Maverick Studios

Would you trust an Audi ad with five rings? Probably not.

That’s how quickly inconsistency breaks trust—and it’s exactly what happens when organizations treat branding like a set of suggestions instead of a system.

I hear it all the time: “We don’t want to be boxed in by too many rules.”

Fair. No one wants their brand to feel rigid. But without clear guidelines, every new project becomes a series of small, disconnected decisions—fonts shift, colours drift, tone changes depending on who’s creating the content.

Individually, those choices seem harmless. Together, they add up to a brand that feels a little less recognizable, a little less polished, a little less trustworthy.

Strong brands don’t leave those details to chance. They lock in the fundamentals so everything else can work harder.

I wrote a short piece on why brand guidelines aren’t restrictive — they’re the guardrails that keep your brand on track. Head over to my blog to read it at maverick-studios.ca/blog/f/guidelines-build-recognition-not-walls.

A thought as we head into spring: managing clients is a lot like gardening. Some need regular check-ins. Some prefer to be left alone. Some grow fast, some take their time … and some just aren’t meant for your garden. The trick isn’t working harder, it’s understanding what you’re working with.

I had a bit of fun breaking this down in my latest blog post (including a quick “what kind of client plant are you?” quiz 🌿.)

If you’ve ever wondered whether you might be overwatering your clients, this one’s for you. For those of you who work with designers to create marketing and branding material, which type of plant are you? Drop a 🌵, 🌿, 🌻, or 🌲 in the comments. Got any “green thumb” tips for growing healthy client relationships?

Read the full post at https://maverick-studios.ca/blog/f/are-you-over-watering-your-clients

She’s pretty cute for a demon in a poodle suit. Celebrating 5 years today with a ritual sacrifice of a unicorn beany baby. 🦄🐩🎈🎂

I almost ignored an email last month because I thought it was spam. Turns out it was an ABEX nomination… for marketing, which honestly surprised me.

I wrote a bit about that moment, and what happened next (including asking clients for feedback, which I do not love doing).

If you’ve ever felt a little out of your depth while building something of your own, you might relate. Read about it at https://maverick-studios.ca/blog/f/i%E2%80%99d-like-to-thank-all-the-people-who-made-this-possible

Okay this made me laugh loud and long

Thank you for calling Air Canada! 📞

A perk of owning your own company: you can listen to business podcasts and learn how to get better at what you do - while enjoying a 20 minute nature stroll with a very good girl.

Two years ago, I launched Maverick Studios with a head full of ideas and a heart full of “let’s see if this works.”

Year two changed everything.

I produced my first corporate video, voiced radio ads, designed a non-fiction book, led branding workshops, and worked with some incredible businesses, nonprofits, and ag groups.

But here’s the truth: my biggest growth wasn’t creative, it was personal.

I realized my real value isn’t making logos (your nephew’s got that covered). It’s helping clients understand who they are, what they stand for, and how to connect with the people who matter most.

I finally found my own voice — and the confidence to use it.

Year three, let’s ride. 🦄

See my full blog post at https://maverick-studios.ca/blog/f/two-years-in-finding-my-voice-building-yours

Nature is amazing. Bird seed found its way between two stones. If only we were all so determined and resilient.

Today marks the second anniversary of my abrupt departure from a 30 year career at the Western Producer. It ended up being the best thing that could have happened, propelling me to start my own branding and design company. I’m not going to thank the VP who decided I was no longer needed at the WP, I’m not that altruistic. But I remain deeply grateful to the people who reached out in the wake of it all. To those who referred me to their contacts, to those who booked my services and to those who mentored and supported me and helped me grow. I’m happy and excited to see where the future takes me. Cheers to you all. Well, MOST of you. 😜