When Germinate Creative sprouted a decade ago, we had no idea how wildly our future garden would grow. Like many fledgling businesses, we were running on big dreams and bold ambition, eager to share our design talent with organizations doing important work in the world. Together with our past and existing clients, we have been energized and supported through both abundant and challenging seasons. 

We are forever thankful for these deep roots of collaboration that allow us to continue enriching our business and community in new, even more fulfilling ways:

• Leveraging our intrinsic creativity, compassion, and connection to help clients tell their stories with extraordinary visuals across print and digital
• Evaluating our design process through the lens of equity and justice to best serve the partners and organizations we love
• Developing a social responsibility policy that governs our donations, mentorships, and hiring practices
• Boosting our involvement in community service and charitable contributions that align with our convictions

Celebrating 10 years in a big way

Stay tuned for near-future content about the big (and sometimes hilarious) lessons we’ve learned along the way, our fave projects we love, love, love…and what we plan to do and learn in the next decade.

And — we’ll be sharing some exciting promotions and giveaways in our next newsletters. You won’t want to miss them!

10 dream clients we can’t wait to work with soon

Speaking of plans for the future, ours include extending time and talent to additional clients who are making an impact, including these 10 secret crushes 😍 Now that the cat’s out of the bag, please feel free to shamelessly promote us if you know someone at any or all of these dynamite orgs!:

• Seeding Justice – Much like our own closely-governed commitment to social progress, Seeding Justice believes in supporting organizations and changemakers who seek to liberate the communities most impacted by injustice. From a small seed, we can all work together toward growth and opportunity for everyone, and we hope to one day be a part of this mission.
• Planned Parenthood – With a rich history of supporting reproductive rights, Planned Parenthood has long been on our radar. The recent federal challenges have only amplified the need for services in all — and for all — our communities, and we believe this is fertile ground for new partnerships. 
• Lucy and Yak – We insta-connected with Lucy and Yak’s joyful patterns, durable dungarees, and their inclusive sizing from 4-32 . But what really makes us swoon is their ongoing commitment to anti-racism practices in the workplace, with vendors, and across the world at large. It reminds us of the importance of sustaining our own social responsibility commitment and working with others who share these initiatives.
• Robert Wood Johnson Foundation – We’re so inspired by the mission of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to build a culture of health for America. While they’re based in New Jersey, their influence extends beyond traditional borders to strengthen public health systems nationwide. It’s all about an equitable, accessible network for all to benefit from, and we’re here for it with our commitment to equity in design.
• 9to5 – As a woman-owned business, we know the harm of inequities for women — those same inequities of pay, power, and participation that 9to5 seeks to upend. And they’ve made incredible inroads since their inception 50 years ago. It’s our dream to collaborate on future plans for progress with this life-changing organization.
• Sesame Workshop – Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit behind the beloved Sesame Street television series, offering valuable resources like timely research, classroom curricula, and large-scale social impact projects across the globe. While we have deep expertise in collaborating with mission-driven organizations, we have also benefited from the program’s educational lessons in our own childhoods and those of the families we now support.
• Oregon Public Broadcasting – As big fans and proponents of public broadcasting (and as Portland residents), we’re down with OPB — otherwise known as Oregon Public Broadcasting. My kiddo’s favorite show is called Oregon Field Guide, a super cool program about animals and nature in Oregon that’s been around since 1988!
• Feeding America – Feeding America is the largest U.S. hunger relief organization impacting our local communities. Beyond providing food to food banks, food pantries, and local food programs, Feeding America is also a major advocate for legislation that helps solve the hunger crisis. We feel the impact of this nationwide effort throughout our own community and can’t wait to help give back through design and collaboration.
• SheJumps – SheJumps is that O.M.G. organization you always wanted to exist, and then one day it does! Helping women and girls reach their full potential through outdoor play and adventures in nature, SheJumps is exactly what the world needs right now. We can’t wait to collaborate with this org to continue breaking barriers and exploring more opportunities for fun and impact in the great outdoors.
• Alive Center for Teens – Alive Center for Teens is a teen-led, teen-driven mentoring nonprofit that’s been supporting Chicagoland-area students through after-school and summer programs since 2012. Their values of inclusion, empowerment, and resilience are the bedrock for helping teens through many of life’s ups and downs — and a big reason they’re on our “client bucket list.”

We’re currently booking projects for 2023!Our team has created space for new challenges and opportunities. Get your project on the books today. Grab a spot on my calendar today so we can connect!