Today we’d like to introduce you to Blair Hamlett.
Hi Blair, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hey! I’m Blair Hamlett. I’m a graphic designer living in Raleigh, NC, and I’ve worked in agency and freelance settings for a decade. I have always loved all things creative, from overdoing school projects to being the editor of the yearbook to attending NC State’s College of Design, where I majored in graphic design. I love creating hand-drawn typography, drawing illustrations, and solving design problems; flowers are my favorite source of inspiration. After years in the agency setting, I wanted to reconnect to what I am passionate about – connecting, creating, and growing brands I love. Recognizing that most people or businesses out there need assistance with strategy and creative and someone with an eye for detail but may not have the resources or capabilities only fueled my desire to work further in this space. So far, I have been lucky enough to work with multiple local small businesses to help get them off the ground, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow, meet and help fellow small businesses, and have a little fun along the way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would love to say that it has all been smooth sailing, but there have definitely been a few pivots and bumps along the way – so maybe we can call it a wavy line. It’s been harder in ways I didn’t think would be a problem and easier in ways I didn’t expect. I’d say the biggest challenge I’ve faced so far was the entire formation stage – from having the initial idea and wanting to make a change in my day-to-day to working through if it is just me or if I work with a partner to determining and changing services and launch plans to the constant waiting and anticipation. I think the most fun and exciting part is all the different avenues I’ve started exploring to see what fits, and I’m excited to see where things click. Like many other small businesses, the constant grind to find the right clients, do multiple full-time jobs, and reprioritize will always be a factor to some degree, but it is amazing how much more rewarding it is when you are in charge.
We’ve been impressed with Studio Leigh, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My company is Studio Leigh – it’s a creative studio. Through the studio, I connect strategy with creative to help individuals and growing brands with a primary focus on rebranding, design systems, and consulting. I love to create brands with those who are just getting started and need help, and I’d say my strength is being able to look at a brand, see where things aren’t aligned and identify opportunities to be more cohesive, clear, and consistent. As an extension to the creation or updating of a brand, figuring out how all of the elements work together within one piece and across various platforms and materials creates your brand’s design system, and it’s one of my specialties.
Overall my style is clean, simple, bold, and colorful. I believe good design doesn’t have to be overly complicated – it should communicate through the hierarchy to be clear, purposeful, and always custom to your brand. Long story short, I am here to help, whether through consulting and problem-solving, partnering to work on your brand as a whole, or operating as a freelancer stepping in to assist on whatever you need help with, print or digital. The Studio Leigh website, studioleigh.co, has more information on various services, but always feel free to reach out – I’d love to see how I can help you!
In addition to the more traditional design services, custom illustrations are my favorite things to create. I specialize in flowers, houses, fashion, and portraits in various styles. These make great gifts for weddings, friends or family moving, holidays, you name it. GIPHY stickers are another fun branding opportunity that I can help you create! If you search “studioleigh” on GIPHY, you’ll see some of our current stickers.
We love to hear about your fond memories of growing up.
While it’s not one specific memory, many of my favorite moments from childhood revolve around dance. I grew up dancing and competing, and there is no greater feeling than being on stage with your friends at a competition. My time dancing has brought me some of my best friends and has connected me to new friends, as I still dance now. Even though it’s a little different, I still get to dance through the group fitness class I teach, BODYJAM.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.studioleigh.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studioleigh.co
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/studioleighco/
