A Sign It’s Time for Change

Recently, my very cool friend Trish Lindo posted an eye-opening message on LinkedIn. She said:

In this world where MANY of us are facing uncertainty in our work life — whether facing a layoff, have been laid off due to economics, technology shifts or any other variety of reasons, we have to know two things:

Our journey matters.
We all have earned a Bachelor’s Degree in L.I.F.E.

I have an BA in Advertising/Marketing from Marquette University. Nearing graduation, I remember interviewing at Leo Burnett agency. This was my dream job. I just knew I was going to be a very cool advertising girl in Chicago. The recruiter told me, “We’re not taking any advertising majors. We’re taking psychology majors.”

Huh?

I mean, I get it. Advertising is all about psychology, but c’mon man!

Suffice it to say, I never did get a job in advertising. (I think I applied elsewhere, but knowing myself, I probably got confused, was insulted and moved on. When some doors close, I either try to create a new door or look for another way.)

Since graduating as that young creative, I have done just about everything a writer can do — who has a marketing degree, from the college of communications, and who also loves dance and performance (aka “The Spotlight”).

Until now.

Matthew and I are happy to announce a new venture! Introducing…(focus The Spotlight):

Collaborative Sign & Design

Matt is a little like me. He has worked on a ship boat, was an actor, worked in the wine business and still consults in the entertainment industry. He understands the need (and the art) of the pivot as much as I do. Going into the sign business was his idea.

At first I was like,

Huh?

But then, I got it.

We’ve been working hard behind the scenes. Getting systems in place. Launching our website. Doing all the things entrepreneurial start ups do. This “announcement” phase is one I was sorta unsure about. I felt confused. I mean, how does producing, writing, acting, filmmaking, theatre, copywriting and marketing translate into SIGN MAKING?

And after reading Trish Lindo’s post, I had the answer: PERFECTLY!

I love what I bring to the table in my new role as a sign maker.

Thanks to my advertising degree:

I know fonts, Pantone colors, design and layout…

Thanks to my brands I’ve created:

I know branding, selling, marketing…

Thanks to my novels, films, plays:

I know drama, storytelling, human nature (psychology!)…

Thanks to Pen & Peppur:

I know proofing, copywriting, editing…

And that’s just ME!

Matt is a diligent project manager, creative strategist, excellent forecaster and speedy problem solver.

Are you in a position to pivot? Is the writing on the wall? Is there a message in your tea leaves? Then I’m here to tell you that you, too, have a degree in L.I.F.E.

You can (and probably should) pivot.

If you need the courage to try something new, let these words be the cue you need to step onto a new stage and DO THE DAMN THING!

For everyone else: HIRE us, TELL a friend about us, wish us well! As a creative sign maker in Arizona here are some signs we can do (in AZ and beyond!):