February 13, 2025 • 56 mins
Air Date - 12 February 2025
Join Inspired Living Host Marc Lainhart – The Intuitive Prospector™ this “Wisdom Wednesday” as we welcome to the show for the first time, Ms. Rochelle Ratkaj Moser. Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Ratkaj Designs, a design agency focused on using the power of design to drive social change. We’ve had the absolute pleasure of working with some of the most incredible clients out there—small business owners, start-up founders, established enterprise companies, non-profit and education advocacy organizations, and everything in between. When we say there’s “power in design,” we mean that power should be available to everyone!
JOIN US for another inspiring, educational, healing, and transformative show! Let us go “PROSPECTING!”
#RochelleRatkajMoser #InspiredLiving #MarcLainhart #Interviews
Rochelle Ratkaj Moser, the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Ratkaj Designs, a design agency focused on using the power of design to drive social change. Rochelle’s commitment to accessible and inclusive design has positioned her as a leader in the field, helping mission-driven brands and non-profits amplify their messages and reach audiences often overlooked by traditional design approaches.
With a wealth of experience working with top organizations like the Brain Injury Association of America and College Track, Rochelle is dedicated to designing with purpose, ensuring that accessibility is not just an add-on but a fundamental aspect of every project. Her agency’s work has won numerous awards, including the Netty Awards for Best Agency of the Year and Best Digital Design Campaign, reflecting her ability to marry creativity with social responsibility. With more than 15 years of experience, I’ve worked with every kind of client and company imaginable: scrappy start-ups, solopreneurs, enterprise corporations, nationally-known non-profits, and your favorite small business down the street. Bring on all the design challenges you have. I’m ready to meet them in my usual way — with full-on enthusiasm and a passion for the possible. For nearly 10 years, Ratkaj Designs has been providing the expertise clients expect from a big agency with the pick-up-the-phone experience of a small one. We’re the best of both worlds. And we’re ready to help when you need us. Let’s chat. We offer complimentary 30-minute introduction calls where we can talk about your design needs and toss around some ideas—and you can get an idea of how it’d be to work with our team. What do you say? Ratkaj Designs is a full-service advertising agency focused on our clients’ success: https://ratkajdesigns.com
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Join Inspired Living Host Marc Lainhart – The Intuitive Prospector™ this “Wisdom Wednesday” as we welcome to the show for the first time, Ms. Rochelle Ratkaj Moser. Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Ratkaj Designs, a design agency focused on using the power of design to drive social change. We’ve had the absolute pleasure of working with some of the most incredible clients out there—small business owners, start-up founders, established enterprise companies, non-profit and education advocacy organizations, and everything in between. When we say there’s “power in design,” we mean that power should be available to everyone!
JOIN US for another inspiring, educational, healing, and transformative show! Let us go “PROSPECTING!”
#RochelleRatkajMoser #InspiredLiving #MarcLainhart #Interviews
Rochelle Ratkaj Moser, the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Ratkaj Designs, a design agency focused on using the power of design to drive social change. Rochelle’s commitment to accessible and inclusive design has positioned her as a leader in the field, helping mission-driven brands and non-profits amplify their messages and reach audiences often overlooked by traditional design approaches.
With a wealth of experience working with top organizations like the Brain Injury Association of America and College Track, Rochelle is dedicated to designing with purpose, ensuring that accessibility is not just an add-on but a fundamental aspect of every project. Her agency’s work has won numerous awards, including the Netty Awards for Best Agency of the Year and Best Digital Design Campaign, reflecting her ability to marry creativity with social responsibility. With more than 15 years of experience, I’ve worked with every kind of client and company imaginable: scrappy start-ups, solopreneurs, enterprise corporations, nationally-known non-profits, and your favorite small business down the street. Bring on all the design challenges you have. I’m ready to meet them in my usual way — with full-on enthusiasm and a passion for the possible. For nearly 10 years, Ratkaj Designs has been providing the expertise clients expect from a big agency with the pick-up-the-phone experience of a small one. We’re the best of both worlds. And we’re ready to help when you need us. Let’s chat. We offer complimentary 30-minute introduction calls where we can talk about your design needs and toss around some ideas—and you can get an idea of how it’d be to work with our team. What do you say? Ratkaj Designs is a full-service advertising agency focused on our clients’ success: https://ratkajdesigns.com
Visit the Inspired Living show page https://omtimes.com/iom/shows/inspired-living-radio/
Connect with Marc Lainhart at http://www.marclainhart.com/
Subscribe to our Newsletter https://omtimes.com/subscribe-omtimes-magazine
Connect with OMTimes on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Omtimes.Magazine/ and OMTimes Radio https://www.facebook.com/ConsciousRadiowebtv.OMTimes/
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Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
Welcome to Inspired Living with Mark Lainhart, the Intuitive Prospector.
