Our passion at Colorful Creative is helping business owners drill down to a genuine, meaningful brand identity and then working with them to bring that distinctive brand to life. This holistic approach is a big part of what makes us so effective. But it’s what comes next that really separates Colorful Creative from other branding companies: We assist clients in discovering and connecting a charitable mission to their core business and tell this story while integrating sustainability and fostering inclusivity and diversity practices.

Why? Well, we have the crazy idea that part of the reason we’re all here is to help each other. At the end of the Colorful Creative process, clients are not only poised for the kind of success that follows a seamlessly integrated brand identity, but they gain a deeper understanding of how to support the people and places that matter to them.

Hello and welcome!

I’m Mandy Barrett, owner and creative director of Colorful Creative, a branding agency with a mission.

I’ve been in the world of graphic design for 25 years (wow, time flies), with a lot of that spent running my own business as a branding professional. Colorful Creative is the synthesis of both my visual design expertise and personal core values—a way to help clients make their professional dreams come true while also making the world a better place.

If you want to get to know me, though, all you have to do is browse my Psych 101 personality tests. I’m an Enneagram type 2 (the helper) with a 3 wing (the host), with type 8 (the challenger) a strong second. In Myers-Briggs, I straddle ENFJ (the teacher) and ENFP (the champion). So I’m a helper/teacher who champions people while challenging them to do and be their best. It’s an ideal recipe for a creative director who helps clients dig deep to find their true mission.

My Values

Through the Colorful Creative process, I ask my clients to really examine themselves and find their top 5 values – those values that you live by day to day. To know me is to understand my top 5:

Compassion

Connection

Authenticity

Curiosity

Joy

Who am I when I’m not owner-and-creative-director-Mandy? I’m a little weird, but aren’t we all? Here are 10 fun facts about me:

  1. I make a colorful first impression!
  2. My husband built a mini Ewok village in our backyard, complete with tree decks, a tree house and hanging bridges. I try to meditate out there every day.
  3. A life-size cardboard Yoda stands next to me while I work.
  4. I love to travel and want to continue exploring the world with my family.
  5. I love all things geeky: Star Wars, steampunk cosplay, fantasy and sci-fi books, Marvel and DC Comics, Halloween (the holiday, not the movie), Nightmare Before Christmas (the movie, not the holiday)… and so many more nerdy things.
  6. Nature is my passion. When outside, I often look down to find tiny things (bugs, mushrooms…) I can capture in my macro photography! If my feet are in a stream or in a waterfall, I’m in my happy place.
  7. I dance a lot. Parking lots, my kitchen, a restaurant… For a hot second, I was a professional ballroom dancer and I’m still a swing dance teacher with my amazing hubby. I also sing ALL THE TIME and I love to laugh.
  8. My kids are both in rock bands; one plays the guitar and sings and the other rocks out on the drums.
  9. I throw a KILLER party. Especially for Halloween.
  10. I’ve ziplined through an Alaskan rainforest, and it was one of the highlights of my life.

The truth is that I spend a huge chunk of my life working. But I love what I do! As I create beautiful—and beautifully dynamic—work for others, my clients and I are changing communities one business at a time.

SOME PROJECTS WE LOVE

Our Work

I have worked with Mandy Barrett at Colorful Creative over the past 16 years, in my roles at advertising/marketing agencies, for-profit companies and charitable organizations – I have brought her with me to every job I have taken and for good reason. In my 35 years of working professionally, Mandy is one of the few creative people I have come across who understand business. Her strategic direction is as keen as her creative eye, and her follow-through stands against any marketing director I’ve ever encountered. She gets s(&%t done! I have recommended Mandy to numerous other people and have received the same positive feedback from each and every one of them. Whether it’s designing a logo, branding a new company, rebranding an existing company or creating compelling materials to make people take action, Mandy can make it happen

Beth Cupp, Classroom Central

Mandy Barrett at Colorful Creative brings a unique suite of skills combining creativity, discipline, excellent interaction with the staff, and a commitment to quality and follow-through. Most recently Colorful Creative rebuilt and rebranded our web site and the work was on time, on budget, and resulted in a beautiful, inviting, and functional interface. We are grateful to Mandy and her team for their outstanding service and commitment to Davidson Lands Conservancy.

Dave Cable, Davidson Lands Conservancy

Working with Mandy has been a wonderful experience. Her keen eye for design allows her to transform a simple idea into something that is truly amazing. She is an unbelievable artist and continues to impress me with her creativity, dedication and passion for her work. In addition, she is a genuine person who is always willing to jump-in and help the team out. From project management, client and vendor relations, IT support, copywriting, you name it she has done it successfully. Simply put, Mandy is the complete package and I would recommend her in a heartbeat.

Terri Fenwick, Electrolux Major Appliances

A true visionary when it comes to design, Mandy Barrett has a unique talent for identifying the needs of her clients—often before they even know themselves! Not only is her work impeccable, but the passion she has for her profession is obvious from the moment you meet her. Press time can be tremendously stressful, but Mandy handles everything in stride, always positive and upbeat. In fact, her personality makes her super fun and easy to work with. If I only had two words to describe Mandy, they would be Crazy Creative! She has a knack for seeing things other designers don’t and she knows how to bring layouts alive through her extensive knowledge of typography, color theory, and composition. You should see the beautiful redesign she did for our publication! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mandy for any design project. If you hire her, you won’t be disappointed!

Heather Oliver, RoadRunner Touring & Travel Magazine

Mandy is the most creative person I have ever worked with! She is an excellent leader and a fantastic team member because she sees each project in its entirety. Whether Mandy is taking the lead or contributing to the whole she is a graphic designer that can make any project successful. Her broad knowledge base encompasses sales, marketing, public relations, print, TV, on-line, social media, newsletters, blogs, ad/coupon creation, website design and more. If you have a need for a graphic designer that thinks out of the box and is not afraid to offer advice, then you’ve come to the right place.

Cheryl Nelson, Marketing and Brand Specialist

Quite simply, Mandy is one of those very rare individuals who is both creative and analytical. Mandy has a great sense of style and can translate ideas into clean, simple and elegant design. She is highly skilled as a designer and possesses excellent communication skills. In addition, unlike most designers, Mandy is also quite adept at managing the production process for front end web design, email integration and virtually any print deliverable. She is a dedicated professional and a very pleasant, energetic person.

Andy Giordano, Online Video Expert

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