A Year of Redesigns, Reframes, and Really Good Clients
(2025 in Review from Sunday Muse)
If you would’ve told me this time last year that 2025 would include a lawyer, a lifestyle brand in the mountains, and multiple returning clients who felt like creative soulmates—I think I would’ve said “yep, that sounds about right.”
This year wasn’t linear. The first half took off, summer stayed steady, and fall slowed down more than I expected. But what stayed consistent was the kinds of clients who show up ready to do this work well. The kind who want strategy and storytelling. Clarity and soul. Brands that fit.
Here are a few highlights, lessons, and a little peek at what’s next for Sunday Muse.
Projects That Lit Me Up
Kaysha’s Rebrand + Website
We’d worked together before, so it felt extra special to get to evolve her brand this year. She wanted to go from buttoned-up to bright—more color, more joy, more realness. And because she’s a brand photographer herself (and one of the kindest people you’ll meet), it was a total collaboration. She trusted me with the refresh, and I had so much fun bringing her new direction to life.
Claire’s Brand Refresh + New Website
Claire’s a personal stylist in Raleigh, and she found me through a past client (the best kind of marketing, honestly). We started with brand strategy, then moved into a full brand and website refresh—sleek, modern, high-fashion. She circled back in the fall for some minor updates and additions, which made it even more rewarding to see her brand in action.
Heritage Law’s Brand Refresh + Modern Website
Designing a site for a law firm wasn’t on my 2025 bingo card, but I’m so glad it happened. This project pushed me creatively in the best way. We took something outdated and transformed it into a brand that felt premium, warm, and—most importantly—different from every other lawyer site out there. I loved how much they trusted the vision.
ROAN’s new brand and website
Kelly is a former client and Western NC local who’s launching a new interior design and lifestyle brand—and I got to help her bring it to life from the very beginning. We started with strategy, moved into brand identity and copy, and then designed her site. It’s not live just yet, but I cannot wait to show you once it’s out in the world.
What I Learned This Year
This was a year of recalibration for my clients, but also for me.
I realized that my own brand wasn’t reflecting the way I wanted to work—or the kind of clients I love serving. So I’m nearing the end of a rebrand myself. I realized I was ready for something with more depth and less noise—something rooted in presence, not pressure to prove…and not feeling like I had to have an editorial vibe like every other designer. It’s a shift I’ve been avoiding, and it feels really good to finally make it.
I also let go of a client relationship that had gone sideways. They were underpaying me, over-asking, and I stayed longer than I should have. But closing that door reminded me that boundaries are strategy. And my time matters.
On a smaller note: I did puzzles. I painted. I unplugged. I leaned hard into an analog life. Not every win shows up on the homepage, but that doesn’t make any less real.
What’s Next in 2026
I’ve finally hired a VA (bless) and am making space to sell in a new way next year. First up: My brand kits and website templates will be live soon—and I’m really proud of how they turned out. Here’s a little sneak…
I’ll also keep designing for clients I love—especially the ones who are clear on what they do and ready to show up accordingly. Lately, I’ve realized how much I love working with established brands. Founders who are already a few years in and want to refine, not start from scratch.
If I had a wishlist, it’d look like this:
A boutique hotel with beautiful lighting
A skincare brand that makes you want to wash your face
A kid-friendly play cafe space that doesn’t scream primary colors
A coffee shop with a story
A personal stylist, speaker, or interior designer with something to say
A mom-focused brand that doesn’t try to be cute about it
A wedding pro who is tired of looking like another 2021-light-and-airy brand stepped in the door
Basically, brands that give a damn and want their presence to reflect it.
That’s the quick wrap on 2025. Thank you for being here, for reading this, and for showing up for your own work in whatever season you’re in. We’ll be back in January—with new templates, new projects, and the same grounded clarity you’ve come to expect.
Want to work together in 2026? I’m currently booking for Q1 and would love to hear what you’re dreaming up.