Every Wednesday, Mark, along with his special guests, will explore
thought provoking topics and ideas that promote creativity, self help, healing,
happiness and well being to inspire you on your spiritual journey.
Each week, Mark will discuss different paths to achieving a
(00:36):
more spiritual, balanced, happy, and healthy lifestyle. Topics will elevate
consciousness and range from metaphysics, to the human and social
experience and all things spiritual. Welcome to an inspired community
that offers support, encouragement, and new ways of thinking. Mark
is a tested, certified and professional spiritual medium, metaphysical teacher, healer,
(00:58):
and spiritual advisor with a spiritual practice based in Seattle, Washington.
You are the inspired and the inspiration.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
And good morning, good afternoon, or good evening wherever you
may be in this awakening planet of ours. This is
inspired living, where every moment is an opportunity to ignite
your passion, your curiosities, and embrace the mysteries, phenomenons, the unknown,
the ordinary, and yes, the extraordinary. I am your host,
Mark Lainehart, the Intuitive Prospector, Here with you yet again
(01:30):
for another What I like to call soul adventure or
Inspired episode to explore, discuss, and discover the many diamonds
within each and every one of us, and the many
hidden gems that have yet to be revealed to us
and the rest of the world.
Speaker 3 (01:45):
I'm thrilled to have you join us.
Speaker 2 (01:46):
Today as we embark on a journey of inspiration, motivation,
and transformation.
Speaker 3 (01:50):
Whether you're tuning in from the comfort.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
Of your own home, on the road, or wherever life
takes you, this show is designed to uplift your spirit
and empower your dreams.
Speaker 3 (01:59):
Here it Inspired Living.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
We believe that within each of us lies the potential
to create the life redesire. Together, we'll explore stories of resilience, wisdom,
and creativity that will spark your imagination and encourage you
to take bold steps towards your goals. Inspired Living is
all about fostering a supporting and empowering community. Each episode
(02:20):
will highlight incredible guests who have overcome challenges, pursued their passions,
and make a positive impact in their fields. From artists
and entrepreneurs to thought leaders and wellness advocates, will bring
you diverse voices and perspectives that resonate with the journey
of personal growth will dwell into the topics like mindfulness, creativity,
goal setting, resilience, providing you with practical tips and insights
(02:43):
that you can apply to your own life. Inspired listeners
can expect engaging discussions through thought provoking questions, and actionable
steps to turn inspiration into reality. Additionally, we create a
space for you to share your own stories and experiences.
Your journey does matter, and we want to sell celebrate
your victories, no matter how big or how small. Together
(03:03):
we can cultivate a mindset of possibility and unlock the
doors to our dreams. So, whether you're seeking encouragement, looking
for new ideas, or simply want to feel connected, Inspired
Living is here to fuel your journey, inspire each other
to live our best lives, or, as I like to say,
you are.
Speaker 3 (03:20):
The inspired and the inspiration.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
So let's be inspired, let's inspire others, and let's inspire
before we expire. I do want to give a big
shout out to our Inspired listeners from all around the globe,
the universe.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
And beyond.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
My team and I hear at Inspired Living Radio are
always so very humbled and grateful to you. Listening, downloading, subscribing,
leaving reviews and voting to make Inspired Living Radio and
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to follow and listen to, as referenced and sourced by Feedspot.
Speaker 3 (03:51):
We do appreciate it, and we really appreciate you.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
If you have not yet subscribed, liked, or followed the show,
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and Twitter or ex formerly known as Twitter under the
handle Inspired for Us.
Speaker 3 (04:13):
That's the number four Inspired for Us.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
And you can always visit our YouTube channel just look
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through Audible and you can always find these podcasts and
nine seasons of Inspired Living wherever you get your favorite
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Living Podcasts and you can play this latest episode.
Speaker 3 (04:33):
So a new day, a.
