 There is so much involved in running a creative design business. The energy and intention behind it are so important in cultivating a successful business. Over the past year, I have been doing a lot of background research, attending workshops, traveling, watching tutorials, creating, and completing another course in my Adult Learning Certification. I have also been doing some inner work to help me figure out what direction I want to take my business.
What I've learned along the way is that success often begins with clarity and taking time to set thoughtful intentions to align your work with what truly inspires you to be able to take that energy to each project and be able to execute it with success. For me this means consciously calling in projects and collaborations that feel meaningful and spark creativity and connection. I'm setting the intention to attract clients who value authentic storytelling, purposeful design, and collaboration built on trust. I'm open to:
So this is my reminder to myself (and maybe to you too), to trust the process, stay inspired, and stay open. If you're looking for a designer to bring your ideas to life - someone who values creativity, collaboration, and purpose - I'd love to connect and create something beautiful and meaningful together. Let's connect! Feel free to explore my portfolio to get a feel for what I can help you achieve for your business.
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As an artist and graphic designer, I often struggle to market my own work and get in the way of myself, while working on other peoples designs. After my trip to Ireland, England, and Scotland, this spring, I was greatly inspired by the Celtic knot designs. Given my heritage is a mix of Scottish, English, and French, I opted to work with the trinity knot to incorporate into my new logo redesign. This symbol is to emphasize the A in Amber, to honour the 3 cultural heritages of my ancestors, and to represent the 3 services I offer - Graphic/Web Design, Painting & Illustrating, and Photography. To be honest, this symbol resonates with me in so many ways. I love that it symbolizes life, death, and rebirth, or the earth, sea, and sky, as well as the christian symbol for the father, son and Holy Spirit. The circle in the Celtic trinity symbol, which is known as a triquetra also represents eternity, unity, and wholeness. I would like to think I have come full circle into my purpose, after years of exploring in my career, raising my family, and seeing parts of the world. I chose to use orange in my design to express creativity, and of coarse lean into the colour of my name, and a rich blueberry blue for trust, loyalty, calm, peace, and serenity, as well as a complementary contrast to the vibrant orange. I will be using other colours as accents in my branding, which I am fine tuning before starting to role out my brand and begin marketing myself more seriously, like I would a client. I will be changing my domain name back to www.amberblackcreative.com in the near future. I lost touch with it a few years ago, and managed to get a hold of it again recently. Since my earlier freelance photography days, I have noticed that my married name and given name are quite popular in google searches now. The very name seems to evoke creativity. There was only one other Amber Black photographer in the world that I knew of back when I was doing my freelance photography work. She lives in Alabama, and I am in Ontario, Canada. It's funny, but we did have a nice chat and her husband is also named Matt. Here is the big logo reveal below:  Please tell me what you think. I would be happy to hear feedback.
 Ireland, Kerry Cliffs There’s something magical about stepping off a plane in a new country — the air smells different, the pace shifts, and your senses heighten as the unfamiliar becomes an adventure. This past month, I had the incredible opportunity to travel through Ireland, London, and Edinburgh, and I can honestly say the experience stirred something deep in me — as an artist, designer, and storyteller. Ireland: The Quiet Power of Nature and History Our first stop was Ireland, and it immediately enveloped me in its rugged beauty. The rolling green hills, ancient stone walls, and hauntingly beautiful ruins seemed to whisper stories of the past. Standing on the Kerry Cliffs, and the Cliffs of Moher, watching the Atlantic crash below, I felt both small and deeply connected to the air, wind, sky, and land. I took countless photos of the contrast of rich greens and aqua blue of the sea crashing below. Ireland reminded me that simplicity, when rooted in story, can be incredibly powerful — something I want to bring more into my future design work. The rich mythology and folklore found in Irish culture also sparked some early ideas for a potential illustrated series — maybe a collection of modern interpretations of Celtic legends or a visual storytelling project exploring forgotten places and their hidden histories. London: Energy, Edge, and Creative Possibility
