Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Irvine.
Hi Sarah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started out in brand & marketing at a small brand. I wore many different hats: social media, website design, creative direction, product design, client relationships – you name it.
I then joined a larger social media team for an iconic London brand focused in retail and high-end client experiences. I learned a lot about the cohesiveness of marketing and sales and how powerful they can be when those teams work together.
This was around 2014-2016, so social media with Instagram, Snapchat, etc was still fairly new to a brand’s marketing strategy — it was a fun and creative time to be starting out on that cusp!
After a few years, I started taking on freelance projects that developed into consistent clients. About 5 years in, I went full-time freelance and haven’t looked back since.
10 years later, I now run a boutique agency, ARDENT, with creative partner, Kendra Henderson. And we are working on building a small team.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. When I went full-time freelance, the hardest part was maintaining consistent income. When I look back now, I realize how broke I was. I was fueled by the creativity and the problem-solving – but it was survival mode. Late nights, never saying no to a project or client (unless it was truly not a fit), and hustle!!
Now, the biggest struggles are developing the right team. Learning how to scale and grow while managing different personalities, client expectations, etc.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Our studio grew out of a passion for artistry and a decade of experience in creative direction and design. We partner with brands of all sizes to execute concepts, refine their voice, sharpen their visuals, and strengthen their presence across marketing platforms.
I am most proud of our ability to translate creative ideas and vision into action and strategy. Also, our consistency and adaptability in aesthetic and brand voice – key components to growing and maintaining a brand’s digital presence. It’s an ever-evolving landscape.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Well as we all know, AI is at the forefront. I still feel very strongly about the humanistic, organic approach and now am excited about working in tandem with AI on those aspects.
I don’t feel as fearful anymore about AI taking the jobs of designers and creatives. Yes, it’s definitely a tool for key marketing needs and has already eliminated certain tedious tasks, which is where I feel it’s a strong collaborator. We will always need the right leaders orchestrating and pioneering in the industry. In my eyes, it’s about continual collaboration.
Contact Info:
- Website: ardentcreate.com
- Instagram: @ardentcreate
Image Credits
Portrait photos: Skyler Semar
