Creativity can be a boon in difficult times. Self-expression is an essential part of being human. Finding an outlet is especially important when the world around us seems intent to silence individuality. The image of the Artist mining their pain for the page or canvas is a popular one, but it’s important to remember that […]
Upswept Creative is turning FIVE years old, and we want you to party with us! Join us for a sweet soiree to celebrate five years of creating strong, smart, beautiful business brands. Way back in 2011, Upswept began as a one-woman show with a different name, but now we have a small-but-fierce team to help […]
NOTE: Applications for this position are now CLOSED! Thank you for your interest! We’re hiring! We’re seeking someone who’s interested in project management for the creative industry, particularly in the area of branding and web design. It’s currently a part-time role, but it’s growing into a larger time commitment–the more you bring to the role, the […]
When we first met with Emily of Happy Nest, she had a busy day-to-day of running her professional organizing business and caring for her young children. She had the start of an online presence, but her brand didn’t feel like a good fit. “It’s just… not awesome,” she told us. So, we made a plan to turn her disappointment into excitement, and […]
Jessica and I recently enjoyed a panel discussion at Pull The Weeds, an exhibition and event centered around purpose-driven branding hosted by FIRNW. Kirk Souder, Thom Walters, and Jen Michaelis Van Arkel shared their thoughts about what drives branding when social good is at the center of the organization. The most obvious purpose-driven brands are the ones that are engaged […]
Summer is upon us in Portland, and that means tourism! People from all over come here for vacations, explore our city, and fall in love with it. You might be making special plans to get ready for the buzz of tourists, especially if you have a storefront or tourism-based business, but there’s one thing you might […]
It’s the end of a new client consultation. We’ve discussed your company and why you love what you do. We’ve talked about the features your new website will have. There’s just one question lingering: “How long will it take?” The answer? “It depends.” Not the most satisfying answer, we know! Timelines often vary at least […]
It’s all too easy to get stuck in work mode. Working long hours, rushing to the gym, then going home to eat something and fall asleep. Only to wake up early and do it all again. But as a creative agency–or any type of business, really!–it’s important for us to remember take play breaks. Design […]
When a once-humble pie shop gains a worldwide audience, a lot of eyes will suddenly be looking for it, especially on the internet–a lot of business dream of that level of fame, but not all of them are ready for it! It’s easy for a potential new fan to see you in a magazine or on TV, pull out […]
“The punch line is…” he said “Ethics have shifted from the tribe to the individual.” What do donuts, ethics, and creativity all have in common? They were the bright stars of my Friday morning a few weeks ago at Creative Mornings PDX. The donuts, however, were easily outshined by the charming, charismatic speaker, Jelly Helm […]
