Well, the new year has arrived and the McConnell team is ready for whatever it may bring! Here’s some light reading on what we liked (and disliked) about 2024, and where we hope 2025 will take us!
What’s one project from this year that you’re most proud of and did you (honestly) enjoy working on it?
Carson: My favorite project from this year is two-fold: The rebrand for the Mahoning County CVB and the 2025 Travel Guide. The travel guide is one we do every year, however, this is the first time I’ve been on the project from start to finish. And tied in with the rebrand, it’s been really cool to see everything come together. I can’t wait to unveil it!
Deanna: I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with one of our newest clients this year on their Visitor Guide. It’s always inspiring to collaborate with a team that aligns so seamlessly with ours. The project isn’t quite finished yet, so stay tuned—exciting things are on the way!
Angie: My favorite project of the year was the Fabian Woodworking Website! I’m really proud with how it turned out. Not only did it give me a chance to flex my custom coding skills, but the client was very happy and excited to boost their online presence.
Aly: Completely redesigning a new client’s travel guide. It was so fun to come up with a new layout and extremely satisfying to finally see the blank pages get filled. It was a heavy lift, but I did enjoy it even when it was stressful–honestly!
Is there anything you learned this year that you think other marketers should know?
Carson: Embrace change! Personally and professionally.
Deanna: Here’s a little marketing lesson from this year: not every client needs to be on every social media platform. Maybe you spent months convincing clients to jump on TikTok, only to see it getting banned in the U.S. Focus on platforms that actually align with your client’s goals and audience instead of just chasing the latest trends.
Angie: Marketing and design is a balance between focusing on the minute details, zooming out to make sure the larger picture is still in focus, and making sure you don’t get too stuck on one vs the other.
Aly: People are seeking authenticity. We want to see the people behind the brands! I think marketers and businesses should put more focus on being real and less focus on looking perfect.
If you could go back to January 2024 and give yourself one piece of advice, what would you tell her?
Carson: This year is going to be one you won’t forget, a rollercoaster full of emotions, challenges, and difficult situations. Just remember you’re stronger than you think you are, and don’t forget to lean on your people.
Deanna: Honestly? Just leave it at work. Every December, I find myself laughing at the things that had me totally stressed in July. It all works out in the end, so don’t sweat it too much!
Angie: I would tell the January 2024 version of me to not be afraid to taking bold action.
Aly: Keep on keepin’ on… what comes will eventually go. Be it stressful or enjoyable! Also I’d probably tell her to file her taxes early for once, but it’d be unlikely that she’d listen.
What’s a marketing or design trend that you’re excited to leave in 2024?
Carson: Maybe excessive drop shadows?
Deanna: I don’t want to see another headline with AI in it. NONE.
Angie: Thought not necessarily a trend, one thing we were bombarded with in 2024 was election marketing. I’m glad to take a break from that this year, but I know it will always make it’s way back around. Though I did see some well-put-together commercials, social media campaigns, and direct mail materials, most of election marketing and design is truly the wild west.
Aly: Please stop using AI art on socials. I’m begging you. I promise you can find a real person that can do the job better and it will be way better received by people online.
What song got you through the year?
Carson: “E Get Why” by Winter Amaden, Marizu, and Kelly Lyon
Deanna: Thanks to the lovely Apple Music Replay, I found out Zach Bryan was my top-played artist this year. “I Remember Everything” and “Oklahoma Smoke Show” got overplayed for sure!
Angie: Seriously and unapologetically, the whole Tourtured Poets Department album by Taylor Swift.
Aly: I hyperfixated on The Beach Boys for like 5 months. Probably cried to “God Only Knows” more times than could be considered healthy, but it was cathartic.
If you had to sum up the year in a gif/meme which one would it be?
Carson:
Deanna: Directed @ Mark Zuckerberg
Angie: The Wicked Witch of the East, Bro!
Aly: I know March 2024 seems like half a century ago, but Sad Oompa Loompa has been a mood since.
What’s something you hope our team gets to do in 2025?
Carson: Travel more! I’d love to bring back work trips, seems we haven’t done much of that since before 2020
Deanna: I never dream of labor, so I will instead dream a of fun team retreat in 2025.
Angie: I hope we get to go to a marketing event or conference!
Aly: More things outside of the office! I would love to go on a gals trip. Either that or install a Mad Men-inspired office bar, haven’t decided.
What do you think we will be working on in December of next year?
Carson: That is such a loaded question haha. Hopefully some unique projects for new clients!
Deanna: I hope for great projects from the clients we already have, and some new clients at this time next year! And honestly, I’m really hoping we’ve wrapped up all our Christmas marketing before December rolls around for once. Fingers crossed!
Angie: I think we’ll be wrapping up the year for our clients. Finishing up social calendars, making sure plans are in place for the new year, wrapping up travel guides and newsletters, etc. With marketing, we are always one step ahead of what’s actually happening in the month, so all holiday-focused projects are usually completed in November.
Aly: I can guarantee we will be diligently (albeit gracefully) racing the clock. And also probably saying “This month went by so fast, what is happening” in a mild panic.
Happy 2025 to all of our lovely clients! We look forward to another year of working together.
