Meet Tracie Sanders of Black Birdie Green Creative in Sandy Springs/Roswell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracie Sanders.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Tracie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I didn’t really start out planning to be a designer, but I knew I wanted to have a job that allowed me to be creative. As odds would have it, my dad started a small desktop publishing/graphic design business when I was in high school. It was strongly encouraged that I become a part of the family business. Trust me, I fought this a bit being a know it all teenager. But once I saw the possibilities in this field I was hooked and that’s all she wrote!

I relocated to Atlanta at 21 and started my new career away from the family business. Since then, I have worked at a variety of companies from non-profits to ad agencies and law firms. Seeing the different environments and types of work each of these locations afford has given me a well-rounded eye for design. And I love working on many different projects.

Fast forward to this year – my current role as a Creative Director in a small local business was eliminated due to restructuring. However, they wanted to keep me on as a contractor. A lightbulb went off, maybe THIS is my chance to start my own company with an already established client. After all, the seed for being a small business owner was planted all those years back by my dad.

So here we are today, and my business is growing. I enjoy and value my clients and being involved in all aspects of collaborating with them. I truly appreciate how something that could be viewed as a negative has helped me fulfill a long held dream.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh my, no! Of course, there is the stress of starting/owning your own business. Suddenly I wasn’t just a designer but a bookkeeper, a project manager and a traffic coordinator. Marketing yourself can be challenging too. It’s funny because I feel confident marketing other people and their companies but when it’s YOUR company it can be more daunting to be objective and confident about your strengths.

That being said, I have a great sense of pride in the fact that I’ve learned so much this year that I never knew I could (or would). And there is zero boredom, building a business is an ongoing undertaking! There’s always something to do.

Some things have been easy. Reaching out to past colleagues and contacts has widened my network and I’m always amazed at how when you put forth a little effort things seem to fall into place…you get a call about a great, new job or someone refers a new client.

I’ve found you have to be willing to do things that terrify you and that are out of your comfort zone. That’s been challenging too. But again, worth every bit of courage, I’ve had to summon!

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Black Birdie Green Creative – what should we know?
Black Birdie Green Creative specializes in branding, art direction, and graphic design. Whether it’s a branding package for a new company, a refresh on your current marketing materials, social media package or a vehicle wrap (and just about everything in between) that’s where I shine!

Since I’m involved in all aspects of the projects I work on, I’m truly invested in my work and making my clients happy. As a designer, I always have a “vision” of what I think the project will turn out like, BUT it’s not just about me. Many of my clients have expressed that they enjoy the open communication and flexibility I have in working with them and their ideas. While I always offer up my opinion and expertise we both need to walk away at the end of a project feeling good about it.

I believe effective design is about more than just looking good. It evokes feeling, leaves a lasting impression, and dissects information and presents it in a way that is appealing to its audience. And I want my clients to feel it is a true representation of their brand and their voice.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Hard work, perseverance and the willingness to do things that are out of my comfort zone have all been key.

You also have to believe in yourself (as trite as that may sound). There are always going to be people questioning or doubting you and some that just don’t understand. People that say “Why is it taking so long to build your business?” or “It must be nice to be your own boss and not really have to work everyday.” Those are just opinions, and we all have them.

But when you want something, you know it usually takes time. And effort. And facing some scary times as well. When I start to doubt myself I look back at how much my business has grown in a short time and those doubting voices get a little quieter (the ones from others and myself).

A positive attitude and flexibility also go a long way. You have to keep trying even when there are setbacks and be willing to reassess if your current strategy isn’t working.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blackbirdiegreen.com
• Phone: 470 294 4577
• Email: tracie@blackbirdiegreen.com
• Instagram: @blackbirdiegreencreative
• Facebook: @blackbirdiegreencreative

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