From overlooked to recognised brand designer: how I became a four-time finalist across the UK Small Business Awards and Solopreneur Awards
Bry Bird, Creative Strategist & Web Designer
A few years ago, I was told my branding was “too colourful to be taken seriously.” This month, I became a four-time national awards finalist across two respected UK platforms that celebrate creative and inclusive entrepreneurship.
I’m a finalist for Best Business Branding and Best Creative Arts Business at the UK Small Business Awards 2025, and for Most Innovative Content Creator and Most Magnetic Personal Brand at the Solopreneur Awards 2025.
As an inclusive branding designer, being recognised in categories that celebrate branding, creativity and content creation means so much more than a trophy. It’s proof that I can build success by doing things differently and that empathy and accessibility truly belong at the heart of design.
Finding my footing in the design world
When I first entered the design industry, I worked across agencies and in-house roles, managing everything from branding to social campaigns. I learned a lot, but I also felt like I didn’t quite fit.
I was often told to tone down my ideas or simplify my style.
My colourful, storytelling approach didn’t align with the muted, corporate design trends at the time.
Masking my autism to “fit in” left me exhausted and unsure if there was space for someone like me in this field.
That period taught me how easy it is to lose your creative identity when you’re trying to meet other people’s expectations.
Starting over as an inclusive branding designer
When I was diagnosed as autistic, everything clicked into place. I finally understood my strengths: attention to detail, empathy, creative pattern thinking and a deep sense of fairness.
So I left agency life and started again from my home in Manningtree, building Hi This Is Bry, a brand strategy and design studio focused on accessibility, authenticity and kindness.
It wasn’t easy. I had to rebuild my confidence, find clients who aligned with my values and learn to run a business solo. But every project reminded me that inclusion and creativity aren’t opposites; they work best together.
Recognition that reflects more than results
Being shortlisted for four national awards across branding, creativity and content creation still feels surreal.
These awards aren’t just about visuals; they celebrate innovation, connection and the human side of business. That’s exactly what I’ve built my work around as an inclusive branding designer.
Best Business Branding and Best Creative Arts Business recognised my focus on storytelling and accessible design.
Most Innovative Content Creator and Most Magnetic Personal Brand highlighted the impact of showing up authentically online.
It’s proof that I don’t have to water myself down to succeed, I just need to build something that feels like me.
What I’ve learned along the way
Authenticity attracts the right people. When I stopped pretending, my audience connected more deeply.
Accessibility is innovation. Designing for everyone doesn’t limit creativity; it strengthens it.
Quiet progress counts. Growth doesn’t always come with fanfare — sometimes it’s a steady, meaningful build.
If you’re a creative trying to find your place, remember: the parts of you that feel “different” might be exactly what make your work unforgettable.
Final thoughts...
Becoming a four-time finalist has reminded me that there’s room in the design world for creativity that’s kind, inclusive and unapologetically unique.
Recognition is lovely, but the real reward is knowing I’ve built something true to myself, and that it’s resonating with others.
As an inclusive branding designer, I’ve learned that staying authentic is the strongest form of strategy there is.
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About the writer
Hi, I’m Bry, an Essex-based Creative Strategist and Web Designer!
I help small businesses and neurodivergent founders break through the noise with standout branding, premium visuals and content strategy that connects with your ideal audience.
I also specialise in inclusive design that makes your brand accessible, authentic and impossible to ignore.