Our Family Journey Starting Stanis Creative Solutions

Humans Are Storytellers

Since the beginning of time, humans have used stories to connect, inspire, and make meaning of the world around them. Stories shape how we see ourselves and how we connect with others. At Stanis Creative Solutions, we believe design and media are modern tools for storytelling, visual languages that capture imagination and spark emotion in ways words alone cannot.

Why Visuals Speak Louder Than Words

A powerful story doesn’t always need a thousand words. Sometimes, it just needs a single image. Visuals are memorable, emotional, and universal. Whether it’s a bold logo, or a crocheted character that feels alive, visuals cut through noise and connect directly to the heart.

Our Own Story: From Kitchen Table to Creative Studio

The Stanis Creative crew wearing St. Patrick’s Day Hats.

What began as a kitchen-table idea became a family-run creative studio. Each of us brings our own skills; video, art, crochet, and design, into a shared dream that continues to grow.

We found early inspiration in projects that blended our passions:

• Branding: Crafting logos and digital identities that reflected businesses and the people and communities behind them.

• Band Projections: Capturing the energy of live Celtic music and the artistry of performers in designs that became part of the concert experience.

• Video Production: Creating stories through capturing events and blending them into a compelling audio visual presentation.

• Crochet Characters: “Hamish the Highland Cow” became more than yarn and stitches; he became a story of tradition, playfulness, and heritage that people could hold in their hands.

The Principles Behind Our Designs

Ava holding Hamish the Crochet Highland Cow.

Great storytelling in design is rarely accidental. We’ve learned to lean on a few timeless principles:

• Color: Every shade carries meaning and emotion. From vibrant festival tones to calming natural palettes, color sets the mood.

• Composition: Where the eye goes first, and how it travels across a page, can make or break the story.

• Emotion: The best designs make people feel something, whether it be Joy, nostalgia, excitement, connection.

Tips for Creators: Infusing Story Into Your Own Work

Jonathan manning the camera at a live music performance.

If you’re a creator, here are a few ways to start weaving story into your design:

1. Ask “what’s the story here?” before you start. What journey do you want your audience to go on?

2. Think about emotion first, details second. What do you want people to feel when they see your work?

3. Use personal touches. Audiences connect with authenticity.

4. Keep it simple. The clearest stories are often the most powerful.

Every Design Is a Chance to Tell a Story

At Stanis Creative Solutions, our work is fueled by the belief that every design—whether a video, a poster, or a crocheted character—is an opportunity to tell a story that connects people. Our family’s story continues to grow through the projects we create, and we’re honored to help others share theirs.

How Small Businesses Can Shine with Limited Resources

Running a small business often means wearing many hats, including marketer, salesperson, accountant, and even janitor. With so many demands and a limited budget, it’s easy to feel like you’re always playing catch-up. The good news? You don’t need a big budget to make a significant impact. What you do need is creativity, resourcefulness, and a willingness to think different.

At Stanis Creative, we’ve seen firsthand how small businesses can thrive when they focus less on what they don’t have and more on making the most of what’s right in front of them. Here’s how to shine without breaking the bank.

Small Business Budget Mindset

Before diving into tools and tactics, it’s important to shift your mindset. Limited resources don’t have to be a barrier—they can actually fuel innovation. Constraints force you to think smarter, cut the fluff, and focus on what truly matters. Instead of trying to do everything, zero in on the few things that align with your strengths and your brand.

Creative Promotion Ideas

1. Use free or freemium apps to get started

You don’t need to invest in expensive software right away. Many platforms offer free or low-cost versions that are perfect for small business needs:

• Web Hosting: WordPress.com, Wix, or Carrd can give you a professional online presence.

• Video Editing: Tools like CapCut, DaVinci Resolve, or iMovie make editing simple and budget-friendly.

• Social Media Management: Buffer and Hootsuite offer free tiers to help schedule posts.

Free courses: Platforms like Coursera, HubSpot Academy, or YouTube tutorials can help you learn new skills on your own time.

