Meet Whitney Kerney: Brand Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Whitney Kerney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Whitney, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Oh, work-life balance! What an ever-evolving thing, lol. My work-life balance has changed immensely over the years. To be honest, it is constantly changing. I’m realizing as I grow in my business that rest and restoration are vital to my creative and mental health. Of course, setting boundaries with your clients, having set office hours to create, check emails, show up on social, etc. are all key components to having an effective work-life balance. But, how I think about balance is how I’m showing up for myself and for my clients in the best way possible and what that looks like for me — what steps I’m taking to show up as my best self in and out of the office. Being in a field that requires so much creativity out of you can be extremely draining. Therefore, allowing yourself to rest and giving yourself creative health days are so necessary. Setting time aside to create for yourself, practice self-care, shop or simply do nothing is essential! There are days where I’ll just binge-watch TV all day. I’m an avid TV watcher and a proud couch potato. It’s a form of self-care for me. In addition, SLEEP! I have a strict sleep schedule and a disciplined morning routine. Without those two components, I’m a mess, lol. Having that discipline keeps me more balanced and grounded not only in the office but out of the office as well. Balance looks different for everyone, but I believe finding that routine that works for you is KEY!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am the brand designer behind WK Creative. I’m a lover of all things design, style, and beauty. I’m known best for my thoughtful artistic styling, patterns, strategic color palettes, and my ability to create the difference between “yes” and “yasss” for businesses. A little bit about me: For as long as I can remember, I’ve been designing and creating. Growing up I was heavily influenced by artists such as my Dad and Grandmother, so I always knew I wanted to work in the field of design one way or another. Before I became a brand designer, I used to be a clothing designer. Flashback to pre-brand designer Whitney, I was designing clothes and had a petite clothing line called, “WIMICK” (my initials ‘WMK’ pronounced out). Flashback to pre-brand designer Whitney, I was designing clothes and had my own petite clothing line called, “WIMICK” (my initials “WMK” pronounced out). However, just like many solo female entrepreneurs, I wore many hats and one of those hats was branding and marketing. I just absolutely fell IN LOVE with the branding and marketing aspect of it all and I soon realized that brand design was where my heart truly belonged. (I still love fashion, of course – who doesn’t? My shopping addiction is a whole other story). Fast-forward a couple of years later and here I am; helping other female entrepreneurs bring their dreams to reality through thoughtful and artistic brand design. I’m inspired by chic, feminine aesthetics, fashion, all things boho, bold patterns and textiles, artistic interior design, and flowers — give me all the flowers, please. When I’m not designing you can find me buying flowers, shopping (AGAIN, I LOVE TO SHOP!), testing out new beauty products, or playing and cuddling with my cat, Tulip (you can call her Tutu).

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a very lowkey person. I always used to say growing up that I strive to be lowkey and stylish AF, lol. The things I enjoy, my best friend enjoys. Hence one of the million reasons why we are best friends, lol. With that being said, if my best friend were to visit the area and I wanted to show her the best time ever, our ideal day would be to get brunch in outfit no. 1, frolic around the city while being extra stylish in outfit no.2, some downtime, then followed by an elegant dinner in outfit no. 3. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Ooouuu! Where do I begin? First and foremost, MY DAD! Whew! He is my constant source of inspiration. He is the most hard-working, talented man I know. My Grandma! She is no longer with us, but it’s because of her I even have to courage to live out my dreams. I miss her dearly. My love, Jamal. His support and love are absolutely breathtaking. Words just cannot do justice to the kind of support he provides me on a daily basis. His mind is so beautiful and he inspires me more and more every day. My best friend, Janée. Her friendship, love, encouragement, and support means the world to me. She constantly pushes me to be the best version of myself every single day. We push each other and that’s one of million reasons why I love our friendship so much and I am extra, extra grateful for her — love you, Janée!

Website: www.wkcreativestudio.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/wkcreative/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-kerney/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wkcreativestudio

Image Credits
Photo of Whitney: @cultivatecreativeagency Others: Whitney Kerney – WK Creative | @wkcreative