🙋‍♂️ Life Updates

I can probably count on one hand the times I’ve felt more stretched than I was this week.

• Freelance project deadlines stacked up.

• Two workshop presentations to build—one virtually over Zoom.

• Prepping to be out of the office for three days.

• Then my best friend Kevin and his wife came to town (who I haven’t seen in two years).

A lot of moving pieces…
But all good things—great things.

A week that pushed me to the max, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

🎨 The Creative Mix

Texture is like that last puzzle piece.. it snaps into place and suddenly the whole design just clicks.

“But Matthew, won’t it look too busy?”

Just slapping texture on? Yeah, that’s not it.

It’s all about the right balance, a little finesse, and knowing when to say 'enough.' It takes practice... and that’s the fun part!

This isn’t some magic hack. It’s an art. And when you nail it? Your designs go from good to great.

[01] True Grit Texture Supply

Need that hand-crafted feel? True Grit has you covered. It’s like taking your design straight off the printing press… gritty, raw, and full of personality. Why start from scratch? They’ve already perfected it for you.

[02] Bracken Design

Meet True Grit’s younger sibling… Bracken Design. They don’t have the same range, but it’s got its own niche and packs a punch. Bold, versatile, and ready to elevate your designs. It’s not the OG, but trust me, it holds its own and deserves a spot in your toolkit.

[03] Doron Supply

Looking for grunge? Doron Supply cranks it up to 11. Forget basic textures… these are raw, distressed, and original. If you want bold, gritty, and unforgettable, Doron’s got you covered.

🚀 Leadership Lab

Are you setting the temperature for your team? Or just reacting to it?

Thermometers: reflect their environment. Reactive. Inconsistent. It’s a rollercoaster.
- When the team’s down, they’re down.
- When the team’s up, they’re up.

Thermostats: They set the temperature. Steady, reliable, consistent. They lead by example. They don’t just react, they shape the atmosphere.

The secret: It starts with leading yourself. Before you lead others, you’ve got to master leading YOU.

8 Weekly reflection questions you should ask yourself:

1. Did I model the values & culture I want my team to embrace?

2. Was I in tune with each team member’s individual needs?

3. Am I investing in my own leadership & creative growth?

4. Did I celebrate wins and give enough recognition?

5. Did I actively seek feedback/criticism? How did I respond to it?

6. What did I do well that I can keep doing next week?

7. How do I support risk-taking and innovation?

8. How did I inspire creativity within my team?

Be the thermostat.

Go crush it this week - you’ve got this!
🐯🎉 Matthew