2. Use the tools you already have

You don’t need the latest gadgets. Your smartphone, laptop, and even a blank white wall can become powerful tools for content creation. Most modern phones shoot high-quality video and photos. A clean wall makes the perfect bounce for full, natural lighting. Your laptop screen can also serve as a light; just open a blank white page and turn the brightness to 11.

3. Take advantage of your environment

Your surroundings can be your biggest asset. Natural light often looks better than expensive studio setups. Public spaces, like parks, murals, or coffee shops, can give your content personality and authenticity without spending a dime. Make sure you're not bothering the other patrons, or what was a pleasant environment could become decidedly unpleasant.

4. Don’t compare yourself to others

Scrolling through social media, it’s tempting to measure yourself against businesses with bigger budgets. Remember, you’re not competing on their playing field, you’re carving out your own space. Stay focused on your journey.

5. Focus on what makes you you

Your authenticity is your secret weapon, particularly in the age of AI slop. Customers are drawn to businesses that feel genuine and human. Lean into your uniqueness, your quirks, and your values. That’s what sets you apart from competitors with deeper pockets.

DIY vs. Outsource

One of the hardest decisions for small business owners is figuring out what to do themselves and what to outsource. A good rule of thumb: if it’s core to your brand or something you enjoy, keep it in-house. If it’s time-consuming, outside your skill set, or you hate doing it, outsourcing may be worth the investment.

For example, creating quick social media videos? DIY. Designing your website or running complex ad campaigns? Outsource to experts who can save you time and deliver higher quality.

How to Get the Best ROI

Maximizing your return on investment doesn’t always mean spending less—it means spending wisely. Ask yourself:

• Will this tool or service save me time?

• Will it help me reach more of my ideal customers?

• Does it align with my long-term goals?

Start small, measure results, and reinvest in what works. Over time, even small steps will add up to big impact.

Final Thoughts

Small businesses can absolutely shine with limited resources—it just takes creativity, intention, and a willingness to play to your strengths. At Stanis Creative, we believe every brand has a unique story to tell, and you don’t need a big budget to tell it well.

Meet the Maker: Ava’s Fiber Creations

Ava’s Journey as a Self-Taught Fiber Artist

From yarn to imagination, Ava has always found joy in creating with her own hands. As a self-taught fiber artist, she’s spent countless hours learning stitches, experimenting with patterns, and exploring new techniques. Crochet is just one of her many creative outlets, alongside knitting, cross-stitch, sewing, and drawing—but it’s the one that sparked the birth of her most beloved creation: Hamish the Highland Cow.

The Inspiration Behind Hamish

Early prototype of Hamish in development.

After seeing an adorable real Highland calf at the Prosser Highland Games, we knew that Ava would be up to the challenge of bringing them to life in crochet. She was inspired by their shaggy coats, gentle eyes, and playful personalities. Ava made translating that inspiration into yarn look so easy, churning out his head in no time!

From Idea → Sketch → Yarn → Cuddly Cow

When it came time to bring Hamish to life, Ava started with a sketch. With no formal pattern to follow, she simply picked up her hook and began experimenting. Stitch by stitch, Hamish took shape. His floppy ears, fuzzy tufts of “fur,” and tiny horns bringing character and charm. Before long, a new little crocheted friend was born. Along the way, she documented her process such that others can recreate the adorable polyfilled friend for themselves.

Challenges and Breakthroughs in Pattern-Making

Designing crochet patterns is equal parts creativity and problem-solving. The biggest challenge is wondering: will it turn out the way I picture it? Trial and error becomes part of the process. Stitches pulled back, shapes reworked, details refined until the finished piece feels just right. For Hamish, that meant testing different yarn textures and horn shapes until everything clicked.

Other Handmade Creations

Purple bunny, yellow Pikmin, and Sun created and designed by Ava.

Hamish isn’t alone in Ava’s creative menagerie. She’s also crocheted small critters like bunnies, Pikmin, and axolotls. Additionally, she created a sun, embroidered beanbags, sewn pillowcases, crocheted satchels, and even made a cozy hood. Each project is a new opportunity to imagine, experiment, and create something one-of-a-kind.

Why Handmade Matters in a Digital World

In today’s world of screens and pixels, there’s something deeply grounding about holding a handmade object. Each stitch carries time, care, and love. Unlike digital creations, handmade pieces have weight, texture, and the warmth of human effort. Hamish is more than just a crocheted cow, he’s a reminder of the joy of making.

Hamish the Highland calf cross stitch pattern designed by Ava Stanis.

Conclusion: Create Your Own Hamish

Hamish has become a favorite, and now you can make your own. Whether you’re an experienced crocheter or just ready for a challenge, the Hamish crochet kit and cross-stitch pattern are designed to guide you in creating your own cuddly Highland cow. Who knows—Hamish might inspire your next handmade adventure, too! Enjoy this free Hamish cross-stitch pattern designed by Ava.

Behind the Scenes: Filming Celtic Festivals

The Magic of Live Music

Opening Ceremony to a Scottish Highland Games

There’s nothing quite like the energy of live music: the soaring notes of a fiddle, the heartbeat rhythm of a drum, the audience clapping in sync. At Stanis Creative, we’ve had the privilege of capturing that magic at Celtic festivals across the Pacific Northwest. What started with an invitation from the Katie Jane Band, led by the incredible fiddler Katie Jane, has grown into one of our favorite creative adventures.

Before filming, we had no idea how rich and abundant these festivals were. The Highland Games aren’t just about athletic feats; they’re celebrations of heritage. Everywhere you turn, pipe bands are marching, Highland dancers leaping, vendors proudly displaying their crafts, athletes throwing cabers, and clans gathering to honor tradition. Even the food is part of the story: traditional Scottish eggs, meat pies, caramelized puffy Cheetos, shortbread, kettle corn, and crispy tots. The atmosphere is immersive, joyful, and deeply rooted in culture.

Why Film Celtic Festivals?

For us, it started with connection. Our friendship with Katie Jane opened a door, and once inside, we were swept up in the sights and sounds of a world we hadn’t known existed. We quickly realized that filming these festivals wasn’t just about creating content—it was about preserving culture, capturing emotion, and sharing experiences with people who may never have the chance to attend in person.

The Challenges of Filming Live Festivals

Like any live event, Celtic festivals come with their fair share of curveballs.

Taylor Stanis using an upper body Gimbal.

Packing gear for the road was its own adventure. We found ourselves staring at stacks of cases, wondering what deserved precious cargo space. In the beginning, we always erred on the side of overpacking. Still, there were moments when a piece of equipment stayed buried in a case all weekend—valuable lessons in what truly earns its keep.

Once on site, the sun became both our friend and our foe. Cameras overheated, batteries drained faster than expected, and lighting was unpredictable. Performers were often shaded under tents or pavilions, while the background blazed with daylight. Choosing between properly exposed performers and a blown-out backdrop felt like a no-win scenario at times.

And then there was the audio. Festivals are noisy, and more than once, the sound of a booming grandstand completely drowned out an interview with a vendor. At another festival, a glitch in our setup forced us to troubleshoot on the fly. Nothing makes you sweat faster than a blinking error light with the cameras rolling.

Finally, back at the editing desk, the mountain of footage revealed another challenge altogether: keeping track of hours of video and photos from multiple cameras, plus social clips shot on phones. It was exhilarating and exhausting.

The wins that made it worthwhile

For all the challenges, the rewards were unforgettable.

We’ll never forget the moment Mary Queen of Scots and her court stepped into the crowd, dancing to the fiery fiddle of Katie Jane. The camera caught the delight of a lady-in-waiting twirling with abandon, her skirts flying as the music soared. Another highlight was a couple who performed a choreographed Scottish dance, their joy radiating as the audience clapped along.

The Mary Queen of Scots watching the Katie Jane Band performance.

Multiple cameras gave us the freedom to capture these moments from different perspectives. Our gimbals smoothed our movements as we wove through crowds, giving the footage a polished, immersive feel. And because we were embedded with the musicians, we gained behind-the-scenes access, glimpses of tuning bows, whispered pep talks, and laughter backstage, which make the final edits more personal and alive.

Lessons we Learned along the way

Every festival became a classroom.

