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Articles by Patrick Llewellyn
The branding advice most founders ignore until it’s too late
Over the years, I’ve had a lot of conversations with founders about why their branding isn’t working and whether it’s their logo that’s the problem. Often these conversations happen after a launch didn’t go as planned, or after watching a competitor with a worse product pull ahead. The issue is almost always the same. They skipped straight to picking colours and fonts without asking the right questions: who is this for and what does the business stand for?
4 things you won't learn in design school (but you really need to know)
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Most design courses are good at teaching you how to make the technical stuff, like software, principles, and processes. What they're often less good at is teaching you how to work, or manage a client relationship, or grapple with feedback that doesn't make much sense because it's come from someone with no creative background.
4 things you won't learn in design school (but you really need to know)
2 hours ago For the most powerful voices in AI, it's all about being in the loop. Claude Code creator Boris Cherny recently said he doesn't write his own AI prompts much anymore. Thanks to loops, he doesn't have to. "It's an agent that prompts Claude," Cherny recently told CNBC, adding, "I don't write the prompt …
The branding mistake first-time founders make that can hurt sales (and how to avoid it)
Opinion By By By Patrick Llewellyn There’s a common, and expensive, mistake I’ve seen many founders make when it comes to their branding. They have a great idea and are eager to get it out into the world, so one of the first things they do is commission a logo. Soon after, they have a corresponding colour palette, font and maybe even a sleek new website. It looks the part, but traction doesn’t follow.
How to find your niche: 4 tips from artists
It’s a continuous learning curve that doesn't necessarily stop once you’ve found your footing. A survey of 10,000 freelancers carried out by 99design by Vista found that 60% of designers learn new skills through experimentation. Suggesting that curiosity continues to drive growth long into a designer’s career, regardless of the path taken.
How to find your niche: 4 tips from artists
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Ask any freelance designer how their career unfolded and you’ll quickly realise there’s no single blueprint. For some, being a generalist makes the most sense. The variety keeps them engaged and they find their clients value the breadth in expertise. For others, niching into a specific style or industry is what unlocks real momentum for their work.
How to find your niche: 4 tips from artists
2 days ago Claude Design is hot off the presses. Here are five ways I’ve used it to save time in the coming week. Anthropic launched Claude Design on Friday. It’s Saturday morning as I write this and I’ve spent most of the past 24 hours stress-testing the new design tool. It’s already saved me at least 10 …
The critique that changed my career: designers share the toughest feedback that helped make them better creatives
1 day ago NEW YORK (AP) — Rare footage of a sperm whale giving birth has offered scientists a window into the behavior of these large, elusive mammals. The video taken in 2023 shows female whales from two family lines working together to support the labor during critical moments and lift the newborn calf …
The critique that changed my career: lessons learned from tough feedback
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Feedback sounds great in theory but can feel brutal in practice. It can sting when someone tells you the design you've poured hours into "isn't quite right". Yet some of the most transformative moments in a designer's career can come from those uncomfortable conversations.
How to go freelance, 4 tips for a seamless transition
Woman at a laptop at a kitchen table with a plant behind her. Ever catch yourself staring at your computer screen at 3pm on a Tuesday, wondering if there’s more to life than endless meetings and office politics? If you’re daydreaming about the creative freedom and work life balance that comes with freelancing, you are not alone. Freelancing isn't just about swapping your commute for pyjamas, though.
How to go freelance, 4 tips for a seamless transition
Most AI output has a bland sameness, but that also sounds like a lot of contemporary graphic design. AI is a chance to break free. Of all the design disciplines, graphic designers might be the most insecure. The introduction of any new technology can feel like a threat to the field’s existence. …
So you want to be a designer? Read this before you apply to art school
Graduation hat being held up by a hand on a blue sky background. Here's something that might surprise you: more than a third of professional designers don't have a formal design degree. Yep, you read that right. A survey of 10,000 freelancers carried out by 99design by Vista revealed that 36% had never set foot in a traditional design classroom, even though they have thriving design careers and regular clients. Even better?
Product Label Design: Stand Out in Every Industry
From beauty to beverages, the most effective label designs do more than look good; they tell your brand’s story, reflect your industry, and stop the shelf-scroll in its tracks. Here's how to tailor labels for maximum impact by category. Jun 2, 2025 The Ordinary’s clinical-style labels use small fonts, monochrome palettes, and pharmaceutical cues to convey scientific credibility and minimalist sophistication.
