When Someone Puts Their Name Next to Yours: A Lesson in Creative Trust

Not long ago, a client of mine recommended me to someone in his network.

That kind of referral is one of the greatest compliments a creative professional can receive. It says, “I trust you enough to put my name next to yours.” But to be honest? I was nervous.

Because when someone refers you, they’re not just doing you a favour—they’re staking their own reputation. If things go wrong, it reflects on them just as much as it does on you. And that weight isn’t something I take lightly.

The Unspoken Responsibility Behind a Referral

The project went well—really well. We clicked, delivered on the goals, and achieved results the client was thrilled with.

At the end of the project, the original client (the one who referred me) said something I’ll never forget:

“David, I would never hesitate to recommend you to anyone. Ever.”

That sentence hit me harder than I expected. Because it confirmed something I’ve always believed:

In the creative world, trust is currency. And consistency is how you earn it.

It’s not just about good design. It’s about being dependable. Communicating clearly. Being honest when things change. Owning the work as if it were your own business on the line—because in a way, it is.

Over 22 Years of Earning Trust

Throughout my 22+ years working with brands across industries—from global giants to scrappy startups—I’ve learned that trust doesn’t come from awards or flashy portfolios. It comes from showing up and delivering, time and time again.

Whether I’m leading a full brand campaign, crafting integrated marketing assets, or consulting on creative strategy, I approach every project with the same mindset:

• Be intentional

• Be honest

• Be someone people can rely on

Because when a client refers you, it means they’re not just happy—they’re proud to be associated with you. And that’s the kind of relationship I value most.

The Work Is Personal—Because Reputation Is Personal

So yes, I get nervous sometimes when someone refers me. Not because I doubt my skills, but because I understand what’s at stake.

Reputation is earned through experience and protected through consistency. And I’m committed to protecting the reputation of everyone who trusts me—clients, collaborators, and partners alike.

Let’s Talk

If you’re exploring a creative project and want to work with someone who treats your brand (and your trust) like it's their own, I’d love to chat.

💬 DM me or click here to book a free 20-minute consultation. No pressure. Just a real conversation about your goals and how I can help.

David Appiah
Integrated/Creative Designer
Helping brands create meaningful, results-driven design with integrity and impact.

Blog Post Title Two

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Blog Post Title Three

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Blog Post Title Four

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.