London didn’t exactly welcome me with open arms. In fact, it started off rough — I lost my brand-new phone coming off the Tube from the airport. One moment I had it in my handbag, the next it was gone, swallowed by the chaos of travel and the crowds of the Underground. That sinking feeling of loss, mixed with jet lag and the disorientation of being in a new city, definitely set a challenging tone for the first day and a half. But once the dust settled — once I accepted that some things were out of my control — the city began to leave its impression on me in unexpected and inspiring ways. London is a place of contrasts: gritty and polished, historical and cutting-edge. Its energy is unmistakable. Just walking the streets became a form of creative stimulation. From the eclectic boutiques, vibrant murals, historic architecture, and the Borough Fresh Food Market to the curated elegance of exhibits at the Tower of London, British Museum and the National Gallery, I found inspiration in the layered complexity of it all. I stumbled upon a few galleries and installations that played with typography, motion, and immersive environments, each one nudging me toward new ideas for my own work. London reawakened my love for bold visual storytelling — art that’s not afraid to say something, to take up space, and to innovate. I came back with lots of photos on my husbands phone, notes, and concepts for a short-form video piece that blends graphic design, animation, and spoken word, all sparked by the city’s raw creative pulse. What started as a frustrating hiccup ended as a pivotal chapter in my journey — a reminder that sometimes inspiration is found not despite the setbacks, but because of them. Edinburgh: Mystery, Mood, and Artistic Melancholy My final stop was Edinburgh, and it was everything I hoped for and more, and I wish I had more time there to explore. The Gothic architecture, winding alleys, and the ever changing weather gave the city a dreamy, almost cinematic feel. It was like walking through a living painting. I felt deeply inspired by the dark romanticism of the city — it stirred my interest in revisiting some older, more personal work and exploring deeper emotional themes through layered visuals. The city’s artistic heartbeat — from its bookstores and local art shops to its historic sites like Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Museum — left me thinking about the importance of narrative in every creative field. I even wrote a few short poems and journaled more than I have in years. I managed to convince my husband to do an Outlander tour on our last day so I could visit some of the famous scenes that made me fall in love with Scotland. It did not disappoint and the tour guide was hilarious. My nana is from Glasgow, Scotland and I could hear her accent everywhere while in Edinburgh. I wish I was able to stay longer to explore this beautiful country. Alas, my family awaited us at home and we were starting to experience a bit of sticker shock. Everything is double over there! A small coffee was $8 CAD! Coming Home, Changed and Charged Travel is one of the greatest gifts for any creative — it shakes you loose from your patterns and feeds your curiosity. This journey through Ireland, London, and Edinburgh left me creatively recharged and full of ideas I’m excited to explore. In the coming months, I plan to:
 Hello there!
Yes, that is a portrait of me. One that I actually didn't mind of all the selfies I have taken. I do wear glasses most of the time these days. I hope to be done with them completely one day soon. I stumbled upon another awesome tutorial I followed this week. Adobe keeps updating their programs to keep me on my toes. I used to consider myself an expert, especially in Adobe Photoshop, however, there is so much more to this program than editing and enhancing digital images like I used to do during my photography days. The possibilities are endless! In my search for a specific graphic design related retro style of illustration, I stumbled on this tutorial from Texturelabs on Youtube for Creating Vector Style Images without the pen tool. Link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGdGqcAQdMU It definitely saves from having to hand draw everything when on a time crunch. I am going to try this out with other images and textures to see where it takes me. There was a lot of steps involved in this tutorial. One frustrating point I have with following tutorials online, is that they become outdated quite quickly, and some of the steps don't work when following along. Don't get discouraged! There is always another way to do things. In this case, the method in which they framed the contents was not working out for me. I found a work around by increasing the canvas size and creating a solid white background. I might try again to see if they fixed that bug in this latest update today, lol. If not, find another way around it.  Spring stroll along nature path that is lined with green grass, Sumac and Willow trees. Every year, it's the same for me. Fall rolls around and I’m instantly inspired—invigorated by the crisp air, the vibrant colours of changing leaves, and the cozy comfort that comes with layering sweaters and planning hearty meals. I go into full nesting mode: baking, cooking, prepping nourishing dishes for my family, and creating a warm, inviting space at home to shelter us through the cooler months. It’s a time of creativity, comfort, and rhythm. But then, like clockwork, something shifts. Sometime between Halloween and Christmas, as the daylight starts to slip away and the trees grow bare, a heaviness creeps in. The short, grey days blur together. My energy dwindles. I find it harder and harder to stay motivated, and everything—from productivity to self-care—feels like wading through mud. By mid-January, I’m dragging. I double up on vitamin D and do my best to keep going, but it's survival mode. Creativity feels far away. And then… it happens. That first moment when I feel the warmth of the sun again. When light lingers just a little longer in the evening. When the air smells subtly different, and I hear birdsong that’s been missing for months. It’s like someone opened a window in my mind, letting the light rush in and clear