My Books, Classes, & Podcasts of 2024
Kristin Kniss • January 16, 2025
This year hasn’t just been about putting my own systems into place; it’s also been about soaking up wisdom from experts and thought leaders. Here are some of the tools and resources that have shaped my journey:
Courses & Mentorship:
- Rich Webster’s How to Work Less Course: This course helped me redefine what productivity means and how to structure my work life to focus on impact rather than hours logged.
- Alaska Small Business Association Cohort
- ADP List Mentorship Sessions
10 Books That Changed My Perspective:
- The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron: A deep dive into creative recovery and nurturing inspiration.
- Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki: Eye-opening insights into financial literacy and the mindset of wealth.
- The One Thing by Gary Keller: A masterclass in focus and prioritization.
- The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma: Motivational, though I’ll admit, the early mornings are still a work in progress.
- The PARA Method by Tiago Forte: A game-changer for organizing information and tasks.
- The Win Without Pitching Manifesto by Blair Enns: A powerful guide to standing firm in your value as a creative professional.
- How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera: A transformative look at self-healing and emotional growth.
- 10x is Easier than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy: A mindset shift that challenges the limits of what’s possible.
- 7 Habits of Highly Effectively People by Stephen Covey: A timeless guide to personal and professional effectiveness through principles of integrity, fairness, and human dignity.
- Greenlights Mathew McConaughey: An inspiring and entertaining memoir filled with lessons on embracing challenges and seizing life's opportunities.
Podcasts I'm Obsessing Over to Level Up
Future of UX
The Goal Digger with Jenna Kutcher
Mel Robbin's Podcast
You Make Sense
The Profitable Designer Show
The Game with Alex Hormozi
The Profitable Web Designer with Shannon Mattern
Creatives in the Wild
Influencers & Industry Leaders I'm Following
Jared Spool
Jakob Nielson
Femke
Ran Segall with Flux Academy
Resources I pull From
Each of these resources has added a layer of depth to my approach, giving me the tools to navigate challenges and step into a more intentional, inspired way of working and living.
Slated for 2025
Interaction Design Certification
Website Packages
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Kristin Kniss Design Blog
A Year of Growth: Productivity, Wellness, and Building a Brighter Future The past year has been a transformative journey for me—a deep dive into exploring productivity, fostering healthy habits, and reimagining how I approach both my personal and professional life. It’s been a year of learning, unlearning, and laying the groundwork for what I hope will be an inspiring future. The Productivity Deep Dive As someone who has always juggled multiple roles, I've actually thrived in the chaos. However, I've learned that clarity and focus is the only true way to move the marker in a specific direction. I've been so blessed with amazing clients over the years. I've stay busy, even overwhelmed many times, with repeat clients and referrals to new clients. However, this has kept me in a platoed state of growth. I knew to grow I was going to need to do some deep inner work. I’ve learned that productivity isn’t just about checking tasks off a list. It’s about creating systems that align with my values and energy levels. Over the past year, I’ve: Explored Time Management Tools : From Reclaim AI to old-fashioned planners, I’ve experimented with ways to protect my focus and stay on track. Refined My Workflow : I’ve embraced simplicity—streamlining tasks and reducing decision fatigue by organizing priorities in a way that makes sense for my lifestyle. Embraced Accountability : Whether it’s sharing goals with a trusted friend or setting clear benchmarks, accountability has been key to maintaining momentum. These practices have helped me work smarter, not harder, and made space for the things that matter most. And honestly? It’s been about figuring out how to thrive as a self-proclaimed “chaos tamer” while keeping my creative spark alive. A Commitment to Wellness In tandem with productivity, I’ve delved deeply into building a healthier lifestyle. The connection between physical health and mental clarity has never been clearer to me. This year, I focused on: Mind-Body Practices : Incorporating yoga, meditation, and somatic exercises to center myself and manage stress. Shifting My Mindset : Moving from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance and opportunity has been a game-changer. (Though let’s be real—hearing “manifest your best life” still gets a bit of an eye roll from me.) Understanding Circadian Rhythms : One of the most fascinating areas I explored this year was the connection between creativity and circadian rhythms. Many creatives, including myself, find their productivity peaks align with unconventional hours—whether it’s early mornings, late nights, or those quiet hours when the world is still. Research highlights several key insights: Preference for Irregular Schedules : Many creatives report being most productive at night or during unconventional hours. This aligns with delayed circadian rhythms often observed in creative individuals (Source: Harvard Business Review). Peaks in Divergent Thinking: Studies suggest creativity flourishes during off-peak times. For instance, night owls may have breakthroughs in the morning when slightly groggy, while morning people find inspiration late at night. Alpha brainwave activity, linked to creativity, often heightens during relaxed states (Source: Scientific American). Sensitivity to Light and Mood : Circadian rhythms are influenced by light exposure, and many creatives thrive in dim, cozy environments for creative sessions. Seasonal changes can also spark bursts of inspiration (Source: National Institutes of Health). Sleep Patterns and Creativity : REM sleep is essential for problem-solving and idea synthesis. Sleep transitions, like hypnagogia (the state between wakefulness and sleep), can spark creative insights, as documented by figures like Salvador Dalí and Thomas Edison (Source: Journal of Creative Behavior) What’s Next As I continue on this journey, I’m looking ahead to expanding these lessons into something bigger—I'm wrapping up my freelancing and am focused on growing two businesses. The long term vision is coaching and educational resources. There’s something so rewarding about sharing what you’ve learned to help others thrive in their own creative and professional lives. Stay tuned! Exciting things are happening. Cheers to growth, wellness, and the many opportunities still ahead!