Speaker 2 (04:34):
New opportunity, a dave we've not seen before, to use
our intuition to prospect this wonderful world around us. So
get ready to be inspired and motivated, because the best
is yet to come. Let's go prospecting. So today's guest
is joining Inspired Living for the very first time. Rachelle
rat Key Mozart is the founder and chief officer of
rat Key Designs, a design agency focused on using the
(04:57):
power design to drive social change. Rochelle's commitment to accessible
and inclusive design has positioned her as a leader in
the field, helping mission driven brands and nonprofits apply their
messages and reach audience often overlooked by traditional design approaches.
With a wealth of experience working with top organizations like
the Brain Injury Association of America and College Track, Rochelle
(05:19):
is dedicated to designing with purpose, ensuring that accessibility is
not just an add on, but a fundamental aspect.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
Of every project.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
Her agency's work has won numerous awards, including the Netty
Awards and Best Agency of the Year and Best Design Campaign,
reflecting her ability to marry creative with social responsibility.
Speaker 3 (05:40):
With more than fifteen years of experience.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
She's worked with every kind of client and company, imaginable,
scrappy startups, solopreneurs, enterprise corporations, nationally known nonprofits, and yes,
your favorite small business is down the street, bringing all
the design and challenges that you have, Rochelle is ready
to meet them up in her usual way, with full
on enthusiasm and a passion for the possibility. For nearly
(06:06):
ten years, rat Key Designs has been providing the expertise
clients expect from a big agency with the pickup of
the phone experience of a small one. We're the best
of both worlds and we're ready to help you when
you need us. So Rachelle's going to be coming on
and sharing this vision that she had that she turned
into a reality and now impacts people all around local
(06:27):
around the globe, and bringing something that is not necessarily
discussed when we talk about design or production.
Speaker 3 (06:34):
And that's today's topic is the power and design is
made for everyone.
Speaker 2 (06:39):
So if you want to learn more, you can always
go to our social media sites to get the link.
You can also visit Ratkeydesigns dot com. Rochelle, welcome to Inspired.
Speaker 4 (06:47):
Livy, Hey Mark, great here you and thanks for having me.
Speaker 3 (06:53):
Yeah, well, you know we were talking beutfore the show.
Speaker 2 (06:55):
We just had an episode where we talked about inclusivity
and people with disabilities, and so I like how things
come in patterns of threes. This is something that I
learned on before my Day is a spiritual before.
Speaker 3 (07:07):
You know, as a former life, I was.
Speaker 2 (07:09):
A first responder and we always talked about the power
of three things that happen in threes. And so this
is the second episode following an episode we did just
a couple of weeks ago on accessibility for people with
visually impaired or hearing impaired within the workspace and it
was a great book and a great guest and now
we're following it up about web design, right, about different designs,
but a focus on compliance and a focus on you know,
(07:33):
on your website it says, you know, when we say
there's power in design, we mean that power should be
available to everyone. And today the World Health Organization the WHO,
estimates that there's one point three billion people in the
world that have.
Speaker 3 (07:47):
A significant disability.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
And there's a lot of people who might be interested
in your organization, service and product because you're making products
and design with them in mind.
Speaker 3 (07:56):
Correct.
Speaker 4 (07:57):
Yeah, absolutely, we're taking messaging to a whole new level
over here. We're taking nonprofit messaging and mission driven brand.
We're reaching an audience that is otherwise often overlooked or ignored.
When we talk about the number of people with this disability.
It's not always something that is visible to the general public.
(08:22):
We're also reaching audiences that may have visual dependencies or
or visual even color blind lieds things like that are
seen as a visual disability in some instances, but we're
also talking about invisible disabilities, things like traumatic brain injury.
(08:42):
Statistics show that five million people in the US right
now are living with a TDI or a brain injury
related disability. And by creating accessible design, we're reaching those
audiences that are otherwise marginalized by traditional method.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
Yeah, and I love that, and that's why I wanted
to have you on the show to get the message out.
And like I was saying, these things coming three, So
I have no doubt that there'll be another episode down
the pathway where we continue to talk about different accessibility, inclusivity,
you know, people with disability. So I haven't seen my
schedule yet, but I'm pretty sure they'll probably be one
(09:23):
that would be the third episode, because I do. I
believe in the power of three, and sometimes it takes
us three times to hear something before it actually sinks
in or resonates.
