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Hi Friends, Can you believe we’re already in August? July was a blur of rain here, but we’ve still got a bit of sunshine left to soak up. I’m definitely not ready for summer to end—though I know how fleeting it is here in Alaska. The kids are counting down the days until school starts, and I have to admit, I’m just as excited as they are! There’s something about getting back into a productive routine that feels like a breath of fresh air. But, grab your coffee, tea, or favorite drink, and enjoy catching up on the latest! |
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Denali Perspectives Group Show |
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Denali Dreams II (Caribou) & Denali Dreams I (Moose) |
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The walls were lined with amazing Alaskan talent for the group show, Denali Perspectives! I'm honored to be hung next to Annie Brace of Anchorage, Haley Ray of Wasilla, Christine Kleinhenz of Juneau, and local favorites like Sarah Crowley (Raining Joy Arts). The show will be up through the end of the month, view it at Tonglen Lake Lodge. Shared in my last newsletter, I had planned to make three pieces. Always overly ambitious, I was only able to get two completed. I titled these both “Denali Dreams,” exploring the ethereal beauty of the Alaskan wilderness through the majestic figures of a moose and a caribou, iconic residents of Denali National Park. My favorite part about these is the aurora rendered with collaged paper in geometric, triangular shapes. This creates a modern, abstract interpretation of this natural wonder, and bridges the gap between nature and artistry. |
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NEW: Alaska Wildflower Collection |
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If you follow my stories on Instagram, you’ve gotten the sneak peek of my new mug collection, dropping this fall... |
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Soon, you can bring the beauty of Alaska’s wildflowers into your daily routine with my Alaskan Wildflower collection. These 12 oz ceramic mugs feature a smooth matte exterior in soft, natural tones, complemented by a glossy white interior. Each mug is screen printed with one of three original designs, celebrating the delicate and resilient flora of the Alaskan wilderness. Which one will you grab? The Wild Rose? The Dwarf Dogwood? Or the Forget Me Not? | | |
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New Case Study: Alaska Ever After |
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Speaking of wildflowers…earlier this summer, Alaska Ever After reached out for a custom design for their “Fireweed Goddess” idea. They wanted to drop a new garment design, and create opportunity for a full Alaskan Wildflower series. The design was a blast to create, and I’m stoked to know that both Miss America Teen Alaska and Miss America Alaska will be wearing the hoodie for preliminaries when they go to compete at the pageant! | | |
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Okay, I wish I would've read the first book of the series before this one, but whatever. This book was entirely captivating, a historical mystery with deadly bouquets of hidden messages, revealed through the use of the old Victorian practice of floriography. #swoon I wouldn't be surprised at all if some fatal florals show up in my artwork from now on. |
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I've heard Amy Porterfield as a guest on other podcasts... I don't know why it took me so long to discover that she had her own show -- and, oh man, is it full of nuggets! You can really hear her passion and energy as she breaks down big ideas and marketing strategies for small businesses. I listened to ONE show while walking my dog, and took so many notes on my phone the whole time you think I listened to a full book. Tune in, and get inspired. |
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Behind the Scenes: Elevating A Small Business with Design |
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When I first came across a local artisan creating hand-poured soy wax candles, I saw not just a beautiful product, but also an opportunity to help elevate her brand to its fullest potential. Small businesses often have the passion and creativity, but they can struggle to convey their story and connect with customers in a way that truly resonates. That’s where the power of professional design comes in. Our collaboration began with a personal touch—some playful, pun-inspired signs for her booth, printed on wood to reflect the unique wood wicks of her product. This simple project was more than just decoration; it was a strategic move to create a cohesive and memorable brand experience for her customers. We then took a deep dive into her online presence. By redesigning her Square website, I helped craft a digital space that not only looked professional but also told her brand’s story through hand-drawn graphics and carefully curated imagery. This redesign wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about positioning her brand in a way that attracted and retained her ideal customers. To further strengthen her brand, we conducted a product photo shoot where we styled each candle with props that represented its key ingredients or scents. These photos, soon to be featured in her online store, do more than showcase products—they create an emotional connection, allowing customers to almost *smell* the candles through their screens. Currently, we’re in the process of redesigning her packaging. Each new label, featuring custom artisanal illustrations, is crafted to elevate her products and make them stand out on the shelf. This final step in our collaboration is a testament to how thoughtful, professional design can transform a small business. Seeing the impact this partnership has had on her business, I’m inspired to offer this kind of transformation to other small business owners. I’m considering launching a 1:1 consultation service, where I would conduct an audit of a business’s current branding and marketing materials, provide in-depth feedback, and propose a strategy for elevating their brand. Whether it’s a website overhaul, new packaging, or a complete brand refresh, I’ll be there every step of the way, offering my design services to turn ideas into reality. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this: would you recommend me to a small business for something of this caliber? Or would you be up for this with your own small business?? And are you curious who this client is? Stay tuned for the full case study and reveal! ;) |
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Thank you for giving me space in your inbox. Stay creative! Your friend, Brianna Reagan P.S. If this email ever turns into a burden, I encourage you to unsubscribe – no hard feelings here. |
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Share this with a friend, and let's be social! | |
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