Every design tells a story, and this year, I was helped bring some incredible stories to life! From creating designs that inspired change to capturing meaningful moments, my work this year has been a true reflection of my passion for helping others shine. As I look back, five designs stand out as my absolute favorites—not just for how they look, but for the impact they made. Join me as I count them down and share the stories behind each one!
Starting my countdown with #5: “I Pick You” Valentine’s Cards
The Story: This Valentine’s Day was extra special for me—it was the first time I needed cards for my daughter! She’s adopted and wasn’t living with us last year, so we had some catching up to do. While scrolling Pinterest, we stumbled on these quirky “I Pick You” cards, and she was obsessed. They felt like the perfect fit for a fun-loving 9-year-old. But, naturally, I couldn’t just BUY them—I had to design them myself!
Why I love it: While it’s not my typical design style, I treasured being able to create and customize something that my daughter loved! Seeing her laugh and light up over something I made? Totally worth it.
Impact: Sometimes it’s the little things that mean the most. Designing these cards gave us such a fun bonding moment—proof that creativity can bring people closer, even with something as simple as Valentine’s cards.
Fun Fact: In a hilarious plot twist, she didn’t even take these to class! My mom swooped in with some donut-themed cards that stole the show, leaving our nose-picking masterpiece untouched. Now they live in my “dead designs” file, waiting for a comeback. Maybe next year!
#4: It Ends With Us, Movie Review
The Story: When the movie It Ends With Us hit theaters this year, I saw a chance to connect my client’s mission to a larger cultural conversation. My client works with women who have survived abusive relationships, and the film’s focus on abuse created an opportunity to shine a light on the worth and resilience of the women she serves. Using this moment, we crafted a message that was both powerful and deeply aligned with her work.
The Process: For this project, I leaned into Canva’s tools to create something visually striking and brand-focused. I started with the movie poster, using the background remover to isolate key elements, then layered in my client’s brand colors and logo. To drive the message home, I added bite-sized information that made it clear: abuse is never to be glorified.
Why I love it:
It featured Blake Lively (need I say more?).
It brought a powerful and relevant message to the forefront.
It allowed me to use pop culture in a meaningful way.
Impact: Hearing my client say, “Ivy Johnson, you are a force! It's incredible, and so are your talents.” was a total highlight for me! As someone who spends most of my time at home with my kids and a laptop, working pop culture into my projects made me feel connected to the “real world” in such a fulfilling way. Knowing my client loved the final piece as much as I did reminded me just how valuable my work can be to her agency and her mission.
#3: Shopify Redesign (it's hard to get a photo of a website)
The Story: This project combined two of my favorite things: storytelling and web design! My client needed a fresh look for her Shopify store but struggled to find a template that felt right. So, we decided to go custom! Drawing inspiration from her favorite designs, I created a website that not only met her functional needs but also showcased her unique story and selling points.
Challenges:
Organizing inventory into clear categories.
Incorporating storytelling to highlight her brand’s journey.
Gathering and showcasing customer reviews.
Optimizing shipping and local delivery options.
Learning a new design platform to better customize her vision.
Adding product customization features for her shoppers.
The Process: We held several meetings to capture her vision and refine the direction for her new site. With her input and approval, I created a detailed plan and dove into the design process. Tools like Replo.app—and the invaluable support from Sanjay!—were instrumental in bringing the concept to life. After a few weeks of development and feedback, we finalized a website that truly reflects her vision and is one she absolutely loves!
Why I love it: This project was a perfect mix of creativity, technical skill, and problem-solving—and seeing my client’s excitement when the final site went live was the cherry on top! Plus, I loooovveee getting all those little details just right.
Impact: “Ivy was such a joy to work with. Her communication throughout the process and information that she requested from me showed that she is knowledgeable and capable... Ivy took on the challenge of redesigning my Shopify site without hesitation, and I am thrilled with the results. It turned out to be so beautiful and user friendly for my customers to navigate.” - Ashley P.
#2: "Closer Than You Think" Reel
The Story: I was the underdog from the start. I had sent in my proposal, but it was clear this potential client was already leaning toward hiring a big agency. I knew I had to prove that I could offer something just as impactful—if not more personal and tailored. So, I went the extra mile. I created a few custom pieces that reflected her unique branding and story, and this video was the game-changer. It sealed the deal! Against the odds, I was chosen over the agency, and I landed the job!
Inspiration: Being married to a counselor has given me a front-row seat to the struggles people face every day. It breaks my heart to know how easily these issues are dismissed as things that happen “somewhere else” or only on TV. I wanted this reel to shatter that distance and bring the stories closer to home. These are real people, going through unimaginable challenges, and I felt called to create visuals that inspire compassion and action.
Challenges:
This project wasn’t without its obstacles:
I didn’t nail the initial interview, which put me in an underdog position.
I was competing against a well-established marketing agency.
Translating her brand’s power and story into video was new territory for me.
I had to rely entirely on stock footage to craft a compelling narrative.
Why I love it: This project pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. It was my own idea, allowed me to showcase a wide range of skills, and proved that creativity and passion can beat the odds. And let’s not forget—it got me the job!
Impact: “Ivy, I was so impressed with your work. In fact, it was one of the highlights of my day to view your proposal and to consider the possibility of working with you.” - Romona J.
Hearing those words from my client was everything. It validated my decision to go the extra mile and reminded me why I love what I do.
And my absolute favorite for 2024, #1: Purple Party Gala Fundraising Trifold
The Story: Designing digital assets is definitely my thing, but there’s just something magical about holding one of my designs in real life! My client called me last-minute with a request to create print assets for their event that matched their marketing. They wanted me to redesign the fundraising pamphlet from the previous year—with only one day to get it printed before the big event! It was a whirlwind, but I loved the challenge! Plus - it looked SO GOOD on paper!
The Process: I began by taking a close look at essential details from last year’s gala, like the evening’s schedule and highlights of the live auction. I then pulled design elements from the event promotions I had already worked on. My goal was to create a print piece that tied everything together seamlessly while elevating it with a sophisticated, cohesive look for their gala.
Why I love it:
It’s rare to see my designs in print, so this felt extra special.
The trifold added a touch of class and professionalism to the gala.
Seeing attendees actually using it throughout the evening was the ultimate reward.
This project reminded me why I love being a designer—it’s not just about making things look good; it’s about creating experiences that connect with people in meaningful ways.
Designing isn’t just about visuals for me—it’s about telling stories, connecting with people, and making an impact. This year, each project pushed me in different ways, and I’m so proud of how they turned out. When I left my job managing a mom-and-pop shop to come home to my kids, I thought I’d be trading my creative work for diapers and bedtime routines. But just a month in, I realized I still had a passion for creating that couldn’t be ignored. Starting my business has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done—balancing it with family life, adoption, and all the ups and downs that come with both—but it’s also been one of the most rewarding. Every client feels like a reminder that God has a bigger design for my life, one that’s about more than just being a designer. I’m so grateful for this journey and the chance to share it with you. To everyone who’s been part of my journey this year—clients, collaborators, friends, and family—thank you for trusting me with your vision. Here’s to another year of creating and learning on my digital creator journey!
Which design is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to pin this post to your inspiration board!
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