What We Learned Running our Creative Agency in 2025

Entrepreneurship

Dec 26

As we close out 2025, we're doing what every agency should do but rarely shares publicly: taking a hard look at what actually worked, what didn't, and why it matters for the brands we work with.

Here’s what we learned in 2025, and how we’re taking it with us to hone in on our bread and butter in 2026:

LESSON: There’s a real cost to saying “yes” to everything

What happened: In early 2025, we took on projects outside our sweet spot (that dang scarcity mindset got us again). The result? Scope creep, misaligned expectations, and work that didn't showcase our actual strengths.

What we learned: When you step outside your niche to chase revenue, you sometimes end up spending more time, energy, and goodwill than the project is worth. By contrast, clients who helped us end the year strong, like Amador Wine Country and Studio Tigre, share a common trait: they’re values-led brands that came to us to do what we do best and are aligned with our team’s mission, vision and goals.

What this means for you: If your creative partner seems to do "everything," tread carefully. Specialists deliver better results because they've refined their process. Ask potential partners: "What do you turn down, and why?"

Lesson: Structure isn't sexy, but it's what makes creative work actually work

What happened: Our Online Business Manager, Cody, spent the year rebuilding our service model — moving from standalone branding projects to a structured branding-to-launch framework. We noticed that when we handed off brands, the business owners weren’t always sure which steps come next and so bundling the most-commonly-asked-for post-branding deliverables became a part of our ‘brand launch’ offer. You only get one chance at a first impression, and for many of our clients, having our assistance through their launch was key to starting off strong.

What we learned: Creative businesses often resist systems because they feel restrictive. But the truth is that structure gives your team room to do their best work. When everyone knows the process, you waste less time on confusion and more time on craft & you know when and how to spend your time. Longer project scopes help us onboard better and keep clients happier.

What this means for you: If you're working with an agency that feels chaotic— we’re talking missed deadlines, unclear next steps, or constant pivots— they probably lack internal systems. Be warned: that chaos will become your chaos. Projects like Galavant Society succeeded because we had clear phases, deliverables, and expectations from day one. What made Galavant Society’s relaunch so successful? Building hype and making it a celebration. Tune into Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast Episode 229: Why Your Rebrand Deserves a Launch Party.

Lesson: Social Media feels stale sometimes. Here’s how to jumpstart it.

What happened: Our designers and brand managers were hitting a wall: lack of source information from clients left us guessing more than guiding.

What we learned: Social media success can’t be offloaded without doing the foundational work. No designer, however talented, can create engaging content month over month without high quality content & insights from the client. We also spent time right-sizing expectations about follower growth, sales, conversions, etc. Social Media is a gear in the greater system of your marketing, not a substitute for the whole machine.

What this means for you: Before hiring someone to "handle your social," ask yourself: Do I have clear brand messaging? Do I know what my audience cares about? Am I willing to collaborate rather than just delegate to get the results I want? Our brand retainers now feel like true partnerships instead of checked boxes.

Lesson: Approval bottlenecks delay progress

What happened: Delayed approvals and last-minute requests created a ripple effect across projects. When this happens, well laid plans suffered and work felt more like a game of whack-a-mole.

What we learned: Requesting timely feedback isn't about being demanding— it's about respecting the creative process. When approvals lag, teams lose context, ideas go stale, and everyone ends up frustrated.

What this means for you: If working with our team, we do request specific feedback timelines & attendance to check-in meetings. Our talent is best utilized this way!

Lesson: Pivot to Print

What happened: Our lead designer, Madison, found unexpected energy in print and packaging work, particularly for Studio Tigre & Dental Hygiene Nation.

What we learned: In a world drowning in digital content, tangible design cuts through (we cover this more in Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast Episode 198: Marketing without Social Media). There's something about holding a beautifully designed package or printed piece that creates a different kind of brand memory.

What this means for you: If your branding strategy is 100% digital, you're missing out. Print doesn't have to mean expensive — you just have to be intentional about implementation. Consider where a physical touchpoint could elevate your customer experience.

What we're doing differently in 2026

This year taught us that less truly is more when it comes to sustainable brand growth.

We're refining workflows, building in strategic check-ins, and creating space for high-level creative work instead of firefighting. We're saying no to projects that don't fit, even when it's tempting to say yes. And we're focusing on clients who understand that good branding isn't a one-time expense—it's an investment in how your business shows up consistently over time.

Are we the right fit for your goals?

We work best with brands that: