I’m trying a fresh approach to these studio updates — keeping them rooted in the heart of Studio Gail.

Lately, I’ve been sitting with the tension between showing up as Abbey in my business and letting Studio Gail stand on its own. Do they live together? Do they need separate spaces? Is there room for both the dreamy creative and the fully human person — one pulled in a dozen directions, still trying to hold it all with care?

I’m learning that there might not be a one-size-fits-all answer. But maybe that’s okay. Maybe the answer shifts with the season.

And in this season, these studio updates will lean more into the creative work itself — client projects, visual inspiration, and what’s catching my eye lately. If you’re craving the Abbey stuff — personal musings, rituals, little-life reflections — you’ll now find me over on Substack (she’s gonna be a vibe). Come say hi!

But for now, let’s settle in. Here’s a look at what’s been unfolding this month — in the studio, in the work, and in the quiet in-between.

In The Studio

Some recent client work that’s been living in my head in the most lovely way:

• Swansnap: Playful, elevated, and full of personality — this project felt like crafting a visual story for your effortlessly cool friend who just knows herself! “Infectious joy” comes to mind.
• Karra Leigh: Sophisticated and radiant. Karra herself, and now her brand, feels like golden hour — warm, grounded, and full of quiet confidence.
• Lexie Heubner: Soft, editorial, with just the right touch of fun. Lexie is the effortlessly chic mom I aspire to be one day.
• Madelyn Grace: Elegant, emotive, and so full of heart. Just the sweetest soul you can imagine, now packaged up into a visual identity too!

Each one has felt like such a special collaboration. So much heart and subtle storytelling. There is so much joy in bringing their visions to life. I am so honored to have these amazing women as my last design projects for awhile.

Fonts I’m Loving

While I am stepping into the spring by wrapping up the above projects, I will be taking a break from my design work. However, I will never not be collecting design inspiration. Lately, I’ve been loving typography that feels… timeless (starting to cringe at this overused word, but I digress). Less modern, more classic. The kind of serif you’d find on the spine of a well-loved book. Poetic, softened at the edges, both mature and whimsical at the same time. There’s a subtle confidence to fonts with a literary feel — established, elegant, and a little anti-hype (which, let’s be honest, is very on-brand for me).

Color Notes

No surprises here — soft neutrals and coastal blues still have me in their grip. Additionally, I’m loving the 2025 spring craze that is butter yellow. Sunny, subtle, and okay, yes, it’s trending — but we love a trend when it feels like us. April feels like hazy skies and sea glass. A wash of blue-grey mornings and quiet golden afternoons.

Current Brand Crush

@thisoakhouse — Annie Meyers-Shyer (yes, Nancy Meyers’ daughter) — is giving major Nancy energy. Interiors, slow living, soft and comforting. Her feed is a daily love letter to a soft life, and I’m fully here for it.

Design Inspiration

In web and brand design, I’m drawn to delicate details right now — ornamental touches, gentle movement, those bookish flourishes. They lend a sense of depth, grace, and grown-up femininity. I’ve been seeing them more and more in the wild, and it makes my heart skip.

In The Works

A few things quietly blooming behind the scenes:

• Adeline Website Template — a dreamy, romantic site design made with photographers + videographers in mind.
• Monroe HoneyBook Templates — a seamless Honeybook file collection for wedding planners, with six templates to support the client journey from onboarding to final touches. Join the waitlist to be the first to know when it’s here.

And if you’ve been sensing it…

Yes, there’s another big shift happening here at Studio Gail.

I’m stepping back from custom client work — at least for now. Making space for rest, and for something new to take shape. My waitlist is still open (and growing, which means the world), but I’ve been feeling the nudge to slow down for about a year. To serve with more presence, more alignment, and more ease.

So while I won’t be taking on full-service projects, there are other ways you can elevate with me. Through my thoughtfully-crafted templates and a curated shop designed to give you that Studio Gail touch, but a little faster and more accessible.

This shift has been very needed and long awaited. I am so excited that I’ve given myself permission to say what I want out loud (need help with that too? I’ve got you.)

Oh — and just in case, have you met Palmer yet?  She’s a beauty, and the first look at where we’re headed next. 

Until next time, have the most restful April.

Want more Abbey? Join me on Substack.