Struggling in your design career? Here are 5 soft skills to up your game
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: mavoimages via Adobe Stock When it comes to career-defining skills in the design world, the spotlight often falls on technical mastery: the ability to nail composition, manipulate colour theory, or wield the latest tools like a pro.
Biting into Branding: Restaurant Design Trends for 2025
In a world where dining out is as much about the vibe as it is about the food, great branding is the appetizer to every meal. The visual identity of a restaurant can be the deciding factor behind reserving a table or scrolling on past. That’s why VistaPrint rounded up the hottest brand design trends tipped to be spicing up 2025.
Biting Into Branding: Food Industry Design Trends for 2025, According to Experts - Food Industry Executive
By Patrick Llewellyn, VP Digital and Design Services at VistaPrint How to take a bite out of design in 2025 Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025, “Mocha Mousse,” might be a delicious-sounding name for the food and drink industry, but this year will be all about getting brands to shake off the beige and show a brand’s true personality through design.
99designs: Four Trends in Beer, Wine Packaging Design for 2025
Trends Package Design Learn how etches and imprints, intricate artwork and photography, playful mascots, and other techniques can be used on your beer or wine packaging to make a lasting impression on-shelf. Jan 29, 2025 From left: By exsenz on 99designs by Vista; by Sasha999 on 99designs by Vista; and label by nestorson on 99designs by Vista. Photos courtesy of 99designs by Vista.
Has maximalism finally had its moment? How "understated" may be 2025's buzzword
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Jolene There’s been a wave of brands embracing maximalism in fresh and exciting ways over the past few years.
Five Carton Design Ideas from 99designs By Vista
Trends Package Design The humble cardboard box has transformed into a powerful marketing tool and a playground for designers. Here are five ways you can transform your packaging into a miniature billboard. Nov 22, 2024 Designs by Daria V. (l.) and G@rry Who would have thought that a simple container, first created amongst the industrial bustle of 19th-century England, would become a cornerstone of creative branding?
Why Your Small Business Logo Is Your Brand's First Impression
First impressions are made in milliseconds. For small businesses, a logo is often the very first point of contact with potential customers. It’s the face of your business – the visual cue that conveys the essence of your company. Your brand identity carries more weight than you might imagine and serves a critical role for your business in a crowded marketplace. The power of visual communication cannot be overstated.
4 ways to set yourself up for good designer-client relationships
Generate Key Takeaways When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Von Milano Collaborating with a graphic designer for the first time can be a transformative experience for a client, especially if they’re a small business. But it can also be overwhelming! Trusting someone new to bring a brand’s visual identity to life is a big deal and can feel intimidating, especially if the client doesn’t feel confident talking about design.
Crafting a Memorable Brand Identity as a Small Business - Small Business Currents
As a small business owner, standing out can feel as challenging as being a mom-and-pop shop on a street full of big-box stores. But here’s the thing: your brand identity is your not-so-secret weapon. It’s what makes customers choose you over the Goliaths of your industry.
3 ways brands can appeal to Gen Z
Credit: Perverted Ice Cream By 2030, Gen Z’s purchasing power will overtake that of millennials, and brands are grappling with a drastically shifting consumer landscape. The real challenge facing brands today is that Gen Z is not a singular, cohesive demographic group when it comes to cultural tastes and trends.
3 trends from the 2010s that are very much back in vogue
Patrick Llewellyn June 16, 2024 at 11:00 PM·4 min read When it comes to trends, it’s typically nostalgia that shapes the cyclical patterns we see emerging time and time again. Just as the '90s and Y2K have had a massive influence on recent design trends through millennial kitsch colour palettes and retro 90s-inspired web design, the 2010s look set to be the next decade to start making a comeback in branding.
4 Types of Logo and How to Use Them
A company’s logo is more than just an image. Often, it’s the first point of contact of your brand: a symbol, a reminder, and a statement of intent. Most logos combine typography and graphic elements, but did you know that there are different types of logo to leverage for your brand?
2024's Palette Unveiled: 5 Color Trends and How to Use Them - Small Business Currents
It’s no secret that the colors we surround ourselves with have the power to influence our moods and mindsets; they can be a balm during moments of crisis or energize us to tackle a challenge head-on. As we enter 2024, the color palettes being embraced by designers and brands reflect a desire for tones that exude confidence, boldness, and self-assurance during a time when societal shifts have left many people apprehensive of the future.
