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Life & Work with Cristina of Michigan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristina.

Hi Cristina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Creativity was part of my life long before I knew it could become a career. When I was 15, my dad worked at a print shop, and I spent my time helping design and price business cards for local small businesses. Looking back, it was my first introduction to branding, even though I didn’t have a name for it yet.

Those early experiences sparked a fascination with design, storytelling, and the personalities behind businesses. After earning my degree in graphic design, I began working with local entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and community organizations, helping them communicate who they were and what made them different. The more projects I took on, the more I realized that many organizations didn’t need more marketing. They needed clarity. They needed a stronger sense of identity.

That idea eventually became the foundation of Modish Creative Co. Today, I serve as Creative Director and lead a team that helps brands define who they are and how they show up in the world. Our work goes beyond logos and visuals. We focus on creating cohesive brand experiences through strategy, storytelling, digital presence, content, and design.
Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to work with everyone from neighborhood nonprofits and local businesses to nationally recognized brands. What has remained constant is my belief that great design is really about connection. It’s about helping people see themselves in a brand and helping organizations tell their stories in a way that feels authentic, memorable, and human.

What began at a print shop designing business cards has evolved into a career built around shaping identities, building communities, and creating work that leaves a lasting impression.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like most entrepreneurs, my journey has come with its share of challenges. Building a creative business requires wearing a lot of hats, especially in the beginning. I wasn’t just a designer. I was also handling sales, project management, client communication, accounting, and everything else that comes with running a company.

One of the biggest challenges was learning how to balance creativity with business strategy. Creative work is exciting, but building a sustainable agency requires systems, processes, and difficult decisions. There were periods when growth happened faster than expected, which meant figuring out how to scale a team, maintain quality, and continue delivering exceptional work while taking on larger opportunities.

Another challenge has been helping clients understand the value of strategy. Many organizations come looking for a logo, a website, or social media content, but what they often need is a deeper understanding of their identity and positioning. Part of our work has always involved educating clients and guiding them through that process, which requires trust and patience.

At the same time, every challenge has helped shape the agency into what it is today. The obstacles taught me how to lead, how to build strong partnerships, and how to create a business that is both creatively fulfilling and strategically grounded. Looking back, I wouldn’t change those experiences because they’ve been some of the most valuable lessons in my career.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m the Creative Director and founder of Modish Creative Co., a creative agency that helps brands define who they are and how they show up in the world. We work at the intersection of brand strategy, design, digital experiences, content, and marketing, helping organizations build identities that feel cohesive, intentional, and memorable.

What sets us apart is the way we invest in our clients. We don’t see ourselves as an outside vendor hired to complete a project. We become deeply embedded partners who are invested in the long-term success of the organizations we work with. We celebrate their wins, help navigate their challenges, and work alongside them as they grow. The best client relationships feel less like transactions and more like collaborations built on trust.

That approach comes from genuinely caring about the people behind the brands. We want to understand what they’re building, why it matters, and how we can help amplify their message. When we take on a project, we’re not just creating marketing materials or designing a website. We’re helping tell a story we believe deserves to be heard.

What I’m most proud of is the impact of that work. We’ve helped organizations grow their audiences, strengthen their brands, launch new initiatives, and create meaningful connections with their communities. Knowing that our work has played a role in someone else’s success is far more rewarding than any award or recognition.

At the end of the day, great creative work isn’t just about design. It’s about relationships, trust, and helping good people do more of what they do best. That’s the foundation of everything we do at Modish.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I’ve spent much of my career helping other people tell their stories, so it’s always a little funny being asked to tell my own. What I know for sure is that none of this happens alone. Every opportunity, every client, every lesson, and every challenge has been shaped by the people around me.

If there’s one thing I’d leave readers with, it’s this: don’t be afraid to take up space. Whether you’re building a business, pursuing a creative career, or working toward a goal that feels out of reach, trust your perspective. The things that make you different are often the things that make you valuable.

I still approach my work with the same curiosity I had when I was 15 years old sitting in a print shop helping design business cards. The tools have changed, but the excitement of helping people bring their ideas to life hasn’t. That’s what continues to inspire me every day.

Pricing:

  • Brand strategy and identity projects typically start at $10,000+
  • Website design and development projects typically start at $7,500+
  • Social media management and content creation retainers start at $2,000/month
  • Ongoing creative and marketing partnerships are customized based on goals, scope, and level of support required

Contact Info:

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