This is so cool! I’m also in the process of turning my Substack into my author page and I’d love for it to feel more *web-sitey,* too. I’ve already moved my domain over. I may reach out! Great work 🤘🏽
Thanks so much! For it to work well, I think there has to be a lowering of expectations as Substack doesn't provide the most sophisticated styling options. If you're willing to go the more simple route in your presentation, there are creative solutions that can employed to work with what Substack is providing currently.
Thank you, Liza! That's so nice to hear. I have another stack, The Next Write Thing, where I'm writing personal essays about my life. That's one kind of writing, and I love being able to write these profiles on my StyleYourStack clients. I get attached to each person, I have to get to know my clients at least a little bit. It informs the design choices I make, and that we collaborate on. Writing about the process is a big part of the fun of this fabulous gig! xo
I love this. I look forward to reading more of your work. I have all these ideas popping in my head about my future stack design :-) I may come back to you one day…
Thank you, Karen! It's really an important and fun part of my process. I get to know my clients, their writing, their preferences, and through the design and support experience I engage on a personal level. I'm committed to promoting their work, their writing, as well as promoting myself. My writing here is different than the memoir essays I write for my first newsletter, The Next Write Thing, https://nantepper.substack.com. I appreciate your comment. Have a wonderful day! xo
So good! I feel very lucky to have found Nan and for her help in bringing my vision of having my website on Substack to fruition. Hire her! She's the best.
Nan, terrific job. As someone who spent 20 years in marketing/ branding I know great work when I see it. In addition to my Substack and my real estate business I’m a marketing consultant and often my clients need graphics help. I provide the strategy and messaging and often help with graphic concepts but I’m not a designer. Would love to collaborate if I have a need and may need your help myself.
You should be incredibly proud Nan! When I started working with Sarah almost a year and a half ago, I did much the same as you. Watched, read, researched and then went all in. I’m super stoked that she finally “styled her stack.” It looks fantastic. She was so anti-branding at the time I met her and I remember being perplexed by this. I love me some good iconic branding. And being in PR and communications for 30+ years I know what a difference it can make. I know she had her reasons at the time, but I’m very glad she came around.
Oh, Kim! Thank you so much. Yes, I joined the Cohort in April or May? And Sarah was still saying it wasn't really necessary to do custom wordmarks. Given the fact that Substack doesn't make it easy (as in pretty inflexible parameters) I can understand why to a certain degree, but I love that we can distinguish ourselves not only in our writing but also in how we present ourselves to our readers and the greater community. I love branding. It's my favorite aspect of the work I've been doing professionally for years. Here's a link to my design website if you'd like to take a look: https://nantepperdesign.com Cheers, and see you soon in the Cohort. xo
FYI re multitasking: Multitasking takes a serious toll on productivity. Our brains lack the ability to perform multiple tasks at the same time—in moments where we think we're multitasking, we're likely just switching quickly from task to task. Focusing on a single task is a much more effective approach for several reasons. The research shows more about the myths of multitasking.
I hear you. I fall apart a little when I try to multitask. What you're saying makes sense. I still hold to my observation that Sarah is astounding to me in how much she seems to accomplish in any given day. I think it's a reflection of her commitment to her work, her passion, and I think her brain must work faster than most of the people I know. I found my mouth hanging open a lot when I'm in her company, as a student, as a colleague, and as a consultant. Thanks for your comment Gary.
I agree. Sarah is on occasion the proverbial fire hose with so much all at once. I’m sure her brain works differently than most of us and wouldn’t it be fascinating to see the images and the differences in the neurons firing. I think we end up paying a price when trying to do too much in too little time and space. It gets crowded in my brain that is already too busy most of the time. I have to stop and focus frequently or my ADHD runs amok.
Yup. Ah, the ADHD brain. It's a challenge, and learning tools to help us attend to the limited amount of time is so useful. If I didn't make to-do lists, and be willing to edit them, and move things to the next day or week or month in a self-loving way, I'd be overwhelmed for sure. I'm learning to prioritize and cut myself a break. Thanks for your comment, Gary.
Thanks, Nan. We belong to the doing what we can with what we have where we are club. And let the rest go for another day, another time. Choices and prioritizing when there seems to be too much, too many and too often is a continuing challenge and that's how it is. So, I deal with it and move on.
Thank you, Paulla! I really enjoy doing it. It's fun, I get to meet wonderful writers, and hopeful contribute something meaningful for their growth on Substack.
Great design Nan! I love so much about this. Two colors. The pop of blue. Joining the names. And more and more - brilliant!
Thanks, Rhaine. The projects were so much fun for me. I'm very happy with the way the work turned out. xo
This is so cool! I’m also in the process of turning my Substack into my author page and I’d love for it to feel more *web-sitey,* too. I’ve already moved my domain over. I may reach out! Great work 🤘🏽
Thanks so much! For it to work well, I think there has to be a lowering of expectations as Substack doesn't provide the most sophisticated styling options. If you're willing to go the more simple route in your presentation, there are creative solutions that can employed to work with what Substack is providing currently.
I love the design, but also I love seeing your creative process. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Liza! That's so nice to hear. I have another stack, The Next Write Thing, where I'm writing personal essays about my life. That's one kind of writing, and I love being able to write these profiles on my StyleYourStack clients. I get attached to each person, I have to get to know my clients at least a little bit. It informs the design choices I make, and that we collaborate on. Writing about the process is a big part of the fun of this fabulous gig! xo
I love this. I look forward to reading more of your work. I have all these ideas popping in my head about my future stack design :-) I may come back to you one day…
I hope we do get to meet! Keep writing, keep reading! xo
Hey Nan, I enjoyed reading this. Congratulations and kudos to you! See you in class.
