Conversations with Haily Bartlett

Today we’d like to introduce you to Haily Bartlett. 

Hi Haily, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always been passionate about creating things that make people happy. My mom and dad were two people who instilled that creativity in me at a very young age (in their own unique ways). As I grew up that passion evolved into a love of teaching others how they can grow their passions and create things for themselves without being overburdened or feel overwhelmed. This was fulled by my professors and colleagues in the PSU GIT department (OAGAAG). Once I graduated college and got my first agency job I fell into the trap of “the grind”. I would stay late thinking that it proved that I was working hard when in reality it was burning me out. Not realizing this at the time, I continued pushing myself down this unstable path until things came to a head in 2018. Not only was I not thriving creatively, my dad was diagnosed with melanoma cancer and passed away within a weeks’ time… This was the low point. The worst I had ever felt. My true rock bottom. It was at this point when I realized I needed to reevaluate my goals and what I wanted out of life. I made a list of all the things I was passionate about and workshopped how I could combine them to lead myself back to where I was so long ago, creating things that make people happy, but in a much healthier way. That is where I discovered that I love making goofy logos and badges for made-up companies and that I wanted to start sharing my experiences with burnout with others to help them realize it before it’s too late. The fact that I get to not only share my experiences with others but also create things that make people happy makes my heart so full. I think about my dad and wish he could be here to see what he inspired, but I know he would be so proud that I found my way. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. Dealing with burnout and the loss of my dad at the same time was the hardest thing I have ever done. Almost losing my job and being told I wasn’t good enough by a creative director that I looked up to and trusted also fulled this rock bottom. Working through creative burnout while also on a grief journey is what inspired me to persist in creating my workshops and badge designs. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an award-winning art director who wears many hats. I specialize in logo and badge design, but I also work in print and digital media to solve my client’s business problems. I have done work with Pampers, Rolex, and Iams just to name a few clients I have served. Outside of design, I am known for my burnout workshop that I have given at multiple universities and events. I have also given a talk about the grief journey during a women’s conference. I am most proud of the work I have done for and within these workshops. I got to create the branding for them, but more importantly, I receive emails and messages from those who attended saying how much it helped them realize and prioritize their creative aspirations. My own brand of positivity sets me apart from others. Being able to self-reflect and empathize while on your own self-awareness journey is very important. 

What do you think about luck?
I feel like I am lucky to have people in my life that loved and supported me on this journey. I’m lucky to have the husband, daughter, parents, family, friends, and teachers that I have, who make it all worth it and inspire me every day. I have been able to turn my bad luck into inspiration and opportunities. 

Contact Info:

• Email: hayhaily.co@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.hayhaily.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayhihaily/

Image Credits
Daniel Doelling
Rachel Garozzo