Intuitive design and heart-led business: What is it exactly?

I certainly didn't use the words intuitive and heart-led just because it feels and looks good. There are so many people using these terms, and I really want to address this because it represents a process unique to us. It sounds ambiguous, so if you would like to find out what exactly it is, read on!

A peak into my intuitive design process

why do i call it intuitive?

The creative process is super personal, and it never comes easy or fast. Sure there are some good days where I get hit by inspiration right away and churn out those ideas fast. But most of the time, I draw a blank.

I start to do everything else that’s unrelated.

01/ ‘letting the dust settle' phase.

I just let the information sit inside my head. Once the dust settles and the water becomes clear, that's when a vague image forms and I start exploring on my artboard. 

There’s no telling how long this period will be. This also means that I am subconsciously thinking about work constantly until it’s done 😔. But if it’s taking a long time and cutting too close to the deadline, I will start my next phase.

02/ the absorption phase

I will take extra time to play games, read, craft or explore new places on foot. This stimulates the creative side of me, and an idea will just come into my mind. I drop everything and start working.

03/ the cross-checking phase

Once an initial idea is done, I will cross-check against competitors' logos, brand values and solutions to see if it makes sense. This is also where I start looking at design inspiration sites like Pinterest, Dribbble and Behance to see if there's anything similar or improve my design further.

I avoid looking at inspiration sites right at the start because I will subconsciously produce inspired work, which is a big no-no.


Design is expensive because it’s a unique process where you tap into the designer’s intuition to produce the best work for you and your business.

no two designers will look at the same brief and produce the same work.


And there you have it my process to producing intuitive work. It hasn’t failed me and all my clients say I can almost read their mind. Which only happens when you put in heart-work. This brings me to my next question to address.

What is a heart-led business?

My only definition of this would be to put people you are serving first. Running the business with your heart, having the empathy to put out solutions to change the world for the better.

It doesn’t have to have a significant impact, instead start small and start with what you can. As you impact more lives, the world will change for the better.

Of course, we are all for-profit as well, but we believe profit comes naturally after you put out the good work. If you are leading a profit-driven business, chances are you will attract price shoppers. That’s not what we want when building a brand. Always lead with heart :)


I hope this post helps you understand PassionSwirls a little better and what our core values are. As usual, if you have any questions regarding our methods or brand building in general, just drop us an email or slide into our dms!

with love, jia

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