Mid-Year Recap: Client Work, Creative Prompts & What’s Next

It’s been a minute. 4 weeks, actually—but who’s counting?

I’d love to say I’ve been off on some grand creative sabbatical, sketching in a notebook beside a windswept cliff or building a wildly ambitious art installation. But let’s be honest: I’ve just been… living. Creating. Working. Navigating deadlines. Juggling projects. Spending time with family. And yes, somewhere in there, taking a much-needed vacation.

And now, after the kind of July that throws your schedule into a blender and hits purée, I’m finally here. Sitting back at the keyboard. Opening the door to this blog again. And honestly? It feels good to be back.

The Past Six Months in a Nutshell

If you’ve followed my blog or my work for a while, you know this space is a mix of personal reflection, creative prompts, branding insights, and the occasional friendly rant about logos that try too hard. It’s where I connect with other designers, small business owners, and people just trying to make something meaningful in a loud and cluttered world.

So what’s been happening behind the scenes?

Let’s rewind a bit.

Work, Work, Work

The past few months have been a whirlwind of client projects—some big, some small, all creatively challenging in their own way. I’ve been lucky to collaborate with nonprofits, ministries, startups, and small business owners who are ready to invest in better branding. And that’s really the heart of what I love doing—helping people take what’s in their head (or heart) and translate it into something visual, strategic, and impactful.

Some days, that looks like refining logo sketches until the lines feel just right. Other days, it’s guiding a client through a full brand refresh, asking deeper questions about who they are and what they want to stand for. And then there are the oddball days—like naming brainstorms that involve whiteboards full of half-baked puns and rogue metaphors. All part of the job.

It’s been fulfilling work. But the thing about being “booked and busy” is that personal projects, like this blog, tend to slide to the bottom of the to-do list. Not because they’re not important, but because they don’t come with due dates. And in a world full of calendars and task lists, creative space without a deadline often gets the short straw.

🏡 Real Life Called, Too

Outside of design work, life’s been full. Family has been a big priority over the past few months, and July, in particular, felt like the ultimate balancing act. From summer schedules to travel plans to just showing up and being present—it was a season where my energy went into the people I care about most. And that’s time I don’t regret for a second.

If you’re a creative professional, you probably know the feeling: that quiet push and pull between creating for a living and making space to live. Between giving your best ideas to clients and saving a few for yourself. Between deadlines and downtime.

And for me, that downtime came in the form of a real vacation. Not a “laptop open by the pool” kind of vacation. A proper unplug. Time to reflect, to recharge, to look up from the screen and remember that inspiration doesn’t only live inside a browser tab.

It’s amazing what a break can do. Not just for your energy, but for your vision. And now, with the summer madness mostly behind me, I’m excited to bring some of that clarity back into my creative rhythm.

So… Why the Blog Pause?

Honestly? The blog pause wasn’t some big, planned sabbatical. I didn’t schedule a break or announce a hiatus. It just… happened.

Work picked up, life got busy, and blogging slowly slid off the to-do list. First it was one skipped post. Then another. Then suddenly it was July, and I was juggling client projects, real life, and trying to remember the last time I opened my blog dashboard.

And the thing is, I didn’t stop because I ran out of ideas. I stopped because I got distracted. Because when you’re in the thick of design work, switching gears to write something thoughtful can feel like a mental uphill climb. You tell yourself, “I’ll get to it later,” and before you know it, months have gone by.

I don’t regret the time away—there was a lot of good in that stretch—but I do miss the rhythm of showing up here regularly. Writing helps me process what I’m learning. It helps me connect dots, reflect on projects, and offer something useful to other creatives or small business owners who might be figuring things out too.

So this isn’t some dramatic comeback post. It’s more like a quiet reset. A reminder to myself that it doesn’t have to be perfect or profound—it just has to be honest. And consistent. And sometimes, showing up is the most important part.

Reintroducing Myself (Briefly)

If you’re new here—or haven’t read in a while—hi, I’m Zach.

I’m a graphic designer who specializes in branding, logo design, and visual identity systems. I’ve spent years helping clients—from nonprofits to music tech startups—tell their story through smart, strategic design.

When I’m not working with clients, I’m probably tinkering with personal design projects, thinking up strange creative prompts, or helping fellow creatives level up their portfolios.

This blog is one of the places I come to reflect, experiment, and share what I’ve learned along the way. No fluff. No forced productivity mantras. Just honest creative process and practical inspiration.

Why This Blog Still Matters

In an internet full of endless scrolling, hot takes, and algorithm-driven content, I still believe in the value of slower, more thoughtful writing. Blogging isn’t dead—it’s just evolving.

For me, this blog is less about shouting into the void and more about building a quiet, steady place for conversation. A place where designers can find a little spark. Where small business owners can learn something real about branding. Where I can show up, consistently, and create outside the lines of social media.

And if I’ve learned anything in the past six months, it’s this: you don’t have to be perfect to be consistent. You just have to keep showing up.

So here I am. Showing up.

One Last Thing…

If you’ve been thinking about your brand lately—maybe your business has evolved, your audience has shifted, or your logo just doesn’t feel like “you” anymore—I’d love to help.

Rebranding isn’t just about looking better. It’s about clarity. Alignment. Confidence. The kind that comes from having a brand that actually reflects who you are and where you’re going.

Whether you need a full identity system, a brand refresh, or just a smart logo that sets you apart, I offer thoughtful, collaborative design services that help you tell your story the right way.

You can check out my recent work and get in touch here: zachsummers.net

Let’s make something great.

Until Next Week…

Thanks for being here, whether you’ve been following along since day one or just landed on this post by chance. I’m excited for what’s ahead and grateful to be creating again.

Next week we’re jumping back in with a brand-new prompt—something to spark your creativity heading into fall. I’ve got some exciting ideas lined up and can’t wait to share them with you.

See you soon,
Zach

Want Help With Your Brand?

Let’s talk about how I can help you refine your visual identity and create something that truly fits your business. Head over to zachsummers.net to get started or reach out via the contact form.

Photo by vee terzy: https://www.pexels.com/photo/silhouette-photo-of-a-mountain-during-sunset-114979/