Unlocked: Sara Barney – Circaphiles

We recently chatted with circaphiles ambassador & Colorful, creative designer

Sara barney

Sara Barney is the Founder and Principal Designer of BANDD DESIGN and has mastered the art of creating refreshing and colorful designs. She has centered her design process around being highly collaborative while favoring the individuality of each client. Today, she is unlocking what it’s like to work with a team and what she’s learned along the way.

1. What did you wish you knew when you started your design firm?

That you’re not going to be able to please 100% of the people, 100% of the time.

2. Was there something unexpected that you learned from your team along the
way?

Our team has taught me that everybody brings a unique skill set and together it makes us whole. We don’t all have the same styles and ways of working but it makes for a perfect, well-rounded team with a lot of perspectives!

Image: bandd design

photography by Ryann Ford design by bandd design

3. If there is one piece of advice you would give a design student, what would it
be?

Take business classes! You might have an eye for design, but you need to know how a business runs, in general, to make it profitable and find opportunities. Also, spend some time learning about residential design, as most design programs focus mostly on commercial design. It’s a whole different game.

4. How have you directly reached out to a potential new client?

I’ve messaged people on social media that have interacted with our account and that live in and around our area to see if they’re interested in design services. You can say that I’ve ‘slid into their DMs’.