Speaker 3 (09:30):
And like I said, in a.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
Farmer life, I was a first responder and that's when
I actually started to believe in the power of three
because we would see three different calls happen within that week,
you know, within that week time, you know, three car accidents,
three house fires, three bar fights, you know, et cetera.
And that's when I really started to believe in the
power of three. So I have no doubt that you
were meant to be here, to be on the show
and talk about your message. So you know, one example
(09:54):
I use is the unfortunate you know, plane accidents that
have happened, those coming threes, and we've seen that within
just the last month, you know, horrible as they are.
But when that first one happened in DC, I told
my wife, I said, look, there's going to be two more,
because they come in threes. And sure enough, within just
a few days, there was one in Alaska and one
in Philadelphia, and it's just like wow, So let's talk
(10:14):
about you.
Speaker 3 (10:14):
Let's talk about the beginning. I want to I want
to go back to the beginning.
Speaker 2 (10:18):
I want to go back to where this idea came from,
because I believe things are born twice, first in our mind,
and then what actions retake to bring them out into
reality and you've brought this company out into reality that's
won awards and worked with major companies and even small
business companies, which I love.
Speaker 3 (10:34):
So tell us a little bit about yourself.
Speaker 4 (10:36):
Yeah, So I started my career in corporate and I
know that that's not always exciting and not always what
everybody wants to hear. But I worked for very large corporations,
some retailers out there, and I kind of felt like
I wasn't really using my design skills or my life
(10:56):
in a way that was making an impact. So when
opportunity knocked, I was working for an agency. Something happened
at the agency management things like that, I was found
myself on the layoff list. I found myself unemployed, and
I used that as an opportunity to sort of think
(11:17):
about what I wanted to do as a designer, but
also think of a different way of approaching things that
made me different. And through the ten years that I've
run my agency, we've really fallen into this niche of
working with impactful and mission driven brands to really elevate
(11:41):
their messaging. But along the way, we've discovered this marginalized
and underserved community, meaning those that are not easily reached
through traditional methods, and we discovered that accessibility is something
that no one's talking about, no one's really leaning into this,
and really it's underutilized. So by leaning into accessible design,
(12:07):
we really created our own pathway and we found a
way to reach new audiences but also create such a
meaningful impact, especially in today's climate, in today's political upheaval,
marginalized communities.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
Yeah, especially today, And I think this is more. This
is so important to have this episode right now because
this lives on. This episode lives on in the in
the universe or the metaverse, or you know, whatever universe
Wren lives on. So this message is going to be
accessible to those you know, ten years down the road.
For you know, ten years ago you founded this company,
but that eureka moment, that aha moment you said.
Speaker 3 (12:43):
You know what, I'm going to take that leap of faith.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
And I want to talk about that, Rachelle with you,
because I think it's important for my listeners that you know,
I've always said if you don't risk it, there's no biscuit,
right And if you don't take.
Speaker 3 (12:53):
A leap of faith, you're not going to learn how
to fly.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
And there's a statistic out there for not only you,
but for our listeners that the richest people in the
world seventy five percent are entrepreneurs, fifteen percent or inventors,
seven percent or athletes, three percent are artists, zero.
Speaker 3 (13:09):
Percent are employees.
Speaker 2 (13:10):
And you had mentioned the word corporate, and when you
said corporate, it wasn't Your inflection was like, oh, corporate,
which I get.
Speaker 3 (13:16):
I just left the federal government after twenty three years.
Speaker 2 (13:18):
I'm glad with everything going on, I'm glad it was
a blessing in disguise to be retired.
Speaker 3 (13:22):
From the government. But kudos to you for taking that
leap of faith.
Speaker 2 (13:26):
Kudos to you for you know, having that ability to
risk it to have the biscuit which is now called
rat Key Design, and have that message statement with those
in mind that do have disabilities, and so I think
that's very important, you know, and for our listeners out there,
if you you know, if you've listened to my show,
you know I talk about the three season life, make
(13:46):
a choice, take a chance, see the change. Tell us
about the changes if you witnessed since you started this
business ten years ago.
Speaker 4 (13:54):
Yeah, absolutely so. I when I started the agency, it
was just me and that's really where happy place was.
