Spilling the tea on the last few months of work.
It’s been a while since I wrote an update on here, so I thought I’d share a little insight into what day-to-day life looks like at the moment at Designed by Maryann.
Designed by Maryann has now been running full time for two months, and I’m slowly getting into a new routine. Alongside the year-end spreadsheets, all the little processes, and the Trello boards I’ve been putting into place… let’s talk about the work!
I’ve been hitting the ground running over the last couple of months and have already sent off four proposals for upcoming projects, including branding, marketing collateral, and campaign work.
Clients I’ve been working with include:
Regular support with Our Voice Our Journey CIC
Supporting Thread and Fable with design templates for Artswork’s new PR campaign
I’ve also attended two development sessions focused on editing and amending specific client websites, including a full introduction to Webflow — which is completely new to me!
Some standout projects so far include getting communications for Our Voice Our Journey’s REWIRED network up and running, documenting their young people’s trip to New Zealand on TikTok, and evaluating the end of our Check In, Wales campaign, which was co-designed with young people across Wales.
I’ve also been collaborating with a wonderful cause-led animator called Emmett. He’s been a calming force on a very busy digital toolkit project and is producing an animation showing how to use the toolkit. He’s taken my design style, graphics, and content and really brought them to life.
Behind the scenes, I’ve been putting systems in place to help make the workflow at Designed by Maryann (DBM) more manageable as things grow. Implementing Trello has been a game changer for both clients and collaborators, giving everyone a clear view of what’s completed and what’s coming up next, alongside regular check-ins and emails.
I’m also growing into Designed by Maryann’s current brand identity and finding ways to make it feel more like me without completely rebranding — which I originally thought I’d need to do. I assumed I’d have more time once I left my full-time job, but DBM has been fortunate enough to stay incredibly busy and continue growing, so I’m saving that for the rainy day list.
That’s it from me for now!
If you need any design or marketing support, you know where I am.
P.S I’ve also signed up to ‘Big Me Day 2026’ at my childs school to shout about all the great things design and marketing can achieve in communities. A new way to make a difference! I’ll let you know how it goes.