Having a professional and user-friendly website is essential for nonprofits to effectively connect with their communities, share their mission, and secure ongoing support. Yet, for many Alaska-based nonprofits, funding a website overhaul or development project can feel out of reach. The good news? There are grant opportunities tailored for organizations just like yours—and the process of securing and executing them doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grant Opportunities for Alaska Nonprofits Securing funding for a website is a strategic move for an Alaska-based nonprofit aiming to enhance its online presence and make a larger impact. Several local grant opportunities can support this endeavor: Rasmuson Foundation’s Tier 1 Grants What They Fund: Small capital projects and one-time investments, with awards up to $35,000. Why It’s Perfect : These grants can cover the costs of website development and upgrades. How We Help : We can craft a proposal to highlight the impact of a well-designed website on your mission and community outreach. Alaska Community Foundation’s Strengthening Organizations Program What They Fund: Capacity-building projects for nonprofits. Why It’s Perfect : A website that aligns with your mission is a key organizational asset. How We Help : Our UX audits identify what your current website needs to improve functionality and user satisfaction, ensuring your grant application stands out. Alaska Children’s Trust (ACT) Tier 1 Grants What They Fund : Projects that enhance the capacity of organizations focused on child welfare. Why It’s Perfect : If your nonprofit serves children, ACT could fund your digital transformation. How We Help : We'll translate your mission into a digital experience that resonates with donors and families alike. Next Steps: Assess Eligibility : Review each grant's specific criteria to ensure your nonprofit qualifies. Prepare a Proposal : Develop a clear proposal outlining the purpose of the website, its expected impact on the community, and a detailed budget. Contact Grant Administrators : Reach out to program officers or grant administrators for guidance on the application process and to confirm current availability of funds. Submit Applications : Complete and submit applications within the specified deadlines, ensuring all required documentation is included. By strategically targeting these grant opportunities and presenting a compelling case for how a new website will enhance your nonprofit's mission, you can secure the necessary funding to strengthen your online presence and better serve the local community. If you're based in Alaska, The Foraker Group in Anchorage can provide additional information for the Non-profit sector. Already have an existing website? Maybe your website needs a redesign—or just some improvements to better serve your users. Not sure where to begin? You're not alone. Many companies dive into costly, full-scale redesigns when, in reality, targeted fixes could achieve the same results for a fraction of the cost. That’s why we created UX Mess : a service designed to cut through the confusion and bring clarity to your website’s biggest front-end challenges. With our comprehensive UX audit, we’ll pinpoint the "low-hanging fruit"—quick fixes that can make a big impact—while also identifying what’s working well and what’s holding you back. You’ll receive a clear, prioritized roadmap that empowers you to make confident, informed decisions about your website’s next steps. Don’t let guesswork lead the way—let UX Mess help you turn your website into a powerful, user-friendly asset. We suggest a budget-friendly review before jumping to any conclusions. Choose between a Mini Audit or a Deep Dive at UXmess.com Audits take between 5 and 20 hours and are priced accordingly. This will help provide clarity and support your case for funding if you want a redesign! A visually appealing website is only part of the puzzle—how users navigate, interact with, and experience your site will determine its success. A front-end audit from UX Mess will help: Identify Barriers : We’ll analyze what’s preventing users from engaging with your site or donating. Prioritize Improvements : Our audits focus on high-impact changes to ensure your website delivers a seamless experience. Save Time and Money : By addressing the right issues, we help you make the most of your grant funds without overspending. How Alpine Design Supports You Alpine Design is more than a design agency; we’re your strategic partner. We’ve worked with nonprofits across Alaska to elevate their digital presence while staying aligned with their mission and budget constraints. Here’s how we can help your nonprofit succeed: Grant Application Support : We’ll assist in building a compelling case for your grant application, emphasizing the transformative power of a new website. Website Development : From design to launch, we’ll create a platform that amplifies your mission and grows your impact. UX Expertise : Through UX Mess, we’ll ensure your website prioritizes the needs of your users—whether they’re donors, volunteers, or the community members you serve. Ready to Elevate Your Nonprofit? Let’s Talk. Building a website that serves your mission doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. By leveraging available grant opportunities and working with the right partner, your nonprofit can achieve a digital presence that inspires action. Contact Alpine Design today to learn how we can help your nonprofit secure grants and create a website that works as hard as you do. Unsure if you need a full redesign? Maybe you want to start by addressing low hanging fruit. Take advantage of our special UX audit offer through our sister business UX Mess to jumpstart your website transformation. Together, let’s create a website that helps you do more good.