The Solutionist: All Things Business & Marketing

Business & marketing resources, reviews, links & more from freelance Graphic & Web Designer Travis Monroe.

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Love my weekend mornings. Love being a great cook. Love my breakfast sandwiches. Love living in a barn even if it’s temporary. I love every minute I get to have my dog Schooner by my side regardless if he’s having a bad health day. I’m grate for the awareness of my small blessings and the people in my life who accommodate my perceived chaos. #Grateful to be living in such a beautiful state such as #Montana even though trying to make a decent livable wage here is shite. 🤦🏼‍♂️ I’m excited for more experiences this coming year. Last year ended with multiple challenges. Better possibilities await as I #manifest it all. #BigBucksNoWhammies (at Corvallis, Montana) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnuoVSJPap7/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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I want to keep him and call him Fluffy. Or maybe Ranchie the Stray Ranch Cat. . . . #sharpedges #fluffy #cat #ranchcat #barncat #montanalife #montana #montanamoment (at Corvallis, Montana) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClkEb6uv3X8/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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It’s officially winter. This is a night shot during a snow storm. It was taken with my iPhone 11 pro. Seriously considering upgrading to the 14 series. I really prefer my Nikon but so many of my shots are spontaneous and I don’t carry my camera everywhere I go. I should, but don’t. Anyone upgrade to the 14 series? Thoughts? . . . #montana #montanamoment #montanawinter #iphone #iphonephotography #nightphotography #winterphotography #nature #winter (at Missoula, Montana) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkmjzNCLJBW/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Stopped in @frame_of_mind_mt for some art inspiration. So fricken excited to have what I consider a legitimate art store in Missoula. I’m trying to overcome a HUGE creative block that has actually been a problem since my head injury occurrence. Add that to some other f*ckery in my life and I’m once again trying to make it back to just being an artist full time. I’m accepting that I’m on a crazy life journey right now and trying to throw expectations out the window. I’m trying to follow rad experiences that put me out of my comfort zone. What I’ve learned so far about those experiences is they are a double edged sword. High risk, high reward. The payout has been high on the experience but a large payout on energy and stress as well. An open mind is necessary and also, don’t get attached to outcomes. A deep dive on who you align yourself with prior is necessary and needs reminding. Or, wing it and see what happens and thus the open mind. I’m redefining the word “failure” for me once again. It’s ever changing for me as I readjust my expectations of the outcomes I pursue and those ai include on my journey. My new mantra when someone asks what I’m up to… “I’m on a journey.” Thanks to @frame_of_mind_mt for being a small but rad selection of materials for inspiration. . . . #art #artist #sketch #artwork #artsupplies #montanaartist #getlost (at Missoula, Montana) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkmMEgVuwPz/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Join me for my second Socially Distant photography exhibition at Conflux Taphouse First Friday, March 4th. I expanded the show with more images and a large panoramic triptych, all of which I'm excited for you to see. My website is up to date with the new images for sale. Each printed to order, the prints arrive in 3-5 days and are stunning. The metallic paper is created using a patented combination of film and laminate layers resulting in a striking metallic shine. Its unique pearlescent surface, ultra-bright backgrounds, and smooth photo finish. The metallic paper has a Standard Archival Value of 100 years in-home display; 200 years in dark storage. Additionally, a Lustre coating adds a rich sheen to your prints and protects against fingerprints and UV exposure. You won't be disappointed by the quality. I have postcard sets of 10 images available for purchase, and I'll be at Conflux Taphouse 4:00 pm - 7:30 pm, enjoying a pint or two. Please stop by, say hi, and enjoy a pint with me. Cheers! (at Conflux Taphouse) https://www.instagram.com/p/CamHbcrLSAk/?utm_medium=tumblr

