Daily Inspiration: Meet Hannah Batkoski

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Batkoski.

Hi Hannah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, the arts was a deep and defining passion of mine and I always knew I wanted to pursue a career that utilized my creativity. Upon graduating with a degree in graphic design, I moved from my hometown in the mountains of West Virginia to Raleigh where I worked as a designer at a couple of local creative agencies.

While gaining experience in the corporate world, I began taking on creative side projects to earn extra money and work towards my dream of eventually opening my own studio. For a couple of years, I would work at my 9-5 by day while building up my portfolio, refining my personal process, and building my audience by night.

In 2020, when the pandemic hit, I started a TikTok – as a lot of people did –and was fortunate to have a few of my videos go viral, instantly putting my work and name on the map. With the traction I gained from posting my freelance work on my social channels, I was able to make the transition to a full-time business owner sooner than anticipated and have been extremely fortunate to not look back since.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I was extremely intentional in making a strategic transition from working a 9-5 to working for myself full-time. By slowly building a strong foundation and really honing in on my craft while I still had the security of an outside employer, I was able to enter entrepreneurship confidently and take a little bit of fear and risk out of the equation.

With that said, the road to entrepreneurship has by no means been easy. Many times people, (myself included) romanticize this idea of being your own boss – having control over your schedule, creativity, goals, and limitless potential. And while that is true – it’s not always fun and beautiful.

I’ve struggled with things like learning how to operate all sides of the business, comparing my work and growth to others, and learning how to navigate difficult client situations which have looked like a lot of pivoting, self-reflection, sleepless nights, and maybe even some tears.

Growing pains and mistakes are inevitable, but each has come with a lesson learned and I am a better designer and business owner because of them. Support from loved ones, advice from my community, and constantly reminding myself of my greater goals have been key in overcoming each unique challenge.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a brand designer focused on creating artistic visual narratives for bold brands.

I view myself as a creative partner for ambitious, impact-driven businesses across all industries in search of intentional solutions and lasting aesthetics. From brand identities and website design to print and packaging experiences, I work to help my clients share their stories authentically and cultivate lasting connections with their audience.

My style could be described as eclectic, warm, refined, and timeless while my approach is thoughtful, strategic, and meaningful – ultimately creating effective, unique, and lasting solutions.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Passion – is one of my brand pillars and the driving force of my business: A passion for design, passion for connecting with others, passion to inspire positive impact, and passion to share my talents and expertise to ultimately help people.

I believe as long as you continue to have a deep love for what you do – you are unstoppable and inherently successful.

Contact Info:

• Website: duendedesignco.com
• Instagram: @duendedesignco
• Tiktok: @duendedesignco
• Pinterest: @duendedesignco

Image Credits
Jessi Lancaster Photography and Kate Zills Photography