As May approaches, it will mark a year since Sienna joined DSD as a Junior Graphic Designer, and it feels like the right moment to pause and reflect. Looking back, it’s hard to believe how quickly the time has gone, and just how much the studio, and I myself, have evolved in that short space of time.
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Finding the Right Fit
Of course, bringing someone into a small studio is always a big decision. When you work closely with clients and take real pride in the details of every project, the right fit matters just as much as the right skillset. From day one, however, Sienna brought a great attitude, curiosity, and a willingness to learn; qualities that have made a real difference to the studio over the past twelve months.
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Growth in Confidence and Capability
Over the year, she’s grown in both confidence and capability, getting involved in a wide range of projects across branding, print, and digital. Watching that progression has been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. There’s something genuinely satisfying about seeing someone start to connect the dots, not just how to design something, but why it works. That shift from execution to understanding is where real growth happens, and Sienna has embraced that journey.
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A Shift in Studio Dynamics
At the same time, having Sienna in the studio has shifted the day-to-day dynamic in a really positive way. Design can sometimes be a solitary profession, particularly in a smaller studio environment. Having someone to bounce ideas off, talk through concepts, and challenge thinking has added a new energy to the workflow. It’s created more opportunities for collaboration and discussion, which ultimately leads to stronger creative outcomes.
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Evolving the Workspace
Alongside these changes, the studio itself has undergone a quiet but meaningful transformation. What began as a modest single-desk setup has expanded into a two-position workspace designed for collaboration and creative exchange. The new arrangement introduces a sense of symmetry and intention; two chairs, dual monitor setups, and a clean, minimal layout that balances functionality with inspiration. The studio now feels less like a solitary environment and more like a shared creative hub.
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Learning Through Mentorship
Stepping into a mentorship role has been just as impactful for me as it has been for Sienna. It’s changed the way I work in ways I hadn’t fully anticipated. Explaining design decisions, breaking down processes, and guiding someone through challenges forces a level of clarity and intention that’s easy to overlook when working solo. It’s encouraged me to slow down, be more considered, and communicate ideas more effectively, not just for Sienna, but across all areas of my work.
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A Better Way of Working
Mentorship has also reshaped my day-to-day approach. I’ve become more patient, more structured, and more aware of the importance of consistency. Leading by example has taken on a new meaning; it’s no longer just about delivering good work, but about demonstrating good habits, clear thinking, and a positive mindset. In many ways, supporting Sienna’s development has refined my own, pushing me to be more disciplined and intentional in everything I do.
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Beyond Technical Skills
More importantly, mentorship isn’t just about teaching technical skills, it’s about building confidence, encouraging curiosity, and helping someone find their own creative voice. Seeing Sienna take ownership of tasks, contribute ideas, and grow more assured in her work has been a real highlight of the year. That sense of progression, both creatively and personally, is what makes the process so rewarding.
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The Value of Collaboration
Ultimately, the past twelve months have reinforced something important: great design doesn’t happen in isolation. It grows through conversation, collaboration, and a shared enthusiasm for the craft. What started as bringing in a junior designer has become something much more meaningful; a partnership that’s had a lasting impact on the studio and on how I work within it.
With that in mind, I’m excited to see where the next year takes us and how Sienna continues to grow as a designer. The first year has flown by, and it feels like we’re only just getting started.