Verpackungsdesign-Trends 2024
Hierbei handelt es sich nicht um bloße Modeerscheinungen: Die Trends spiegeln vielmehr den sich kontinuierlich verändernden Verbrauchergeschmack wider. Marken erzählen ihre Geschichten auf visuell ansprechende Weise. Besonders für Kleinunternehmen sind sie damit nicht nur Mittel zum Zweck, sondern wahre Türöffner, um auf emotionaler Ebene zu kommunizieren und sich in einem überfüllten Markt von der Konkurrenz abzuheben.
99designs by Vista Offers Holiday Packaging Design Tips
Design Package Design Three tips on how to connect with your consumers during the holidays by creating festive, must-have seasonal packaging designs. Dec 14, 2023 When it comes to holiday branding, Starbucks leads the way, with the annual unveiling of the latest red holiday cup design. Rain, shine, and even during uncertain economic times, there’s no stopping the holiday season rush.
5 design trends to watch in 2023
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame It's always a good idea to keep one eye on design trends, whether you choose to use them in your work or not. Here, I explain five trends that are dominating right now, and explain how each one is being used in the design world. For more on design trends, see Creative Bloq's predictions for graphic design trends this year and if you'd rather take a trip down memory lane, then see these pieces on best 90s logos and best 80s logos. 01.
Virtual Event - Soft Money's Increased Role in the 2024 Election
Campaign Legal Center's virtual event, "Soft Money's Increased Role in the 2024 Election," will be held on Tuesday, July 18 at 1 PM EDT. Please join CLC's Campaign Finance team and other experts to examine why and how soft money is happening and what can be done to address it. RSVP to receive a link to the event.
DeSantis’s Soft Money Operation Opens the Door to Foreign Election Influence
Our democracy works best when voters have complete and accurate information about who’s spending money to influence elections, which provides assurance that our elections are safe from corruption and foreign influence. That’s why federal campaign finance laws require the disclosure of all political contributions and unequivocally prohibit foreign nationals from making campaign contributions or otherwise spending money to influence federal, state, and local elections.
The FEC Should Not Make it Easier to Keep Political Spending Secret
The integrity of the electoral process depends on transparent public disclosure of who is spending money on elections. Voters have a right to know who is trying to influence their vote, and undermine an open and inclusive democracy.
Momentum Builds to End Secret Spending in State Elections
Following recent ballot measure victories to end secret spending in state elections, state legislators and communities around the country have taken notice and are working to prevent wealthy special interests from using unlimited, secret money to rig the political system in their favor.
Patrick Llewellyn
Prior to joining CLC, Patrick worked as an attorney at Public Citizen Litigation Group, where his practice focused on government transparency and he represented nonprofits, journalists and researchers at all levels of federal court, and as a staff attorney/teaching fellow in the Civil Rights Clinic at Georgetown University Law Center, where he supervised law students on voting rights, workers' rights and other civil rights matters in state and federal courts.
Why Escapism Will Be the Defining Design Trend of 2023 for Brands
After a difficult few years, our world still isn’t short of challenges. Amid global economic pressures, an escalating climate crisis, a war in Europe and increasing austerity, brands are meeting consumers where they’re at when it comes to design: in need of escape. Creatives are embracing visual styles that reflect both our chaotic social climate and collective coping strategies.
Escapism Is the Defining Design Trend of 2023 for Brands
After a difficult few years, our world still isn’t short of challenges. Amid global economic pressures, an escalating climate crisis, a war in Europe and increasing austerity, brands are meeting consumers where they’re at when it comes to design: in need of escape. Creatives are embracing visual styles that reflect both our chaotic social climate and collective coping strategies.
Entrepreneurialism Could Be the Key to Retaining Creative Talent
Throughout the pandemic, entrepreneurialism has thrived, with more new businesses registered last year than any other on record. Employers should take note. After all, entrepreneurialism and creativity go hand in hand. It’s not only job offers from competitors that hiring managers need to watch out for these days. As the workforce evolves, we are seeing increasing numbers of creatives abandon agency and in-house life to strike out on their own as freelancers.
Creatives Crave Purpose—Agencies Must Integrate Cause-Driven Work
It’s safe to say that competition for talent has never been so fierce. And with the headcount at 99designs by Vista doubling in the past twelve months, we’ve experienced the reality facing employers around the world firsthand. But as organizations battle it out, it turns out that much of the creative talent has other ideas.
