I would argue that LinkedIn has somewhat devolved into a professional Facebook platform, with the many animal posts, inspirational/motivational posts or even sharing family milestones. But that’s a debate for another time. I’d like to discuss why we, as professionals are on LinkedIn, and what benefits that it provides.
Regardless of how many feel some posts are inappropriate for the platform, I still feel that LinkedIn is foremost a professional platform. That is how I use it as a professional and for my company.
In today’s world of hybrid remote working habits, coupled with company cell phones, the concept of the ‘cold call’ is becoming chillingly extinct. Reaching out to potential clients and trying to connect when there is no prior personal relationship or knowledge of your company is becoming increasingly difficult. Or is it?
Essentially, there are viable options for business development. We can all raise our arms in exasperation, but that leads to nowhere. Or, professionals and businesses alike must embrace the change of today’s business world and quite frankly celebrate the opportunity!
While the conventional cold call may be going the way of the DoDo Bird…. the new way of cold calling is quite liberating. As professionals our world has become way larger. The world is your oyster, and any segment you chose to pursue, a pearl can be found! No longer are we limited to geography, albeit, there are political considerations and possible limitations of transferable skills in regulated industries, but still our “professional” world is bigger. Who we can reach, how often we can become visible to our intended audience/target/potential clients has multiplied.
The Pros:
- No matter the industry, you’ll find a LinkedIn group/community that you can join. More importantly, you can participate in as a professional looking to increase your personal brand, or as your company.
- No matter where you reside, the acceptance of remote working, has provided many professionals with greater prospects that would have otherwise not have been possible, without relocation.
- The shear number of potential prospects that can be accessed via LinkedIn would never have been feasible, even by attending conferences physically and meeting face to face.
- If, finding the perfect lead is like the proverbial needle in a haystack; then, with LinkedIn, you can poke at numerous haystacks…simultaneously.
- The definition of relationship has opened up. You can now begin and have a relationship and connect with people you have never experienced a physical handshake with.
It does take effort to reap the benefits of LinkedIn, on a personal and business level. Here are the top 5:
Optimize Your Profile. Ensure that your profile is concise and utilizes keywords that clearly articulates your role. LinkedIn has its own search engine, so make sure that these keywords appear on your profile.
Keep Your Company Page Current. A company page shouldn’t sit there collecting dust. It must constantly be relevant and what is posted there must showcase company culture, brand values and mission, minimally.
Share Often. Share company updates, articles, and industry news to keep your audience informed and engaged, both on your company page and on your personal page.
Engage Consistently. Foster a community by engaging with followers through comments, shares, and discussions. Respond to inquiries and feedback to build trust and loyalty.
Build Visibility. Publish articles, create a company newsletter, promote products or services and post consistently.
Business development has definitely evolved, but that isn’t a necessarily a bad thing. I hope you found this helpful. I invite you to connect with me on LinkedIn, or connect with me here.