away the cobwebs. My body feels lighter. My mood lifts. And with each day that grows longer and brighter, my energy—and creativity—begin to return. Spring doesn’t just bring flowers and green buds on trees. It brings me back to life. Nature’s Role in Reawakening Creativity There’s something magical about the way nature mirrors our inner rhythms. As plants push through the soil and reach for the sun, I feel my own desire to grow, to stretch, to create. The world outside is no longer something to hide from—it's a playground for ideas. Nature becomes a muse again. The vivid colours of spring blossoms inspire new palettes. The sound of birds or rain tapping on leaves gives rhythm to creative thought. Even the simple act of stepping outside for a walk feels like breathing creativity back into my system. Simple Ways to “Spring Into Action” Creatively
Spring is proof that even after the darkest season, light always returns. It’s not just the earth that’s being renewed—we are too. If you’re like me, and winter weighs heavy, take heart: this season offers not just a change in scenery, but a change in spirit. Let nature guide you. Let sunshine spark your thoughts. Let fresh air fill your lungs—and your creative soul. Because creativity, like spring, always comes back. With this new season, I am back on track with keeping up with my over 10,000 steps a day. I managed 22,000 steps one day last week! The more I am devoted to my physical health, the more inspired and energetic I feel. If I can inspire even 1 person to get out there and take it all in, I will be happy :). Lately, I’ve been diving headfirst into the world of 3D rendered typography in Adobe Illustrator — and let me tell you, it’s been a ride. There’s something so satisfying about taking simple letterforms and transforming them into bold, dynamic shapes with depth, shadow, and personality. Illustrator’s 3D tools give you so much control over extrusion, lighting, and materials — it’s like sculpting, but with type. But I didn’t stop there. Once I had my 3D type looking polished, I decided to take things up a notch by bringing it into Adobe Firefly. If you haven’t played around with Firefly’s AI rendering capabilities yet, you’re missing out. I used it to enhance my typography, adding surreal textures, shimmering metallics, and some truly glamorous vibes. Firefly turned my already cool 3D letters into something straight out of a dream — think glowing, reflective surfaces and intricate details I couldn’t have achieved on my own. The combination of these tools feels like a perfect blend of creative control and AI-powered magic. Illustrator gives me precision, while Firefly brings an element of surprise and wonder. The result? Typography that feels alive — a perfect balance of structure and creativity. If you’re into design and haven’t explored this combo yet, I highly recommend it. The possibilities are endless, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. #3DTypography #AdobeIllustrator #AdobeFirefly #AIDesign #TypographyArt #DigitalDesign #CreativeProcess #GraphicDesign #DesignInspiration #TypeDesign Before discovering how AI could enhance my workflow, my experience with it was limited to everyday conveniences—using Google for web searches or asking it to play music in my home. My first meaningful interaction with AI came when a professor recommended Grammarly to help polish my grammar and catch typos. While I found it useful for professional communication, I often felt that its corrections stripped away some of my personality from my writing. Still, I embraced it as a helpful tool. Writing has always been a passion of mine—I’m an avid reader and love to write when I find the time. That said, I’m far from perfect (I am human, after all). I’ve always taken pride in my work, excelling in high school English despite struggling with grammar, because we spent so little time focusing on it. Admittedly, my writing can be long-winded and occasionally redundant (thanks for pointing that out, AI!). And while I’m a bit of a perfectionist, my poor eyesight—and the bifocals I now need—mean I’m not immune to the occasional typo, especially in quick texts, so grammarly is an essential tool for me. AI is undoubtedly here to stay, and its impact on the design industry is undeniable. The ability to produce stunning images in mere seconds has sparked important discussions about the future of creativity and craftsmanship. However, it’s crucial to recognize AI’s limitations—it still struggles to grasp the intricacies of human creativity and context. While AI has produced some impressive visuals by pulling from vast internet resources and the work of human talent, its creations can sometimes miss the mark. Have you ever seen an AI-generated human with feet for hands, limbs misplaced or overly exaggerated, almost comical grins? These quirks remind us that AI, for all its capabilities, isn’t quite ready to fully replace human artistry.  Image Above: My first experiments with AI in Canva during my internship earlier this year had me in fits of laughter. The image features a woman with an exaggerated, almost cartoonish smile, painting a wall with a bizarre tool that looks like it extends into extra-long fingers beyond her hand. In her other hand, she’s holding what appears to be a red ladder. To top it off, her arms are twisted in a way that resembles a straightjacket, with an additional arm seemingly sprouting from her back. When and When Not to Use AI in Design: A Thoughtful Approach