Thanks! This is such a wonderful adventure. Imagine my joy, talking to writers every day! See you soon! xo
Beautiful work and I truly love how you think about your subject! Amazing!
Thank you, Karen! It's really an important and fun part of my process. I get to know my clients, their writing, their preferences, and through the design and support experience I engage on a personal level. I'm committed to promoting their work, their writing, as well as promoting myself. My writing here is different than the memoir essays I write for my first newsletter, The Next Write Thing, https://nantepper.substack.com. I appreciate your comment. Have a wonderful day! xo
100% SarahFay is bold and beautiful on every level. What you’ve done for her is absolutely stellar!
Oh! Teyani, what lovely comments. For Sarah and for me. Thank you!
Looks fabulous! Love the colors. Love the websitey-ness (as Sarah points out). Way to go!
Thank you, Holly! What I love about this work is that it mostly feels like play. I feel so fortunate to be doing things that gives me joy.
So good! I feel very lucky to have found Nan and for her help in bringing my vision of having my website on Substack to fruition. Hire her! She's the best.
Count this as a testimonial.
Thank you so much, Sarah. See you Saturday! xo
This is awesome, Nan! I’m going to hire you one of these days when the finances are right. 😊
Thanks, Katrina. Get in touch if there's anything you need. I hear you about the finances! xo
May I ask about your pricing and options? Feel free to DM me if that feels better. Or you can email me at katrina_willis@me.com. Thank you so much!! 😊
Here's a link to my About page: https://styleyourstack.substack.com/about
It's all there. And I'm going to send you an email, too.
Oh sheesh… of course you have an About page! I’m sorry I didn’t dig a little deeper before asking. Thank you!!
That's fine! Not everyone posts their rates. It's all good!
Nan, terrific job. As someone who spent 20 years in marketing/ branding I know great work when I see it. In addition to my Substack and my real estate business I’m a marketing consultant and often my clients need graphics help. I provide the strategy and messaging and often help with graphic concepts but I’m not a designer. Would love to collaborate if I have a need and may need your help myself.
Oh, Tracy, please be in touch, and thank you for the generous kudos! xo
Beautiful job on the SarahFay rebrand. Style My Stack is now on my wishlist.
Let's talk!
You should be incredibly proud Nan! When I started working with Sarah almost a year and a half ago, I did much the same as you. Watched, read, researched and then went all in. I’m super stoked that she finally “styled her stack.” It looks fantastic. She was so anti-branding at the time I met her and I remember being perplexed by this. I love me some good iconic branding. And being in PR and communications for 30+ years I know what a difference it can make. I know she had her reasons at the time, but I’m very glad she came around.
You’ve done a great job. 👏.
Oh, Kim! Thank you so much. Yes, I joined the Cohort in April or May? And Sarah was still saying it wasn't really necessary to do custom wordmarks. Given the fact that Substack doesn't make it easy (as in pretty inflexible parameters) I can understand why to a certain degree, but I love that we can distinguish ourselves not only in our writing but also in how we present ourselves to our readers and the greater community. I love branding. It's my favorite aspect of the work I've been doing professionally for years. Here's a link to my design website if you'd like to take a look: https://nantepperdesign.com Cheers, and see you soon in the Cohort. xo
I recognize pro’s when I see them. You’re the real deal. Just like Sarah!! 😉
FYI re multitasking: Multitasking takes a serious toll on productivity. Our brains lack the ability to perform multiple tasks at the same time—in moments where we think we're multitasking, we're likely just switching quickly from task to task. Focusing on a single task is a much more effective approach for several reasons. The research shows more about the myths of multitasking.
I hear you. I fall apart a little when I try to multitask. What you're saying makes sense. I still hold to my observation that Sarah is astounding to me in how much she seems to accomplish in any given day. I think it's a reflection of her commitment to her work, her passion, and I think her brain must work faster than most of the people I know. I found my mouth hanging open a lot when I'm in her company, as a student, as a colleague, and as a consultant. Thanks for your comment Gary.
I agree. Sarah is on occasion the proverbial fire hose with so much all at once. I’m sure her brain works differently than most of us and wouldn’t it be fascinating to see the images and the differences in the neurons firing. I think we end up paying a price when trying to do too much in too little time and space. It gets crowded in my brain that is already too busy most of the time. I have to stop and focus frequently or my ADHD runs amok.
Yup. Ah, the ADHD brain. It's a challenge, and learning tools to help us attend to the limited amount of time is so useful. If I didn't make to-do lists, and be willing to edit them, and move things to the next day or week or month in a self-loving way, I'd be overwhelmed for sure. I'm learning to prioritize and cut myself a break. Thanks for your comment, Gary.
Thanks, Nan. We belong to the doing what we can with what we have where we are club. And let the rest go for another day, another time. Choices and prioritizing when there seems to be too much, too many and too often is a continuing challenge and that's how it is. So, I deal with it and move on.
Good strategy, Gary. Yup. I always appreciate helpful tips...
beautiful design work!
Thanks, Jodi! xo
Great work Nan! I love what you have done with Sarah Fay's pages.
Thank you, Pamela! xo
Nan, this is so impressive! I LOVE the whole look. You are so gifted!
Thank you, Paulla! I really enjoy doing it. It's fun, I get to meet wonderful writers, and hopeful contribute something meaningful for their growth on Substack.