Today we’d like to introduce you to Frank Norton
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
After a decade of working for small design studios, big advertising agencies, and most recently as an in-house designer / art director at Boulevard Brewing Co. I decide to make the leap to start my own branding and illustration studio. All of my favorite projects were always created outside of my day job, working directly with other entrepreneurs (mostly within the food & beverage space) to help visualize their business concepts. I love collaborating with passionate people who are motivated to push the culture forward. I’ve always felt inspired to use what I’m good at to lift up what my partner’s are good at but it felt impossible to walk away from my salaried job with benefits. After years of working up the guts and planning, in 2020 I quit my day job and starting running my own creative practice full-time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I started my business by essentially working two full-time jobs: my salaried job from 9am-6pm and my freelance job on evenings and weekend. Over time one project became two, two became four, and my work queue escalated quickly. Juggling that schedule for 2-3 years became unsustainable for me — I was set on saving up a nest egg for my business and getting my name out there so I said yes to everything. This was great for business but my physical health and personal life really suffered. Over time I’ve tried to build more balance into my schedule and get in touch with the things that fill up my creative well, provide rest, and nurture things outside of my work.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve built my reputation on creating unconventional brand identities and expressive illustration, partnering with boutique hotels, tropical bars, drag queens, breweries, distilleries, and pizza shops to push the culture forward through art and design. My favorite projects are multifaceted and take into account the whole picture — designing not just the logo, but everything from a small matchbook and coaster to a large format mural, wallpaper, or exterior signage. When you enter a restaurant the food and drink is at the forefront, but the menus, uniforms, glassware, and interior design contribute to the greater experience and serve in making it memorable or forgettable.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
You have to trust yourself. Never stop asking yourself what you want and what you need to live a fulfilling life. If your goal is to fulfill your potential and live a creative lifestyle — you can’t defer to others. In creative matters and business, you’re the only one who can decide what’s best for you when you are carving out your own path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://frank-norton.com
- Instagram: @fbnorton
- Other: @fbnorton.bsky.social
