What happens when you just try

“Don’t let perfectionism get in the way of rapid learning.”

― Jeremy Utley, Ideaflow

⭐ Prefer to Skim? Just follow the stars ⭐

Hey there, Reader,

In reflecting on the past couple of weeks, a handful of words emerged: pressure, awe, and experimentation. I could go deep into any of the three, but today, I want to talk about experimentation.

The thing perfectionism doesn't tell you.

I used to identify as a “perfectionist” most of my life. I thought that this was a good thing. I was striving to be "the best I could be."

⭐ What I didn't see was how underneath all that striving lived something else: fear. Fear of failure. Fear of rejection. Fear of loss.

When I started my business, those fears surfaced fast and hard. With no formal business training and basic design education, I had to learn by doing.

⭐ I used to call it trial and error. Now I call it experimentation, and that small reframe has created a sense of freedom.

Yes, there have been some uncomfortable conversations, learning boundaries, and improving communication. It can definitely feel very exposing and vulnerable in this space.

But I realized that if I could attune myself to these growth edges and ask thoughtful questions to myself (reflection) and to my clients and community (feedback), I could gather some very useful data to better my systems, creative process, customer support, and communication.

⭐ It's not pass or fail anymore. It's just data. What worked? What didn't? How can I make it better next time?

I recently read the book Ideaflow, and it gave language to the shift away from perfectionism in the creative process:

“

“Instead of struggling to come up with a single perfect solution, you go from:

Quality to quantity.

Precious to scrappy.

Perfection to practice.

Done to doing.

Your perspective to someone else’s.

Isolation to collaboration.

Relevance-requiring to randomness-embracing.

Focused to mind-wandering.

Order to chaos.

Your expertise to unfamiliar territory.

Output-focused to input-obsessed.”

This idea that reaching a ~~perfect~~ delightful solution involves a messy yet methodical process feels freeing to me.

⭐ Emphasizing experimentation and curiosity over fear leads to better, more interesting results.

So my theme recently has been “just try.” When I have a new idea I’m excited about, I follow the excitement.

⭐ Is there something you've been waiting to feel ready for? What would it look like to just try? Hit reply and let me know!

What "just trying" looks like lately

One thing I've been experimenting with in my business is the Brand Clarity Session, an offering I've been developing behind the scenes for months. I built my own process around it, sat with it, and refined it. And then I went out and started offering it.

The sessions have been some of my favorite conversations. There's something about slowing down to ask the big questions — who are you, who are you for, what do you actually stand for — that changes everything downstream, before the visual brand design.

If you're in a rebranding season or just starting and feeling foggy on your direction, this might be worth exploring together. Just reach out!

Other ways I’m experimenting:

→ I’m giving away a logo design as a part of a Humm Forward Initiative, something that I’ve never done before, but I’m so curious about who it will connect me to. I've already heard from some very inspiring folks! Applications are open until May 30. Please spread the word!

→ Next up is a 10-Day Logo Foundation design process for brands ready to get moving. It's much more than "just a logo" and includes foundational strategy and creative direction. First, I was nervous about the tight timeline. Now I'm excited by what the constraint might unlock. If you're interested in being a part of this process, please reach out!

ART SHOP

→ I’ll be revamping my online art shop in a few weeks with some new goodies like framed prints, organic tote bags and hand-printed Humm House hats. Stay tuned!

PROJECTS

→ International Climbers' Festival: I was chosen to design the International Climbers' Festival logo for the upcoming festival in Lander, Wyoming. As a longtime rock climber myself, I was so excited and honored to be a part of this project. We came up with a playful logo and illustration system that celebrates the local Wyoming nature and culture, as well as the climbing community. The festival is July 9-12 - I’ll see you there!

→ Seoulstice: A brand design for a nervous-system-based chiropractor duo in Lakewood, Colorado. The goal was to create a logo that felt grounded, full of movement, and versatile enough to live on signage, booking platforms, merchandise, and future growth. The result was very “seoulful” and earthy. I am so in love with it!

DEALS:

→ Brand Clarity Sessions have a special intro price that goes until May 30, 2026. Book a sesh with me!

What I'm Into lately:

→ Morning routines: I’ve reworked my morning to go from immediately drinking coffee (to feel alive) to integrating gentle movement, sunlight, and journaling before coffee. Small shift, genuinely different energy going into my days.

→ Not into getting hacked. 0/5 stars, do not recommend. My Facebook account was compromised, tied to my Instagram business account, so it became a whole thing. It's reminded me why I keep showing up here. Social platforms are powerful but fragile. Email feels like a more solid, direct channel, and I'm really glad you're here.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read!

I appreciate you being here.

Warmly,