We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelli Binnings and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelli, what is the most important factor behind your success?

I’ve always kept the person at the center of the project. Whether I’m working with a team or an individual, my goal is to provide value in a fun, collaborative way. The success of a project is so much more than the result you were hired to deliver; it’s about the relationships you build in the process. I approach each project with enthusiasm and an open mind ready to listen, learn and creatively explore in every way that I can.
A huge part of what drives me and likely a major factor behind the success I’ve had, is caring about others and their success as if it were my own.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m one of the lucky ones. I love what I do, the people I get to work with, and the creative things we build together. Over the years I’ve worked on a variety of branding and photography projects but this past year has been exceptionally unique in a great way. I’ve had the opportunity to dive even deeper into strategy, meaning and culture by connecting with and inspiring the teams that live the brands I build. It’s an insanely fulfilling role and look forward to sharing in their success as they grow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

So many things to see in this city! But if we’re thinking in a post-Covid world …
Drive up the PCH
Hike Los Liones
Catalina Island
Hollywood Sign / Griffith Observatory
Drive up Sunset Blvd
El Matador Beach
Walk the strand in Venice
Fia on Wilshire
Rosaline on Melrose
Street Tacos in the Palisades
Cholada Thai on PCH
Brunch at Nighthawk
Drinks at the Culver Hotel
Malibu Cafe
I’m sure I’m forgetting something …

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

There are SO many people that have contributed to my mindset and success. My close friends and family have always been my cheerleaders, supporting all my crazy ideas and risks over the years. There is no doubt I am where I am because of them.
I’m also an avid reader in the mindset and psychology space with a few key books having contributed to radical growth for me over the last couple of years. Wired to Create by Scott Barry Kaufman and Carolyn Gregoire, Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene, and Herding Tigers by Todd Henry are the ones that come to mind first.
As a solopreneur, I greatly value my circle of talented friends and collaborators, Brandon Brown, Micah Haley, Burton Chatelain Jr., Ken Herfurth, Jonathan Palmisano, Megan Hendricks… to name a few.
Lastly, my go to creative leaders that provide endless inspiration in the brand space Marty Neumeier, Tobias Dahlberg, GFDA guys, and Todd Henry.

Website: www.buildsmartbrands.com

Instagram: @buildsmartbrands / @kbinnings / @kellibinningsphoto

Linkedin: kellibinnings

Facebook: kelli.binnings

Other: Clubhouse @kellibinnings

Image Credits
Headshots by: Michael Louis

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