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I got another photo show in March at Conflux Brewing in Missoula! I get to expand on my show “Socially Distant” by 7 more pieces. One wall will be a triptych with 30”x20” frames and metal paper prints. I’m having a hard time choosing which ones to do. And these posted here are just a few of easily 3 dozen solid images. 🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️. . . . #photographerproblems #photoshow #confluxbrewing #sociallyDistant #photography #photographer (at Ewam Garden of One Thousand Buddhas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CY_Jitara6Q/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Sure love lit trees with fresh snow. . . . #snow #montana #missoula #missoulamontana #snowynight #nightphotography #photography #prettylights (at Missoula, Montana) https://www.instagram.com/p/CYX-yz1LoCa/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Progress on my dad’s memorial tree funding package. I have the prints in hand but ran into supply chain issues with the postcards. I should have those in hand next week. Once I get a delivery date from the printer I’ll notify those who are interested with a link to purchase. The print looks absolutely amazing on the metal coated paper and I don’t think anyone will be disappointed with them; they are quite stunning. I have two spots left. For those interested please DM me or comment and I’ll add you to the list. I’m super excited about this and am grateful for all of your support! . . . . #memorial #memorialfund #fortmissoula #photography #photographer #missoula #montana (at Missoula, Montana) https://www.instagram.com/p/CYKiExVPJj5/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Something is coming… Death sucks. Grieving sucks. Grieving for an unnecessarily long duration of time is even worse. Grieving a death that occurred right before the holidays just ruins it all for me. I recently told a friend, "Grief over death is a heavy burden. Something inevitable. Explore it, accept it, just don't lose yourself to it." Every year though, I get lost in it during November and December. The weight and sense of loss suffocate, and even after 43 years, I just want to fast forward to each new year and skip the holidays. I need an outlet for this grief, and I came up with something to distract myself for the rest of the year. Charles Fredrick Leroy Monroe (Rick) worked as an aerial photographer for the US Forest Service in Montana. He was stationed at Fort Missoula. We have a vast portion of his personal work and numerous prints of his aerial work. Dad really was just dialing in his creative photography skills, things he produced in the darkroom we use PhotoShop for now. Kodak wanted to hire him because of his skills with infrared film, and he turned them down because he didn't want to leave Montana. He did not live long enough to sell his photography; he died at 34 years of age. My mum has decided to establish a memorial tree in his name at Fort Missoula. So, I'm putting together a print package to fund the cost. It will be an 18" x12" print and 10 postcards of one of his photographs circa 1975. The image, 1st in the carousel, is Fort Missoula road before the land was developed. I think it'll be a print stating how the purchase supports his memorial, limited to only 15. The cost will be around $70.00 for the set, covering the printing cost and the monument. I'm hoping they should be ready by January 3rd. Comment or DM me if you are interested. And, trust me, it's a rad photo, and I'll be posting again once I get the print proof in my hands and the package up on my website. 3rd image is of my dad and the enlarger he used. 4th image is of the Great Wall in the Bob Marshal Wilderness taken by my dad. . . #grief #memorial #photography #photographer #missoula #montana #fortmissoula #usforestservice #aerialphotography #aerialphotographer (at Fort Missoula) https://www.instagram.com/p/CXxtD8uLx4d/?utm_medium=tumblr

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I did a thing last night. First time I’ve painted in 2.5 years. My creative block as been extremely overwhelming, and depressing. In the last 3 days I’ve even started reading for pleasure again, which I haven’t done since 2014. I’m working really hard to get out of my own way, focus on getting past my crippling anxiety, recenter, stabilize, and figure out my next steps. I know I’m not content with where I’m at right now. Pre-pandemic I had just landed a freelance gig that would have allowed me to travel and live out of my van. The pandemic took that away. Fast forward, I’m rebuilding what my life looks like and what I truly want. I’m shedding attachments and trying to be honest with myself, lowering my expectations and trying to just be. My brain has an itch and last night I started scratching it. I have no idea what it will become or where it will take me. I’m trying to enjoy the ride, get to know paint again like the days in my 20’s when it’s something I used to do every day until I allowed others in my life interfere with who I really was. I owe myself an apology for that. Who knew prioritizing yourself would be so difficult? I guess years of being told I was selfish took their toll on me and my creativity. At the end of the day I’m to blame, I allowed myself and my creativity to be derailed. Return to who you really are. . . . #art #painter #painting #acrylicpainting #abstractart #artist #creativity #lostinmontana #itsalittlecanvas #startover (at Missoula, Montana) https://www.instagram.com/p/CXl7IEDJAcT/?utm_medium=tumblr

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AFFORDABLE ART FOR THE HOLIDAYS!!! $25.00 + shipping Link in Bio Make my photography travel the world. Send someone a note the old-school way! Socially Distant 6" x 4" Postcard Series | 1 Each of 10 Socially Distant is a contemporary body of photographic work by Travis Monroe taken during the pandemic lockdown. It explores the heaviness of isolation while finding beauty in solitude. First Class Postcard Double-sided 16pt paper thickness Soft-Touch coated one side . . . #photographer #photography #buyart #supportartists #postcards #makearttravel #montana #utah #newmexico (at Missoula, Montana) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWho_0eLoCw/?utm_medium=tumblr

