Heel. Toe. Heel. Toe.

I’m a Walker, not a fighter. Toxic workplace? Don’t fight to stay there. No dream job is worth my health. Mourn the loss, and walk away. Toward what? Establishing my own business? Hm. I like that. Let’s walk closer. Place one metaphorical sneaker in front of the other. The destination is a vision in my head. Imagine large graphic design projects with touch screens, wayfinding signs, and marketing to help organizations ripple through their cities with positive change. I envision helping nonprofits and businesses build a community that supports the next seven generations. That’s the finish line. Right now I am still at the beginning, looking down at my feet, and encouraging myself through the painstaking pace I am setting. A few logo projects, book cover designs, and a website are some nice items to add to the portfolio. These might be baby steps, but wobbling forward is still progress.

Heel.

Toe.

Heel.

Toe.

Some days I look up and think, “How is the goal still so far away?” The pace is slower than I want. Slow even for a Walker. I do a little networking and find a non-profit partner. Now I’m utilizing marketing skills in real time. Logically, I know where this leads. Design more projects. Continue to hone my skills. The slow pace of Heel. Toe. Heel. Toe. Becomes Heel, toe. Heel, toe. And when I’m really excited about a project? HeelToeHEELTOEHEELTOE!

This year I learned from a repeat client that her business is opening a new location, and the logo I designed for her is on full display! Three years ago, she talked about her vision for a Tranquility Center, and I foolishly pictured a small office. What she created was so much more than I imagined. It’s an honor to be a small part of her story. I cannot wait to see the positive ripples she will have within her community.

Now my feet are splashing in the puddles of the nonprofit sector again. My passion is creating art. Not just commercial art. Art that serves a purpose beyond profit and sales. Museums and nonprofit work seem like the best fit. I had to step back a few years ago, but now I am on the board for the Greater Fall River Art Association helping this great organization provide art education and opportunity to the greater Fall River, Massachusetts area. There are art workshops for adults and kids, and gallery shows where artists can hang and sell their work. I missed this feeling, and I am glad that stepping away from my dream was only temporary. Two steps forward, one step back, doesn’t feel like progress when you start with one step back. Last year felt like stepping forward to regain lost ground. This year feels like progress.

I’m creating videos now. Posters and flyers are good for advertising events, but video reels for social media posts have the highest reach. I am updating websites, and experimenting with new ways to draw people in and increase membership. I am working with a team to turn a hidden gem into something no longer hidden, but well-known and on public display. An experiment that started with the words, “What if we tried this?” is being broadcast. People say they’re joining the organization because of the marketing I created. I see the ripples from my steps. I am proud of the progress I am making and wonder about the impact these steps will have in the future.

Heel. Toe. Heel, toe.

See that? I’m gaining momentum.

If you’d like to learn more about me visit my website www.SWalkerDesigner.com