How To Stay Creative in the Chaos

My youngest spilled applesauce on my sketchbook this morning. Right before a client call. I just wiped it off and pitched a concept using crayon marks as “textural contrast.” They bought it.

Patterson Design Co. wasn’t built in a quiet studio. It was born in the margins of bedtime, naptime, and the 6:30 AM wakeup call from a toddler with yogurt breath.

Here’s how I stay focused:

1. Night Owl Mode: My best creative window is 8 PM to 1 AM. No distractions. Just flow.

2. One Project, One Tab: Multitasking is a myth. I use Notion to track daily goals per client.

3. Inspiration Comes From Life: A family hike becomes a color palette. A kid’s drawing gives me a logo idea. Nothing is wasted.

4. Momentum Over Perfection: I never wait for a perfect block of time. I start scrappy and polish later.

Closing Thought:

Creativity isn’t some perfect condition. It’s showing up in the mess and making something anyway. That’s the heart of PDCo. That’s what I bring to the brands I serve.

Why I Started a Design Studio (Even Though I Already Had 3 Jobs)

Let’s get this out of the way: I didn’t start Patterson Design Co. because I had a ton of free time. I started it because I couldn’t not start it.

If you’re new here—hi, I’m Brett. I’m a full-time remote designer, full-time dad (truly, full-time), and full-time picker-upper of Magna-Tiles. But somewhere between soccer drop-offs, client decks, and toddler negotiations over yogurt pouches, I started dreaming about a studio that felt a little more like me.

I wanted a space where clean design met storytelling, where clients weren’t just line items on a spreadsheet, and where I could make things that lived longer than the latest trend. I wanted to design for brands with heart—especially the kind that don’t take themselves too seriously.

So I created Patterson Design Co. Not just a freelance alias or a side hustle with a nice logo, but something real. Something I could grow. Eventually with a team. With a client roster I actually enjoy talking to. With work I’m proud to show my kids.

Right now, it’s still early. We’re building prints. Taking on branding projects that align with our values. Testing digital products. Figuring it out as we go.

But this is the starting line. A little messy, kind of exciting, fueled by too much coffee and the hope that good work + good people = good things.

If you're building something and want a designer who gets it, reach out. Or just follow along while I figure out how to make this thing sustainable, meaningful, and—fingers crossed—fun.

Talk soon,
—Brett

Why Your Small Business Deserves Big Design (Without the Big Agency Price Tag)

Running a small business means you wear a lot of hats—sometimes all of them before noon. We get it. We’ve been there, and we know the hustle. That’s exactly why partnering with a design studio (like us) makes all the difference when it comes to brand design, logo development, and marketing graphics.

Here’s why local businesses, startups, and growing brands are choosing design studios over big agencies—and why it might be the smartest move for you too.

We’re Small (And That’s a Good Thing)

When you work with a design studio like Patterson Design Co., you’re not getting passed off to interns or buried in a giant queue. You’re working directly with the designer—someone who actually gets to know your business, your story, and what makes you tick.

We Prioritize People Over Profit

Every project is a collaboration, not a transaction. We take time to understand your voice and values—so your logo, website design, or social media graphics aren’t just beautiful—they’re true to you.

Design That Scales With You

Whether you’re just starting out or refreshing a decade-old brand, our studio offers design solutions that grow with your business. Think everything from business cards and brochures to full brand strategy and digital downloads.

Flexible, Fast, and Friendly

Need a last-minute flyer? A rush social media post? We’re nimble. You’re not dealing with corporate red tape here—just fast, reliable communication and quality work delivered with care.

You’re Not Just a Client—You’re a Partner

We believe in long-term relationships, not one-and-done projects. Many of our clients become repeat partners—and often, friends. Because building something great together should feel good.

Looking for a design partner who actually listens?
At Patterson Design Co., we make your vision feel possible—and make your brand look amazing while we’re at it. Let's build something you're proud of.

👉 Contact us today or explore our graphic design services.