Today we’d like to introduce you to Shari Finch.
Shari, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Looking back, creativity has always been woven into my life. From early drawing lessons at age seven to painting in my teens, I’ve always been drawn to exploring different forms of expression and seeing where they might lead me.
My career in design began in the mid-90s, a time when digital tools were just starting to reshape the industry—and I was eager to dive in and learn everything I could. I started out in 3D modeling and print production, moving through roles like senior designer, web designer, and art director. It wasn’t always pretty—there were plenty of tight deadlines, steep learning curves, and moments where I had to just figure it out as I went—but every experience taught me something valuable and made me a stronger designer.
In 2003, I launched Driven Creative. There was a lot of hustle involved—and maybe a little caffeine-fueled chaos—but my clients stuck with me and spread the word. Before I knew it, that little side gig became my full-time career. These days, I work directly with my clients while partnering with a handful of trusted vendors and marketing pros to take projects seamlessly from concept to completion.
What inspires me most is the creative process itself. Seeing a client light up when their vision comes to life is incredibly rewarding, and that moment is even more meaningful because it grows out of my own passion for making. Whether I’m at my Mac designing a brand, getting messy in my studio with paints, or crafting a beautiful meal in my kitchen, creating is what fuels me. That deep love of the process drives me to bring fresh ideas and thoughtful solutions to every project, ensuring my clients get work that’s not only beautiful but truly impactful.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Was it smooth? Not at all. In the early days, I was moonlighting—nights, weekends, and holidays—building my business while holding a full-time senior designer job during the day. Instead of enjoying my free time, I spent it working, learning, and investing in my future. There were plenty of tight deadlines, steep learning curves, and moments where I had to figure things out on the fly.
But honestly, I wouldn’t trade it. Those challenges taught me how to problem-solve, trust my instincts, and lean on a few trusted vendors and marketing pros to get projects across the finish line. Looking back, the struggle wasn’t just necessary—it made me a stronger designer, a smarter business owner, and ultimately gave me the confidence to turn that side hustle into a full-time career.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I help businesses and individuals bring their ideas to life through design, content, and storytelling. I specialize in creating brands, websites, social media content, photography, and video—visual experiences that are not just beautiful, but also functional and intentional. Over the years, I’ve developed a knack for translating a client’s vision into something tangible—something that resonates with their audience and feels authentic to who they are.
What I’m most proud of is the work itself—the process of creating. I get to combine strategy and artistry in a way that makes an impact, whether it’s designing a logo that perfectly captures a brand’s personality, producing a photoshoot, editing a video, or crafting a social media campaign that connects with people.
What sets me apart is probably two things: my curiosity and my dedication. I’m constantly exploring new techniques, tools, and forms of expression, which keeps my work fresh and inspired. And I care deeply about seeing a project through from start to finish. I’m hands-on every step of the way, and I think that level of involvement—and my love for the act of creating itself—shines through in the final work.
How do you define success?
To me, success isn’t just about recognition or numbers—it’s about confidence. Confidence that I can create work my clients will love and that will genuinely help their business succeed. It’s also having the freedom to choose the projects and clients I take on, which is something I’ve earned over 30 years in the industry. After all this time, being able to focus on work that excites me and makes an impact—that’s what success really feels like.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://driven-creative.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrivenCreative
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharifinch/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/drivencreative
