Brittani Millington
Brand Strategist / Designer / Creative Director / Founder of Studio 113 and BM Design
Florida, USA
www.thestudio113.com
instagram @the.studio.113 / @brittanimdesign
Threads
LinkedIn
Q What do you do?
“I’m a creative problem solver for brands and entrepreneurs who desire to show the experiences they create beyond their products and services.”
With that I’m able to help the humans behind brands overcome obstacles of storytelling and customer journeys so they can focus on their passions and positively impact their world and the people they serve. My approach is grounded in reality, driven by creativity, and guided by strategy to create identity and essences of unique and enduring brands.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I'm going to do my best to keep this short…
This journey has taken a lot of turns and twists to get where I am now. I gained my degree in Visual Communications but with my first internship/design job most of that went out the window. I had to make what was provided work at that time to create booklets and promotional items. From there till now no matter if I had a temp job doing design or a 9-5 that had nothing to design, hello call center. I always had side projects happening or trying to learn design new skills through different platforms. Fast forward to a few years ago when my family was confronted with the challenges of Alzheimer's, I had to step back from my career. This pause, although difficult, provided me with an opportunity to reflect on my aspirations and refine my skills as an outlet. When I was ready to return to work, I took a leap of faith and pursued my passion for entrepreneurship starting my design studio.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I listen. I allow my clients to brain-dump all the things they are holding onto in their minds without judgment. Then, being the oldest of 8 kids has taught me, that with some understanding and love, I’m able to uplift them to confidence in themselves and brand along with some reality so they’re not walking around with rose-colored glasses. It's the way I am with my clients. I don't believe in providing a service without making sure my clients are proud to articulate and show off their brands.
Q What are you working on right now?
Client-wise:
SOBEWFF - Digital Designer for the festival (5th year)
City of West Palm Beach - developing workshops and providing brand audits for selected local small businesses
ITRE - Real Estate brokerage firm: brand strategy and identity system, and website audit
CC - Bookkeeping firm: brand strategy and identity system, and Squarespace website
On My Brand(s):
Developing Studio 113, as a strategy and branding studio for the hospitality, culture, and recreational brands. After mentorship, strategy, customer research, etc. I’m excited about where I am with Studio 113 and where it’s going. It was born from BM Design, my OG branding studio, which now focuses on educating small businesses on branding, especially in my local community.
Q What’s your style?
I would call my style eclectic but with a classic vibe. I like to flow into different styles and it still feels natural to me. Looking to bring that more into branding projects that are a right fit for that.
Given that, I feel my style enables me to create crafted solutions in strategy and/or design that feel good for my clients to promote proudly.
Being a creative person who understands organization plays a lot into my way of thinking and actions. I’m a Practical Optimist who thinks there is a warped sense of reality out there that creates barriers within people to pursue their passions fully and intentionally. My way of helping others is by 1) Collaborating throughout the whole process 2) Celebrating while in the struggle 3) Being spicy—but with substance like island cuisine!
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I have experience in the hospitality industry but would love to work with and learn more about boutique hotels. I'm a bit obsessed with the details of design and can spend hours exploring unique hotels from the structure of the building to the stationary quality. The whole experience someone feels when they walk into a unique space is designed to create that. Maybe one day I'll help create something like that on that scale.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Currently, it's not having enough time to pour back into myself. I love to learn and improve in areas I feel I need to be more in tune with. Also, the time it takes to keep up with communications and planning. I'm currently working on automation for that and hiring help on admin things to free up more time.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Copywriter or Personal Assistant (mom brain is real and Siri can only do so much lol but seriously some of the admin things and creative output after project launches it would be nice to free up that time for other things )
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
During my internship out of college, I would have told myself to start my studio even if it was just me. That it was possible. I didn't need to work at a design agency to feel like a brand designer. I am enough and not let other people's doubts about where you could go with your passion stumble you because they didn't dare to dream bigger for themselves.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I would love to gain more insights from other brand strategists and creative designers who have major projects that last 6 months to a year. What do those conversations look like and the scope of work? It would be great to learn from people who are where I would like to be years down the line.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I want to work with brands and entrepreneurs who prioritize offering crafted and intentional experiences for their customers. They strive to create a positive impact beyond material means and believe that the quality and experience of their service or products are meaningful to their clients. I would love to have more projects from museums, hospitality brands, and purpose-driven retailers.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I love a collaborative environment where the client is so engaged they realize they're having fun working on their business. Even answering deep questions they've been avoiding and finding the golden nuggets they didn't know they had. Also, they are responsive throughout the project, as this allows them to be a part of the process, and understand the why behind what's been developed. It helps them put into practice making decisions aligned with their brand. Another thing, they see the value of getting the right help they need to get from point A to B.
Q What is your rate?
Based on previous work, the expected investment of $4,000 to $8,000 for strategy + brand identity (not including packaging design) and between $6,000-10,000+ for website design and implementation. These are starting prices bases and most projects depend on the complexity of the needs and desired outcome for the brand. Of course, there are payment plans we provide for our clients as well.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
I love for prospective clients to give the range of budget they have and the desired outcome they are hoping to gain for the project they want to have done.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
We Are Branch - I love the owner Shauna Haider and she does amazing work. Even had the chance to be mentored by her as well.
Identity Haus - they do beautiful work that I really admire
In House Creatives - they work both with local and worldwide hospitality brands and it’s cool how they tell the story of their work on social media.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Travel, Food, and mindless wandering walks.
This member profile was originally published in October 2023