2024 felt like it came and went before we even knew what hit us. Between client projects, creative milestones, and a few unexpected curveballs, it kept us on our toes. As the dust settles on the year, we’ve been reflecting on the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Have we sorted it all out? Not even close—and coffee didn’t help as much as we hoped. But we’ve pulled together our top 10 takeaways to carry into 2025. Here’s what stood out, in no particular order:

  1. Nurture relationships. Great design isn’t just about pixels, it’s about people. Transactional interactions are a turn-off. Good connections spark creativity, foster collaboration, and build trust.
  2. Connect internally. Solving problems is much more motivating if you love the people you work with! A little team bonding goes a long way.
  3. Network externally. Networking looks different in a post-Covid virtual world, but re-establishing in-person contact has been refreshing. Meeting new people and exchanging ideas creates energy.
  4. Client wins are our wins. Whether clients are meeting an event fundraising goal, or earning a coveted Michelin KEY award (Guild House Hotel, we’re looking at you!), we take pride in setting our clients’ brands up for success.
  5. Structure and flexibility go hand in hand. Structure keeps processes smooth and brands thriving, but rules were made to be (a little) broken, right? Safe wiggle room gives you flexibility in a non-cookie-cutter world.
  6. Fun eases any challenge. At CWP, we take our work seriously but laugh often, mixing witty banter, dad jokes, and self-deprecating humor to tackle challenges with a smile. Nothing like a good belly laugh to blend fun and focus!
  7. Quality assurance is a differentiator. In our minds, why bother designing if you’re not going to maximize the quality. Proofreading can be the difference between being buttoned-up and trustworthy, and… not.
  8. Accessible design has never been more important. Your message can’t just look pretty, it actually has to reach people to make an impact. Maximize reach by ensuring your design is accessible, plain and simple.
  9. AI is a creative tool; it’s not the whole toolbox. We love its generative abilities, but its need for well-crafted prompts and selective listening leaves gaps. The human touch (and brain!) is imperative for refined deliverables.
  10. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Gauging success—whether for a brand identity, rebrand, or business—takes more than a snapshot. An ongoing journey needs time, space, and dedication to bring clarity.

With that, we’re putting 2024 in the rearview and eagerly anticipating all that 2025 has in store.  Wishing you a peaceful year-end with friends and loved ones, and a renewed sense of energy for what’s ahead!