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So this is happening! November, 5th First Friday, 5pm-8pm at @lake_missoula_tea_co. Socially Distant Socially Distant is a contemporary body of photographic work, by me, taken during the pandemic lockdown. It explores the heaviness of isolation while finding beauty in solitude. Come on down! Have tea, have a glass of wine. Say “hey”. Prints and postcards for sale. . . . #firstfriday #lakemissoulateacompany #contemporaryart #missoula #montana #missoulamontana #photography #photographer #supportartists https://www.instagram.com/p/CVwDgotPs4l/?utm_medium=tumblr

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A little focused time on work while getting out of the city. So many great things happening at @lake_missoula_tea_co and soooo much to do with this wonderful company. I’m overwhelmed and excited about all the work. And yes, that’s tea in that thar mug. One of my favorites to be exact. Our Sakura Cherry Green is amazing! . . . #tea #tealife #cabintime #cabinlife #remotework #teatime #lakemissoulateacompany #sakuraCherryGreen (at Georgetown, Montana) https://www.instagram.com/p/CULfymuJI0m/?utm_medium=tumblr

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So stoked to have pulled my @kattsplat mug out of storage. It is now my tea shop mug. Katt’s work is amazing and is perfect for tea! Lots and lots of tea. All the tea! . . . #teatime #BerryPatchBlack #kattsplat #tea #looseleaftea #lakemissoulateacompany #missoula #missoulamontana #supportsmallbusinesses (at Lake Missoula Tea Company) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTuoFzOJ9jM/?utm_medium=tumblr

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I’ve been crazy busy getting up to speed on my new job as the Director of Marketing & Design as well as being a Tea Tender at @lake_missoula_tea_co. Besides rabbit holing on all of their small batch teas from sustainable sources I’m learning a massive amount about tea. Tea Fact No. 1: “Water is the mother of tea.” In other words the quality of the water affects the quality of the tea. Which is sort of a “duh” moment but it’s still good to keep in mind. I’m lucky that my water comes from a well in Montana and tastes amazing compared to processed city water. Tea Fact No. 2: You never boil your water for the tea. “What?!” Yup, didn’t know that either. But it’s not just about how the temperature of the water affects the type of tea you are brewing. Apparently, the hotter the water gets after hitting the boiling point, the minerals in the water start to break down and negatively affect the taste of the water. Who knew?! Not this guy!! Tea Fact No. 3: @lake_missoula_tea_co has amazing tea ware!!! For example!!! This EZ Tea Brewer from @cafvina. Simply toss in your favorite tea that you are addicted to, #BodaciousBlue for me, add the correct temperature of hot water, steep for recommended time, and then simply set the EZ Brewer on your cup. the tea drains out the bottom right into the cup. No Pouring!!! The tea leaves are filtered and you simply rinse out the steeper. 🥳 I purchased the 32oz. version and then make 2 batches of tea which I chill in the fridge. 64oz. barely lasts 24 hours. 😆🫖 Give us follow us on your favorite social media platform. Our 10 year anniversary is coming up next year and these are very exciting times for this great little tea company and wonderful, knowledgeable crew! I’ll be over here geeking out on tea, and increased bathroom breaks from drinking too much tea. 😂🤦🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️ Cheers! 🫖 . . . #sustainability #tea #teageek #teaislife #whoknew #lakemissoulateacompany #missoula #missoulamontana #downtownmissoula (at Missoula, Montana) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTOf32lL0iD/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Sooooo… national dog day. Schooner turned 7 last Friday and I’ve been so damn busy I haven’t been able to even post about it. Happy birthday Schooner. You are the best poochie anyone could ever ask for. You are my rock and make me smile in the dark times. I adore you little buddy!! . . . #batears #birthdayboy #Im7Now #dogsofinstagram #australiancattledog #bullterrier #chow #germanshepherd #rideordie https://www.instagram.com/p/CTEDSA0r4yN/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Proud Papa moment!!! So mah youngest son @thatawkwardvegetarian has been working on@his watercolor skills these last several months. This painting is his latest work and is a gift for a friend of his who is moving away. His skill has definitely improved and his use of colors is amazing!! I am so proud of him for pursuing his art and for inspiring me to do the same. Keep up the excellent work @thatawkwardvegetarian, you are absolutely killing it!! . . . #prouddadmoment #contemporaryart #artist #watercolor #sunset #painting #watercolorpainting #pnwartist (at Ellensburg, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSvG6CNlcsD/?utm_medium=tumblr