Creator · Strategist · Guide
I help mission-driven organizations figure out what to create next (and why it matters)
Hi, I’m Aaron! I’ve been a creative director for a large, global organization, a brand strategist for grassroots movements, a design educator, and I’ve worn a lot of other creative hats in-between.
The thread through all of my work has been helping people and businesses see what’s true about who they are & what they offer and build from there.
My most impactful work happens before opening a design tool.
~ Aaron Embrey
The short version
Thirty years of helping organizations, people, and ideas become more visible.
For organizations at turning points, I build the brand strategy and framework that comes before creative execution, so you invest in creating the right things. This, strategic + creative, work lives at Bent Barn Studio.
For creative humans in transition, I guide the personal work of reclaiming your creative identity and making something that actually reflects you.
I also teach design at Kilgore College, write through my blog, The Unfolding, and build community through Wild Creating.
I live and work from East Texas.
How I work
Before helping you create a new design, idea, or platform, I help you create clarity...
If you know something’s shifting, but you don’t (yet!) know what it looks like—that’s exactly where I do my best work.
Here’s what working with me looks like:
See:
I help you spot what’s actually happening or shifting: the patterns, the opportunities, the ideas hiding in plain sight.
Name:
I help you put words to what you already sense but haven’t been able to articulate in your creative vision.
Guide:
I help you build a clear creative framework so you and your team can move forward with confidence.
The Ecosystem
My Creative Worlds
My strategic practice is the heart of my creative world, but my art/work extends into several interconnected spaces around creative community, storytelling, photography, and advocacy...
01
Bent Barn Studio, LLC
Where my strategic, creative client work lives. I help mission-driven organizations build brands that move people, from strategy & architecture to identity design & creative direction.
02
Wild Creating
A growing community of creative humans reclaiming their spark. Workshops, tools, & books for artists, misfits, & makers.
03
Personal essays on creativity, identity, and what it means to keep becoming. Stories from the journey.
04
Capturing the essence of people, places, brands, & moments. Portrait, brand, & lifestyle photography that tells the real story.
Work with me
Ways to begin
Whether you're navigating an organizational transition, building a brand from the inside out, or reclaiming a creative voice you lost somewhere along the way, here's where we can start...
Brand Architecture & Strategy
For organizations at a turning point. I help you get clear on what to create next, before you spend money building the wrong thing.
1:1 Creative Identity Sessions
For creative people who feel stuck or in-between. We’ll dig into who you are creatively, find your unique voice, and figure out what you’re actually trying to make.
Workshops & Creative Tools
Hands-on creative experiences: from 5-day creativity camps to ‘zine and other maker labs and design workshops. Come play!
Discovery Call
Not sure where to start? Let's have a conversation!
No pressure, just honest creative direction.
Kind words
From people I’ve worked with
"It's like Aaron was created to create, and he does it so well."
Abra Barker — MBA, Realtor
"Aaron just 'gets it'. He listens extremely well, quickly cuts to the chase, and provides a range of solutions. Incredibly easy to work with."
Dwight Blaha — Director of Business Innovation
"I love Aaron's positive attitude. He makes me excited about the work we do together and all the possibilities."
Teal Besson — Global Creative, KFC / Yum! Brands