Meet Forest Barstead of Auburn Hills

Today we’d like to introduce you to Forest Barstead.

Hi Forest, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been a creative at heart. From a young age, I found joy in making things—expressing myself visually just felt natural. That passion eventually led me to a career in graphic design. After earning my degree in 2014, I spent the next several years freelancing, while also picking up work outside the design world to make ends meet. It wasn’t always glamorous, but every experience shaped my journey.

Although I was born and raised in Michigan, I spent nearly five years in my early 20s living in Los Angeles with my now-husband, who works in the music industry. LA was a whirlwind—competitive, fast-paced, and overflowing with talent. But in the middle of that vibrant chaos, we were able to carve out a space for ourselves and accomplish some truly meaningful creative goals. Looking back, that time was special in a way that’s hard to put into words.

Like so many others, our lives took a turn in 2020 when the pandemic hit. Both of us found ourselves unemployed and faced with some big questions. With so much uncertainty in the air, we decided to pack up our lives and head back to Michigan, closer to our roots and our families.

That move opened the door to a new chapter. I was hired onto a California-based startup agency that focuses on branding and social media marketing in the legal space. The team is fully remote, with talented creatives across the country. Over the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside other designers, social strategists, videographers, photographers, editors, and copywriters to help law firms grow authentically on social media. It’s been a rewarding and collaborative experience.

In 2021, I married my best friend and creative partner-in-crime. And in 2024, we welcomed our beautiful daughter into the world—an experience that’s changed everything in the best way possible. Since then, I’ve stepped back from full-time agency work to focus on being a full-time mom while also creating space for my own passion projects.

There’s a quote I came across recently that truly stuck with me, especially in this season of life as both a creative and a mother: “I’ve never been more ambitious than I am as a mother. My ‘why’ got so much bigger.” — Unknown. Since welcoming my daughter, everything has shifted in the best way. She’s my biggest inspiration, and the driving force behind why I show up with more heart, more creativity, and more purpose than ever before. Every project I take on, every idea I explore—it’s all rooted in the desire to create a life filled with love, intention, and expression, not just for myself, but for her. She’s a daily reminder of why I do what I do.

These days, you’ll either find me strategizing and designing for my longtime client at the agency, or pouring my energy into building my own brand. I enjoy sharing authentic, everyday moments on social media and partnering with brands that genuinely align with our family’s lifestyle. I also continue to take on freelance work, offering a range of creative services including graphic design, branding, merchandise, advertising, and social media marketing.

At the heart of everything I do is a deep love for storytelling, authenticity, and connection. I pride myself on being a strong communicator—not just through words, but through visuals, design, and thoughtful collaboration. Helping others bring their visions to life and grow their brands in a meaningful way is what drives me. Art is more than just a career—it’s my outlet, my passion, and a way to leave a little light in the world.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not. The journey has been far from linear. There have been plenty of tough moments—challenges that felt overwhelming and pushed me to my limits. But in hindsight, those experiences have been some of my greatest teachers. They’ve built resilience, strength, and a deeper understanding of myself in a world that isn’t always easy or fair.

One thing that’s always kept me grounded through it all is my faith. In the hardest moments—when things felt uncertain or out of reach—leaning into my faith gave me the strength and clarity to keep moving forward. It’s been my anchor, especially when I couldn’t see the bigger picture just yet.

Each obstacle has presented an opportunity to grow—not just professionally, but personally. One of the biggest hurdles in today’s world, especially as a creative, is dealing with imposter syndrome. Social media makes it incredibly easy to fall into the trap of comparison, especially when you’re constantly exposed to curated versions of success. I’ve had to learn to shift that mindset—not to envy others, but to be inspired by them, and then channel that inspiration into my own unique path.

The truth is, we all bring something different to the table. I’m learning to embrace who I am, to own my voice, and to let go of the need for external validation. Between living through a global pandemic, a recession, and navigating the pressures of the social media era, being a young millennial hasn’t exactly made the road to success feel simple or straightforward. But every twist and turn has helped shape the creative person I am today—and for that, I’m grateful.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a graphic designer with over 10 years of experience, specializing in branding and advertising. For the past five years, I’ve been part of a startup called Outlier Creative Agency, where I focus on strategizing and designing for brands in the legal space. My role centers on social media marketing and visual storytelling—creating compelling content that spans everything from graphics to video.

My work ranges from building brand identities—logos, color palettes, stationery—to designing advertising materials for both established businesses and individuals. Through freelance projects, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of clients, and honestly, I prefer it that way. While the agency keeps me grounded in a focused niche, freelancing gives me the freedom to collaborate with all kinds of people, explore fresh ideas, and push creative boundaries.

Thanks to my husband’s career in the music industry, I’ve also had the chance to work with artists on everything from show flyers and merchandise to social media content. One of my favorite creative moments actually came outside of a computer screen—designing a large-format chalkboard menu for Romancing the Bean, one of my favorite coffee shops in Burbank, CA. I spent several years working at their sister restaurant while living in California, so it felt incredibly special to leave a visual mark in a place that held so much personal meaning. It was one of those full-circle moments where my creative and personal worlds beautifully collided.

What sets me apart as a creative is that I lead with authenticity. I’m as real as they come, and I genuinely enjoy building lasting, meaningful relationships with the people I work with. I want every project to feel easygoing, collaborative, and rewarding—not just for me, but for my clients as well.

For me, this work goes far beyond just a job. Yes, it helps support my family, but it also gives me the chance to bring other people’s visions to life—and that’s something I don’t take lightly. I love knowing that I can leave a lasting mark on someone’s brand or business through the work we create together.

Creatively, I find my flow when I let things happen naturally—usually with a good house mix playing in the background. I’ve learned that the less I try to force creativity, the more inspired and impactful the outcome becomes. My goal is for clients to feel completely confident trusting me with their ideas, knowing that I’ll deliver something that’s not only visually strong, but uniquely tailored to who they are. The more I stay grounded and real with myself, the better positioned I am to create designs that truly connect and drive results.

What matters most to you?
Faith, family, and using our God-given gifts. I believe we’re all blessed with unique talents, and none of them are accidental. We’re never given more than we can handle, and the more we lean into our natural abilities, the more impact we can make in the world.

My family is my daily motivation—they inspire me to be the best version of myself, to focus on what I can control, and to trust in the ebb and flow of life. I may not have everything figured out, but I know that my mindset matters. It’s about showing patience—with myself and others—staying grounded, and trusting in the process even when the destination isn’t always clear.

What also matters is being honest and genuine in both personal and professional relationships, giving back when I can, and counting my blessings often. I see my gifts not just as tools for success, but as a way to serve others and leave a positive mark wherever I can.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forestrainnn/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forest.vanderlip
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/forest-barstead-4aa177261/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/forestraindesigns/