We learned quickly that no amount of planning could guarantee perfection, but planning gave us the confidence to adapt when things inevitably went wrong. When our audio setup failed, it was frustrating, but our preparation meant we had backups ready and could salvage the moment.

Our “everything bag” also became legendary. What started as a joke—a tote stuffed with clamps, tape, scissors, rubber bands, even vinegar—proved its worth time and again. It turned out that a single rubber band or clamp could save an entire shoot.

We also discovered the value of truly knowing our gear. Running checks well before the festival began helped us catch problems early. Just as important was knowing what mattered to the performers. By talking with the musicians ahead of time, we learned which solos or interactions they cared about most. Capturing those moments made our work more meaningful, not just technically sharp but emotionally resonant.

And perhaps the hardest lesson: accepting imperfection. There were times when the light washed out a shot, when the crowd blocked our view, when a magical moment slipped away. At first, those misses felt discouraging. But over time, we realized that chasing perfection misses the point. Instead, we celebrated what we did capture—moments of joy, connection, and heritage that no camera could fully script.

Tips for Filming Live Music

If you’re looking to film live music, here are a few things our journey has taught us:

• Scout the venue ahead of time.

• Bring backups of everything (batteries, cards, mics).

• Capture multiple perspectives to tell a fuller story.

• Prioritize audio—it makes or breaks the footage.

• Stay mobile with gimbals or handheld rigs.

• Film the context (vendors, food, dancers, crowd reactions).

Why It Matters

Filming Celtic festivals isn’t just about creating a highlight reel. It’s about preserving culture, celebrating heritage, and building bridges. These festivals bring people together through music, food, and tradition, and filming them helps extend that community beyond the festival grounds.

We hope that our work not only gives festival-goers lasting memories but also introduces others to a rich cultural experience they might not have known existed. In a world where people are often divided, capturing and sharing moments of joy, heritage, and togetherness feels like a small but meaningful way to build community.

For us, filming live performances has become more than a creative challenge. It’s a way to celebrate culture, connect people, and tell stories that continue long after the music fades.

Jonathan Stanis between sets at the Pacific Northwest Highland Games.

Meet Hamish: From Highland Games to Handmade

This lovely crochet highland cow is named Hamish! He is brown, with adorable yellow eyes and a beautiful, fluffy head.

Every once in a while, inspiration shows up in the most astonishing ways. For us, it came in the form of a shaggy, wide-eyed baby Highland cow at the Prosser Highland Games in Washington. Between capturing the music, traditions, and laughter of the event, one little calf stole the spotlight and our hearts.

That moment sparked something for us! Our resident crochet aficionado and self-taught maker with a talent for bringing whimsical creatures to life, Ava, transformed our vision! With her crochet hook flying, yarn piling up… Hamish the Highland Cow was born.

Hamish isn’t just a stuffed animal; he’s a story woven in yarn. With his fluffy coat, tiny horns, and loveable expression, he’s every bit as adorable as the calf that inspired him. He’s also cuddly, huggable, and perfectly suited for intermediate to advanced crafters looking for a project with personality.

What makes Hamish even more special is that Ava developed the pattern from scratch. After a few prototypes, tweaks, and (let’s be honest) plenty of yarn tangles, she not only brought Hamish to life but also created a full crochet kit so that others can make a Highland cow of their own. It’s a way to share both the joy of crafting and the memory of that magical day in Prosser.

Hamish is next to his kit, which is currently in development! You could make a Hamish of your own!

At Stanis Creative, we believe creativity thrives when it’s shared, and Hamish is the perfect example. He started as a fleeting moment at a Highland Games, transformed into Ava’s latest creation, and is now ready to become part of your own story.

So whether you’re a seasoned crocheter looking for your next project or simply someone who loves Highland cows (who doesn’t?), Hamish is here to bring a little extra warmth and whimsy into your hands.

Road Notes with the Katie Jane Band

This summer, Stanis Creative Solutions packed our cameras (and sunscreen!) and hit the road with the Katie Jane Band. From Whidbey Island to Roseburg, we filmed, jammed, camped, and made some memories we’ll be laughing about for a long time.

