Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah-Anne Wildgoose.
Sarah-Anne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As with all we do, it was a journey. I studied and started my career as an Industrial Designer. I was so excited when I had two toys in the Tonka Toy line as a student. I never imagined that early in my career my design of a Bell Telephone Truck and Car Carrier Truck would be featured on shelves in toy stores. Professionally I designed a tabletop set of products, sugar, creamer, and salt and pepper for Tupperware. At Johnson and Johnson, I designed surgical tools for knee replacement surgery. Who knew watching knee surgery could be so fascinating and educational? Making the tools work together resulted in 2 patents. It was fantastic to see my sketched ideas become 3-D printed prototypes and then come to life as actual products. Those products focused on ergonomics. Designing for the user was challenging and fun. When I left corporate, I became an entrepreneur running my own company, designing for Shick, and Georgia Pacific. 8 months in I had the revelation that I could do Product and Graphic Design. At that time the Graphic Design side of the business took off, so I focused on working with small businesses, helping establish their identity. The fun creative projects varied. Some were full campaigns, logos, business cards, signage, t-shirts, vehicle graphics, and invoice designs. For years I worked with NP Medical designing graphics for a 10 ft tradeshow, pop-up banners, signage, slide deck redesign, and a brochure handout. Packaging designs for fishing lures and recreational products blended my Industrial and Graphic Design skills. Working with Kochek, was like working at an Ad Agency. Its 5 divisions kept me busy doing photography, ad and catalog design, brochures, logos, booklets, sell sheets, packaging, and more. I developed my marketing expertise strategically positioning them in the marketplace. As times have changed so has my business. Today, as a visual storyteller working with companies, I ensure their story is correct and establish their ideal client. To elevate their business and provide maximum exposure, I use the power of custom-designed print and digital marketing tools that work together to tell their story consistently. Blending custom graphics, branding, and marketing companies gain visibility that converts to a Return on Investment.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing is never a smooth road; that’s why my passion for what I do is strong. This allows me to follow my dreams even during challenging times. The economy affects everything. When people feel the economy is unstable, they tighten their budgets and change spending habits. I evaluate what is happening, change how I position my business accordingly and restructure offerings to be current. This helps me continue to be a resource for companies so that during unstable times they continue marketing themselves so they do not fall into “out of sight out of mind”.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Saw Design Studio is a full-service design group that focuses on the client’s needs and building the relationship. We give our clients time, as we work on the business so the client can work in the business focusing on their expertise. We work with large, medium size companies and start-ups.
We utilize visual storytelling driven by custom graphics to engage our clients’ customers. We work with existing brands following the brand style guide designing the proper elements that our brainstorming and research determine. Time triggers change, and evaluating a clients market position, sales, mission, vision, and services is necessary. Outdated marketing tools impact a companies ability to connect with their ideal clients. A brand refresh is a re-alignment, increasing visibility so clients experience increased revenue. Working with start-ups our brand identity program will jump start their business.
With our training, use of current technologies, plus over 30 years of experience, we design strategic marketing tools listed here:
What sets us apart is our intake process of strategic questions plus brainstorming which creates the framework or map of design projects that will be the most effective strategy. Collaborating with clients we clarify the target audience, and review past campaigns and trends to ensure our journey is result-driven and on track. We combine marketing, branding, and custom design to increase marketplace visibility.
We are most proud of making our clients successful. Their success is our success.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Yes! You can’t figure it out on your own. You can work on your own but tap into industry leaders. Find a mentor and advisors. Networking helps you meet the right people and expand your knowledge and business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sawdesignstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sawdesign_studio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SawDesignStudio/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-anne-wildgoose/
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saw-design-studio/
