Emily Santos
Q What do you do?
“I am the Owner, Brand Strategist and Designer at Santos & Co.”
We are a design studio for big thinkers ready to break boundaries and change the world.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I have a Bachelors degree in Hospitality Management, and although I have been designing since 2012, it was never something I thought I could do full time. After I was laid off from my job in 2020, I decided to take a leap of faith and have been learning as I go ever since.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Truthfully, you can find design anywhere. I think what makes me different is that I encourage and embrace people's humanity. We are always told to put the clients first and yes that matters of course, but I believe that our businesses should feel like a full expression of who we are, our core values, and are infused with our personality. Those are the brands that people fall in love with --- when each interaction feels less like a business transaction and more like a genuine connection with someone they can relate to.
Q What are you working on right now?
Trying to force myself to stop changing up my website every 5 weeks (anyone else?)
Q What’s your style?
Being a designer, illustrator, and overall creative human -- I like to think that I am able to adapt my style to whatever the project calls for; however, I am definitely drawn to a bolder, high contrast aesthetic. I am inspired heavily by the 70's and 80's which you can see in a lot of my work and personal style, as well as my Dominican Culture. I know --- it all seems all over the place, but if I could describe it in one sentence it would be a rich aunt's vintage eclectic home.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I would love to continue developing more brand identities -- specifically in the hospitality industry.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Having to do everything on my own and having too many ideas and not enough time to flush them out.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Anything related to marketing please.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would go back to 2020 when I decided to start Santos & Co and tell myself that I am enough. I spent a lot of time doubting my abilities and comparing myself to others who were growing rapidly in my industry that I didn't put myself out there as much as I should. Who knows where I would've been by now! ( I would also go back three seconds ago when I wrote what I just said and tell myself that everything is happening at the pace it is meant to. )
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
How the hell do you sell on instagram
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I would love to work with brands in the hospitality or sexual education industry!
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
If you are a big thinker, a movement-maker, and in the business of putting people and the planet first, I want to work with you. If you are into bold design that’s a plus.
Q: What is your rate?
My branding packages range from $3,000 - $10,000 based on project scope and desired outcomes.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Scheduling a free disco call. Disco-ing isn't necessary, but encouraged!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Everyone in the Brand Strategy Bootcamp. This is the community that I have been in since I started my studio and they have helped me not only learn my craft and develop my services but believe in myself and my abilities.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Spending time out of the house aka "The Office"!
This member profile was originally published in January 2022.