Stop #1: Whidbey Island

The tour kicked off at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts in May. Katie’s fiddle filled the room, the crowd cheered, and we knew right away this summer was going to be something special. We filmed the Katie Jane Band lighting up the stage alongside other Celtic acts—it was the perfect way to start. As audience members for the other festival bands, we got to enjoy the Celtic tunes ourselves (work perk!).

Stop #2: Roseburg, Oregon

Next up: the cozy Rosebud Theater. We filmed the band in their element—Katie leading with her signature smile and energy, Jodi sparkling both literally (sequins, glitter, and all!) and musically on upright bass, Curt grounding the sound with his down-to-earth style and dry humor, and Brian bringing his fun-loving percussion and quick jokes to the mix. Filming this show felt like bottling up magic—Katie’s fiddle soaring, the band’s energy buzzing, and the audience totally locked in.

Into the Highland Games

June meant Highland Games season, and the road trip vibes were strong. We set up camp in Central Oregon, trading our editing desks for tents and starry skies. Julie walked away with a sunburn that deserved its own credit line, but the performances were worth every ray.

Prosser, Washington, was unforgettable. Not only did we film fantastic sets, but we also witnessed anvil firing (yes, anvils literally launched into the air). Spoiler: the anvil did not land on our paper plate, so no prize money this time. But we did meet a baby Highland Cow, Mary Queen of Scots and her court, and Jon even joined in on the fiddle. Nila joined us for this event, adding her easygoing presence and magic chimes, reminding us how every small sound can make a performance shine brighter.

By Tacoma, things had turned into a family of Celtic musicians. We joined a jam with the Celtic Spoons group and other extraordinary musicians, and laughed our way through Brian and Curt’s endless stream of “dad jokes.” We purchased some fantasy jewels from the crew at the Chocolate Lantern, a new kilt, and a warm woolen Highland poncho for those chilly nights!

July wrapped with the Pacific Northwest Highland Games in Enumclaw. Katie’s fiery fiddle absolutely shredded for the biggest crowd of the summer! Jodi’s sequined sparkle matched her basslines, Brian’s rhythms drove the night forward, and whether on acoustic guitar or his sweet flute, Curt added a soulful layer that grounded the music and drew the audience in.

The Band’s Sparkle ✨

Katie’s smile is contagious—she and Jodi have this way of lighting up the stage so that everyone, band and audience alike, gets caught up in their energy. Jodi’s upright bass holds everything steady. Curt’s grounded musicianship allows him to jump effortlessly between guitar and flute! Nila’s gentle magic and Brian’s playful spirit keep the rhythm pulsing on bodhrán and percussion. Together, The Katie Jane Band is pure magic—and we’re lucky to help capture it. Unforgettable.

Why We Do What We Do

For us at Stanis Creative, the best part of the summer was letting the band’s sparkle shine through photos and video. From live performances to behind-the-scenes moments, our job was to bottle up the joy, laughter, and music so it can be shared far beyond the festival grounds.

THE STORY OF STANIS CREATIVE SOLUTIONS LLC

Some ideas begin in the most unexpected places. For Stanis Creative Solutions (SCS), our story started not in a boardroom or studio, but in a classroom. Years ago, while developing course materials for Julie’s nursing courses, our friend and mentor Dr. Laurel Matthews jokingly dubbed our work Stanis Creative Solutions. The name stuck, and over time it became more than a nickname — it became a vision.

For years, we carried that vision forward in conversations and sketches of ideas, always with the hope of one day bringing it to life. In 2025, we finally took the leap and built SCS into a creative agency where family, artistry, and community converge.

Our mission is simple: tell stories that connect people. Whether through video, digital design, or web solutions, we believe creativity has the power to inspire, to build community, and to leave a lasting impact.

Together, our team blends diverse talents into one creative voice:

Jonathan leads with strategy, technical expertise, and a passion for digital solutions.

Liv infuses bold artistry, animation, and design.

Ava lends fresh ideas, digital and fiber art, leading a new generation of creativity.

Julie brings the heart of storytelling and creative direction.

Taylor crafts film and video that make stories shine.

What began as a classroom idea has grown into something much bigger: a team committed to building connections through creativity. We’re proud to finally share our story — and to invite you to be a part of it.