Saying No: A Creative Pivot

After two decades of designing for others, I’m stepping into a new season—one where I say “yes” to my own creative vision. This year, I’m embracing surface design, crafting beautiful things inspired by the ideas that have been waiting inside me. Join me on this journey as I write, observe, create, and inspire—building a life fueled by intention, beauty, and purpose.

No, Please.

WINTER 2024

Turning No into a Resounding Yes for Creativity and Purpose

For over 20 years, I’ve immersed myself in the world of graphic design—climbing, bending, moving, and creating. My journey has been about collaboration and creation, designing for others, with others, and often because of others. I’ve loved every twist and turn of this career, even if I didn’t end up as a high-flying art director in New York City. (Though I do still rock funky glasses now and then!)

From helping small businesses find their voice to making big brands shine, my work has been deeply fulfilling. Yet, tucked in the corners of my mind have always been ideas of my own—projects simmering on the backburner, waiting for the right moment. Add to that the past 14 years of life’s chaos: raising kids, navigating a divorce, and enduring the heartbreak of loss. For so long, just surviving took all my energy.

I’ve smiled through it all—pushing pixels for social media campaigns, adapting to the ever-changing tech landscape, and meeting incredible people along the way. But something was missing.

Now, as the New Year approaches, I’m ready to pivot. This is the season where I say “no” to distractions so I can say “yes” to what’s been inside me all along.

My goals are simple but profound:

• To write

• To observe

• To create

• To inspire

I’m diving headfirst into surface design, creating beautiful things with beautiful friends in mind. It might take time, but I’m determined to nurture this dream. This is my moment to shift focus, to put myself and my art first.

I’ll leave you with a piece of wisdom from Shauna Niequist’s Present Over Perfect, a book that changed my perspective when I read it a few years ago. It taught me the power of saying “no” to make room for a life I truly love. It’s taken years to find the courage, but now I’m finally pulling the trigger on my own “no.”

This is just the beginning.

Here’s to saying “yes” to what lights us up,

Amy

P.S. Follow along as I embark on this exciting new chapter with Belle Ami Designs. I hope my journey inspires you to chase what matters most to you, too. 💫