As a designer passionate about innovation and craftsmanship, I’ve seen how AI is transforming the creative landscape. From enhancing workflows to inspiring new ideas, AI has become a powerful ally in the design process. But as with any tool, knowing when to use AI—and when to lean on human expertise—is key to delivering impactful results. For potential collaborators or employers, this balance between leveraging AI and preserving the artistry of design is central to my approach. Here’s my perspective on when AI can amplify creativity and when a human touch is essential. When AI Adds Value to Design Projects 1. Accelerating the Creative Process AI tools are invaluable for brainstorming and rapid prototyping. They allow me to explore multiple concepts quickly, ensuring the best ideas rise to the top while leaving more time to focus on the finer details that make a project stand out. 2. Streamlining Repetitive Tasks Repetitive tasks like resizing assets or formatting templates can slow down production. By letting AI handle these, I stay focused on strategic thinking and high-value creative work. 3. Enhancing User-Centered Design In UX/UI design, AI helps analyze user behavior, identify pain points, and refine interfaces. Combining this data-driven insight with my design expertise ensures every project delivers an exceptional user experience. 4. Supporting Accessibility Goals Accessibility is a cornerstone of great design. AI tools that test color contrast, suggest accessible layouts, or generate alt text help ensure that designs resonate with diverse audiences. 5. Meeting Tight Deadlines AI’s ability to generate placeholder content or visual drafts is a lifesaver for fast-paced projects. By using AI to kickstart ideas, I can meet deadlines without compromising on quality. When Human Expertise Takes the Lead 1. Crafting Unique Brand Identities Every brand has a story to tell, and creating a distinctive visual identity requires more than algorithms. My ability to understand a client’s vision, values, and audience ensures that designs resonate on a deeper level. 2. Navigating Complex Contexts Design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling, emotion, and connection. AI can’t replicate the nuance and cultural understanding I bring to projects, especially when tailoring designs for specific audiences. 3. Delivering High-Stakes Results Projects requiring technical precision, such as detailed infographics or medical visuals, benefit from the meticulous care and attention that only human expertise can provide. 4. Building Relationships Through Collaboration Great design comes from collaboration. Whether I’m working with clients, team members, or stakeholders, the insights gained from human interaction inspire creative solutions that AI simply can’t replicate. 5. Ensuring Ethical Integrity In today’s design landscape, originality and ethical considerations are more important than ever. I’m committed to creating designs that respect intellectual property and stand apart from generic, AI-generated content. My Philosophy: Innovation Meets Intention AI is an incredible tool, but great design is always grounded in human insight and creativity. By thoughtfully integrating AI into my workflow, I bring a balance of innovation and craftsmanship to every project. If you’re looking for a designer who values originality, efficiency, and collaboration, I’d love to work with you. Together, we can create designs that make a lasting impact. Curious about how I approach design challenges? Let’s connect and discuss how I can bring value to your projects! #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #WorkFlow #Streamline #GraphicDesign #BrandingExpert As a designer, I’m always looking to expand my skills and experiment with new techniques that can elevate my work. Recently, I came across a tutorial for creating a 3D rainbow and cloud effect in Adobe Illustrator. The design—with its vibrant colors and playful, inflated appearance—instantly caught my eye. It reminded me of a cross between a shiny balloon and smooth modeling clay, and I knew I had to try it. Why 3D? Over the past few years, 3D effects have become a significant trend in the design world. From bold typography to lifelike illustrations, the use of 3D adds a sense of depth and dimension that draws the viewer in. It’s versatile, engaging, and can make even the simplest designs feel modern and fresh. This year, I’ve decided to embrace these trends more in my own work, blending them with my existing style to create something uniquely mine. The Process: The tutorial walked me through using Illustrator’s 3D and Materials panel to create the rainbow and cloud. While the steps were detailed, they were surprisingly easy to follow. The key was experimenting with lighting, textures, and the beveling options to achieve that soft, inflated look. As I worked, I found myself not only learning about the technical aspects of Illustrator’s 3D tools but also thinking about how I could apply these techniques to other projects. Could I create 3D typography with the same playful feel? What about using these effects in branding or packaging design? The possibilities are endless. Lessons Learned: Trying something new always comes with a mix of excitement and challenges. Here are a few takeaways from my first attempt at 3D rendering:
This small project has sparked so many ideas for incorporating 3D elements into my future designs. Whether it’s editorial work, branding, or illustration, I see so much potential in using these techniques to add a playful, modern touch. Exploring new trends not only keeps your portfolio fresh but also helps you grow as a designer. Have you tried experimenting with 3D effects in your work? I’d love to hear about your experiences and see your creations. Let’s keep learning and pushing the boundaries together!  Adrianne Walujo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZoDHEsd0Y4 Here is my 3D candy cane attempt from a manual approach to creating a 3D affect using multiple layers, highlights, and shading.  Graphic Design with Elena: www.youtube.com/watch?v=utQGe-ZjvKQ
