Notes from the Studio
A collection of insights, ideas, and behind-the-scenes stories from Astrid Storey, a strategic graphic designer and creative director. Here, you’ll find smart takes on branding, marketing, design trends, and the messy, meaningful work of building bold brands. Whether you’re a fellow creative or a marketing lead looking for fresh perspective, these posts are written to inform, inspire, and keep things real.
Why Your Old WordPress Site on Cheap Hosting Is a Bigger Problem Than You Think
And What to Do About It Before It Costs You More Than You Bargained For If you’ve ever logged into a client site and thought,
The Life Cycle of Social Media Platforms — Why Networks Rise, Peak, Decline, and Sometimes Die
For a moment in the mid-2000s, MySpace wasn’t just a website — it was the internet’s social living room. Teenagers curated custom HTML profiles and
Should you be concerned about the “new” TikTok?
You’ve probably seen a wave of hot takes about TikTok lately. Here’s the short, grounded version of what’s actually changed, what hasn’t and what you
What AI Still Can’t Do (and Why That’s a Good Thing)
Let’s get this out of the way first: I use AI every single day in my work. It helps me brainstorm, draft, organize, and occasionally
The Real Shelf Life of Your Website (and When it’s Time for a Redesign)
It’s Not “Just a Website” A lot of business owners treat their websites like a once-and-done project: launch it, check the box, move on. But
The Myth of the 5-Year Website
You’ve probably heard this one before: “A good website should last you five years.” It’s one of those business myths that sounds comforting—like buying a
Meta vs. Google Ads: Which One Makes Sense for Your Marketing Budget?
Do I Need to Pick a Platform? If you’re a small business owner trying to decide between Google Ads and Meta Ads, you’re probably staring
What Your Starbucks Order Says About You
Are you a cold brew creative or a matcha visionary? Your go-to Starbucks drink might reveal more than your caffeine preference—it could reflect your brand voice, too. Discover what your order says about how you show up in business.