Although I shape the aesthetics of a nationally known brand, I believe written communication is just as important as any visual element. There is a story to be told, and while my success ultimately comes down to the final design of a product or a space, it is often that story that makes that design a possibility. It opens up opportunities that get my creations to the shelves, and once there, hopefully, connects with something personal within each consumer. The key to this however, which is true for all successful brands, is that these stories need to be authentic and real, otherwise your success as a brand will never last.
As for the day-to-day, texts and emails are the lifeblood that runs my business (and my family life, I also juggle the day-to-day of my four girls!). I run everything from my home and my partners are scattered around the world. I have to convey ideas, comment on samples, praise well executed designs and fix those that are not (without hurting anyone’s feelings). Everything has to be written because at any given time you may have to go back and refresh someone’s memory that you did in fact reject or change certain elements. To that point, the very process of writing helps to keep everyone careful, honest and accurate (hopefully). However, the written word can only do so much. As a rule one should always be mindful of those moments when you simply have to pick up the phone.
—Wendy Bellissimo is one of the world’s leading designers of products for babies, kids and family lifestyle. Her extensive line of products can be found in Babies ‘R’ Us, JC Penney, Beth Bath & Beyond, and Buy Buy Baby. She has designed nurseries for celebrities like Kelly Ripa and Brooke Shields, has appeared on numerous TV shows including Oprah, and is the author of Wendy Bellissimo Nesting, a book of nursery décor ideas.
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