In today’s fast-paced world, where information is constantly bombarding us from every angle, design has the power to make a lasting impression. The art of minimalism, which embraces simplicity and functionality, has become a powerful design philosophy, allowing us to cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters. Whether in graphic design, interior design, or web design, minimalism is a timeless approach that champions clean lines, open spaces, and thoughtful use of colour and typography. What is Minimalism in Design? At its core, minimalism in design is all about "less is more." It’s about stripping away excess elements and focusing on the essentials. Rather than overcrowding a design with unnecessary details, minimalism emphasizes simplicity, elegance, and clarity. This approach encourages designers to use only the most important elements—whether that’s in terms of shapes, colours, or text—to communicate a message. The Benefits of Minimalism in Design
Conclusion: Why Embrace Minimalism? Minimalism in design isn’t just a trend; it’s a philosophy that has the power to transform how we interact with the world around us. By embracing simplicity, clarity, and functionality, designers can create experiences that are not only visually appealing but also purposeful and meaningful. Whether you're designing a website, a product, or a brand, minimalist design offers an opportunity to connect with your audience in a profound and lasting way. So, the next time you’re embarking on a design project, ask yourself: How can you simplify? The answer might just be the key to creating something truly impactful.  Image Above: Fika packaging design project poster by yours truly, Amber Black. DO NOT COPY Above is an example of Minimalism in design from one of my portfolio projects. We were tasked with designing a label for a bottle of choice using the word FIKA in our packaging class. Although it is tempting to put a lot of imagery into my designs, often, less is best to convey the message with harmony and balance. #Minimalism #DesignSimplicity #LessisMore #MaximumImpact
Winter can feel a bit gloomy after the excitement of the holidays, but it’s also the perfect time to dive into something new and creative. If you’re a designer and are feeling the winter slump, why not spark your imagination by exploring Adobe Illustrator tutorials or other design programs that are accessible to you? Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned designer, there’s always something new to learn. Start with simple tutorials, like creating vector icons or mastering the Pen tool, and build up to more complex projects like digital illustrations or custom typography. Not only will you refine your design skills, but focusing on a creative outlet can boost your mood and give you a sense of accomplishment. Plus, the projects you complete could become valuable additions to your portfolio. This January, transform your downtime into a productive, inspiring journey. Let creativity guide you through the winter blues—one vector at a time! I was inspired to work on some tutorials to dust off my illustration skills that have gone into hibernation since the holiday season started. This past week we have been living in a snow globe where I live and I thought I would get some practice skills in by following along with some tutorials. I know the holidays are over, but they are my favourite time of year, and I was so reluctant to take the tree down this year. I normally take it down the night before New Year's Eve. It stayed up until the following weekend this year. I am not sure why I started that tradition. I recall someone telling me it was bad luck to keep it up into the new year. Perhaps because I had misbehaved kids after Christmas with the lack of a routine when they were younger and the need for some sort of normal caused me to rush to put Christmas away. This year, my kids were scarce, as they either hid in their rooms or were visiting friends so I got to enjoy my lights and decorations in peace. It's been a few days now and I am still pining away for the magic and joy the holidays bring me. Below was my take on the snow globe tutorial by Ms. Chavira. You can follow along with her link below: .www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ak5WzYnpyE&list=PLwByA3uNkIwpEWA4BzNzerMvyd1s0g6wN  I thought I would attempt another take on the snow globe doing a different, more complex looking tutorial, and here is a screenshot of the results from my version. I like the depth of the different layers, gradients, and added elements in this winter scene. I noticed that I was able to speed up the process following this tutorial from the skills I learned in the one above, and used the shape maker tool in lieu of tracing along with the pen tool. There are so many different ways to do things in the Adobe programs. It is amazing what I picked up along the way to help streamline my workflow. Below is the link to Alissa B's snow globe.  #WinterBlues #Snowglobes #LearningisFun #GraphicDesigner #Illustrator
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Amber BlackThe artist behind Amber Black Creations. She is a passionate and creative multimedia artist, graphic designer, photographer, and painter. Archives
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