A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME

Kristen Schwartz • she/her

These words are at the heart of everything I do in my work. However, early in my career studies, as an introverted, highly sensitive person (HSP) who was, at times, painfully shy—I struggled to communicate nuanced ideas the way I wanted. I was desperately trying through words, design, and imagery to do so in an engaging way that felt more personal. But my professors were focused on traditional advertising and marketing concepts that seemed superficial and sometimes manipulative. I felt very alone.

I knew if I was going to make the impact I wanted, I needed to pursue what resonated with me—creating heartfelt communication that connected people with what they cared about. It was hard without a mentor, and I flopped many, many times. Still, when I finally succeeded, it no longer mattered that I wasn’t following traditional advertising and marketing techniques because it was effective. Finally, I achieved audience engagement at the level I was going for. My confidence soared like never before.

I didn’t realize then that I was incorporating my love of storytelling into my communication style. And my HSP traits, which I was sometimes led to believe were weaknesses—(empathy, compassion, noticing subtleties, being deeply moved by art, music, and story, etc.)—were precisely the skills I needed to become a more effective communicator. That combination helped me shed my shyness and develop a career spanning over 30 years.

All that is to say, I know how difficult it is to communicate core principles that are important to your business, identity, or just plain important to you. However, you don’t need to use jargon or tactics that don’t resonate or dedicate countless frustrating hours trying to fit into an ill-fitting mold.

Very few of my clients set out to go into business. As a result, they're often reluctant marketers, unsure how to create an effective online presence, and lost in the terminology and changing algorithms. Then they forget who they are in their struggle to figure everything out. And when they try to find an easier way, they get tangled up in the loudest advice and gimmicks being peddled on the internet as surefire methods to rake in six figures. In other words—a big load of BS. (Yuck!)

That’s usually where I come in. I’m a guide and collaborator for my clients to help them get to the core of what they do and want to say. I listen, ask questions, and elaborate on ideas—always with their unique goals at the forefront—whether developing marketing strategies that match their strengths, creating branding and visuals, or building custom, user-friendly websites that bring it all together. Your online presence—thoughtfully crafted words, design, and imagery—is all about using clear communication that fits you and your core message. And the fantastic side effect is that when you communicate clearly in a way that suits you, your confidence increases and makes sharing what you do effortless and joyful. Marketing then shifts to being natural instead of a dreaded task that feels separate.

Instead, I start where you are, look at how you do things best, and work with you to develop your message and the communication that fits YOU. That way, you're more likely to connect and engage with the people who need you most.

If my work and mindset seem like a fit, contact me to schedule a chat to see how I can help you. Or, if you're clear on what you need help with, feel free to schedule a consultation.

IMPORTANT RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME (CLICK TO OPEN)

Painting at five (left) and off to art school (right).

I grew up in an art gallery. (Yes, I did.)

I got into business early. For one venture, when I was 12, I made little creatures called “Nice Mice” and sold them at the India Street Art Colony Jazz Festival.

I have been using Apple computers since 1980.

In the 80s, I worked for a software company called Beagle Bros. that made games and utilities for Apple computers.

1983 SoftTalk magazine article with the Beagle Bros. crew.
That's me (aka Minnie Assembler), second from the left.

I have been living, working, and playing in South Lake Tahoe, CA, for over 30 years.

One of my first jobs after college was doing paste up for a newspaper. (If you don't know what paste up is, here's a video explaining this lost art. If you don't know what a newspaper is, things have become dire.)

In the early 2000s, I developed a method for printing on raw silk and was featured in a Rochester, New York, art show with fellow art printing innovators.

I had the tremendous honor of being chosen to work with author/illustrator Yuyi Morales in the 2009 Nevada Mentor Program through the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

I wasn't aware of how much I use my hands when talking until I animatedly described some illustrations during a live radio interview. I managed to unplug all the sound equipment with one enthusiastic gesture.

I wear many hats in my life, many of which are helmets.

Our grown child, a computer scientist/linguist, is a Ph.D. student studying fairness and privacy in natural language processing. (We don't understand everything, but we try!)

Our brave dog.

When we rescued our dog, she was afraid of trash cans, tree stumps, people, other dogs, and shadows. She is currently only scared of our houseguest—a cat named Wren.

The most validating thing a publishing house art director ever said to me:
“You can obviously draw the hell out of anything.”

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