my experiment in turning all my behind-the-scenes knowledge into a front-facing creator brand.

I’ve built influencer brands for years. Now I’m seeing if I can become one.

I Built the Systems, Not the Spotlight

I’ve spent years helping influencers and creators thrive, designing their sites, refining their brands, and turning their blogs into real, sustainable income streams.

But while they were growing audiences and landing campaigns, I was busy doing the work, quietly in the background. I built systems that worked, but I didn’t build visibility for myself. No personal brand, no lifestyle content, no camera confidence.

Now, I want to see if I can have both, the strategy and the sparkle. Because running a business is great… but I want to play in the world I’ve helped others build.

I’m becoming my own case study

I’m documenting the process of building my creator brand from the ground up, not because I need another job, but because I finally want to have fun with it.

I already know how to do the serious stuff: monetisation, growth, email funnels, SEO, branding. Now I’m learning how to do the fun stuff: showing up on camera, building partnerships, sharing my world, and creating content that earns on its own.

This isn’t about chasing followers. It’s about building a brand that feels personal, creative, and alive.

If you’ve ever been “the one who makes it all work” but secretly wondered what would happen if you stepped into the spotlight, this space is for you.

Hi, I’m Gillian!

I run a successful design and strategy studio. I’ve spent years behind the scenes helping full-time creators build brands, monetise their content, and turn what they love into a living.

I work with them every day, building their blogs, mapping their funnels, attending their events, even speaking at their conferences. I’ve seen firsthand what works, what doesn’t, and how much intention goes into making influence look effortless.

But lately, I’ve been craving something more personal. So this is my experiment in stepping out from behind the curtain, applying all the advice I give (and get) from the pros I work with, and seeing what happens when I try their strategies myself.

I’m testing the formulas. Trying their techniques. And finding out if truly anyone - if they execute it well - can build an online presence that earns, connects, and inspires.

If I can do it, with all my awkwardness and self-doubt, then anyone can.

a creative who’s done the work, now doing it differently