Real Change Comes From Within When It Comes to Your Team’s Well-Being
Editor’s note: This piece is part of our Columnist Network series, which explores the tactical thoughts and actions of Adweek’s community of high-level experts. Today, Patrick Llewellyn, CEO of 99designs, shares new initiatives directed at employee wellness. Below, in his own words, he says full participation by leadership goes a long way to address mental health stigma in the workplace.
As Brands Consider Workplace Flexibility, Keep Families in Mind
Editor’s note: This piece is part of our Columnist Network series, which explores the tactical thoughts and actions of Adweek’s community of high-level experts. Today, Patrick Llewellyn of 99designs discusses a recent internal policy change. Below, in his own words, he describes his goal of providing flexibility for employees—and the organizational learning curve behind it.
Sharing Stories Will Strengthen Bonds, Both In and Out of Your Agency
By Editor's note: This piece is part of our Columnist Network series, which explores the tactical thoughts and actions from Adweek's community of high-level experts. Today, Patrick Llewellyn of 99designs reflects on a client call that renewed his commitment to interpersonal connection at all levels. Below, in his own words, he shares how emotional resonance can strengthen identity and belonging among team and client relationships.
Maine Misses Chance to Fight Foreign Election Interference
Last week, Maine missed an opportunity to combat foreign interference in its elections and further build confidence in its electoral process. After the state legislature passed LD 194, a bipartisan bill that would prohibit foreign governments and foreign government-owned corporations from spending to influence state and local ballot measure elections, the governor vetoed the bill and the legislature failed to override the veto.
Navigating Tough Work Conversations During This Transition
Editor’s note: This piece is part of our Columnist Network series, which explores the tactical thoughts and actions from Adweek’s community of high-level experts. Today, 99designs’ Patrick Llewellyn illustrates the value of creating space for meaningful conversations as organizations navigate the shifting landscape of work. Below, in his own words, he shares how his distributed team continues to nip problems in the bud by holding retrospective sessions.
4 Ways SMBs Can Use Clothing Merchandise to Behave like an Iconic Brand
Over the past year, 81% of branded merchandise purchases have been to support a small business. Franchise Your Business Schedule a FREE one-on-one session with one of our Franchise Advisors today and we’ll help you start building your franchise organization. May 5, 2021 4 min read Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Think about your favorite t-shirt. It may be pristine, color-faded or even full of holes — but its design definitely tells a story.
FEC Needs Commissioners Committed To Upholding Campaign Finance Laws
An open meeting at the Federal Election Commission in Washington, D.C. Photo by Casey Atkins/Campaign Legal Center. Today, the U.S. Senate will consider the nominations of three new commissioners to the Federal Election Commission (FEC). The FEC has a critical role. It is the only government agency exclusively charged with enforcing and administering the nation’s anti-corruption laws, such as those requiring transparency in political spending. Restoring the FEC’s quorum is important.
How the Gig Economy Helps Boost Diversity
Online platforms for freelance workers provide an unparalleled opportunity to work with millions of people who aren't necessarily like you. November 23, 2018 4 min read Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. It's easy to be swept up in the negative rhetoric around the gig economy. Too often "on demand" workers are framed by the media purely as a cost-cutting tactic for businesses.
Tomorrow's Gig Economy Marketplaces Are Smarter, Larger and More Global
Here are three trends that will rock the future of the gig economy. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Ten years ago, undoubtedly sparked by the 2008 recession, freelancers began building the foundation of the gig economy, with marketplace upstarts like ours, 99designs, along with Airbnb and Taskrabbit and others introducing new ways to connect buyers with services -- and people with sources of income.
Patrick Llewellyn on why 99designs made the "tough call" to kill off a popular brand - SmartCompany
Patrick Llewellyn, chief executive of 99designs, explains how making the difficult choice to kill a spinoff brand that wasn’t working led the design startup to profitability and becoming a better company. Any entrepreneur lucky enough to get out of the gate with a pioneering concept that quickly gains popularity understands the challenges of balancing innovation and investment in new ventures.
When Less Is More: How the Decision to Kill a Spinoff Brand to Focus on Our Core Offerings Led Us to Profitability
Any entrepreneur lucky enough to get out of the gate with a pioneering concept that quickly gains popularity understands the challenges of balancing innovation and investment in new ventures. With today's "grow or die" startup mentality, it's tempting -- and often rewarding -- to take risks and stretch your offering and resources into new opportunities. However, it is equally critical to know how and when to pull up the stakes, cut your losses and retreat when that venture doesn't pan out.
What's in a Name? 5 Things to Consider Before Naming Your Company
I want you to think of the last time you shopped at Cadabra.
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