As a creative, I had quite a long period a few years back when I just accepted that I’m never going to find my “one true” client. There were some sparks, yes, but everything was always too complicated and no relationship could really flourish. There were other people (jealous advertising agencies), trust issues (“If you can’t deliver this on this timestamp, we’ll find someone who can”) and, well, everyone knows how messy money can make things.

Work-wise, I felt a little like someone in the Finnish movie “Restless” by Aku Louhimies – “Kun mikään ei tunnu miltään” (“When nothing feels like anything”). Everything was fine in a way, but somehow it all just felt a little empty.

And then one day, there it was. A full-fledged client romance! There were fireworks from the start, and it quickly evolved from just a website to a whole identity project. I was on fire! All my senses awake, I could do better design, felt more mentally engaged, and, most of all, I was enjoying my client’s company. Lines like “ I trust you”, “I’m happy” and “How would you see this” brought the relationship to a new level beyond any prior client relationship. With the others there was still some selfishness, occasional suspicions of infidelity, power games. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not the kind to kiss & tell or the bitter ex who talks trash once the relationship’s gone cold. But everyone knows there are relationships where everything is like, nice…, and then there are RELATIONSHIPS.

Well, that was a while back, and even good things come to an end. Our lives led in different directions, and we parted ways as friends.

But now there’s someone new. We’ve had this thing going for a while. I’m trying to take it slow, and don’t want to brag, but I think we might have the best understanding of all time. When we meet, it’s always fun, creative and relaxed. Sometimes I get gifts – they really know how to woo a lady! And I always feel 100 % motivated to do whatever’s needed for the relationship. There’s something cozy and a little bit everyday about it; not the wild rush of first love, but something that feels more grown-up and real.

Just a couple weeks ago we “went public” for the first time. I was really nervous how this (award-stuff) would affect to our relationship. Would it make us stronger or bring new challenges? Well, it was a big success. I think people can really see how well we work together. And everyone seemed happy for both of us.

Relationships come and go, and nothing’s ever certain. Will we grow old together wearing matching woolen socks, or will something come between us? There’s no way to know. But as a romantic I just have this naive belief that some things are made to last, even in the digital age.

Minna Hiltunen
Lead Creative Designer
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Activeark Ltd.