I was content, I was a little clam live in
my best and I was working able to work with
some of these great organizations and really create an impact.
But as word continued to spread, and this sounds so crazy,
(14:16):
but you're really right, things happen in these waves and
these threes that keep coming. We moumped up in a
place in two thousand and two where the work without
pacing me. And I am not somebody who typically will
say no, especially when it's something I'm so passionate about.
So it was always where can I fit this in?
(14:36):
How can I make this work? And eventually it just
there were just not enough hours in the day. So
I brought in another designer to help me out, someone
who was equally focused on design and had the same
similar ethos to myself, and it took off, and before
I knew it, we had this big need to we
(14:56):
transition as an agency and as a company where we
brought in everybody to help support the vision and to
help build out the brand, but also to help service
the clients tell at subject no matter experts like developers
and project managers and other designers to really service the
(15:16):
clients that we were so passionate about. So today we're standing.
I believe we're at twelve strong, which is insane to
think about, but it's proof positive that when you lean
into something that you're truly passionate about and you're truly
energetic about, clients will find you. Clients will continue to
come if you build it. They will come by exuding
(15:40):
that energy and that enthusiasm for what possible in design.
I was able to really connect with my clients in
a completely different way, and one person led to another
and led to another, and before we knew it, we're
working with these massive nonprofits, these national reaching nonprofits. So
it's been a really wild ride. Like you said, if
(16:01):
you don't risk it, no biscuits exactly.
Speaker 3 (16:05):
Let me ask you this for the listeners. Would you
go knowing what you know now?
Speaker 2 (16:08):
Uh, you know what you make in the company you've
grown financially, would you go back to Would you go
back to corporate?
Speaker 4 (16:15):
No? I have a different ethos these days. I don't think.
I don't think corporate is made for me. I definitely
see myself as more of a UH an action based
individual and not necessarily a cog in a machine. I
definitely pride myself on as an a as an agency,
(16:38):
and as a service provider for our clients. We are
not yes people, We are not keyboard jockeys, we are
not order taken. We're here to elevate their brand and
we're there to be the subject matter experts. We're not
there to just simply put a logo on something and
call it a day. And I feel like in a
lot of instances, corporate culture does kind to dump things
(17:00):
down and it's unfortunate. But yeah, I don't think I
could ever go back. I don't think I could be
an indoor cat, as I call it in my channels.
I'm now door cat, through and through, and I love it.
Speaker 2 (17:15):
I knew that that's why you were going to be
a great guest for the show, because you know, I
always mind our listeners. You know that nobody really got
rich making us salary. I always said it's a scam.
And so if you really if you really want to,
if you've got that dream, y'all, and you want to
go out and do it, the right people will find
you the right energy. And you said two words it
(17:36):
really stuck out with me spiritually, Rachelle, And that's the
words passionate and energety, energetic, and I believe that energy
follows our intentions. So if you have a passion to
start something energetically as a human, and science confirms us
called the human energy field, it's not something marked just
made up. It's actually proven by science that we have energy,
energy in our heart, our org field. And when that
(17:57):
passion aligns with your intent, the energy will flow and
you'll start getting assistance from areas you never thought possible,
whether you want to call that the universe, your spirit, guides, angels, God,
other people on the planet. It's just a fascinating journey
if you have the faith to take that leap.
Speaker 3 (18:14):
And you did. And I and that question was a
setup question because I knew you were going to say no.
Speaker 2 (18:19):
And I if you asked me the same question, would
I ever go back to corporate or federal government? Now
they know that hell no, So so tell us a
little bit where the compliance part comes in. Because you
wanted to you wanted to carve your niche out to
be different. You didn't want to be just this branding
agency that said yes to everything. You wanted to be different.
And when you were and when you're different, be prepared
(18:40):
for rejection. Right, be prepared for ego and criticism and
labels and the pushback, or that will be successful. You
can't do that. You know, the word impossible broken down
splitting half means I'm possible.
Speaker 3 (18:52):
Tell me a little bit about that for the listeners.
Speaker 4 (18:54):
Yeah, So to cover the niche aspect of it, on
anyone who finds you on LinkedIn. One of my business
bessies and I we Starve. We have a visual podcast
that we host on LinkedIn Live and we talk about
niche and I like to I like to call myself
the anti niche designer because we don't have niches in
(19:16):
a very traditional sense. But what I would say is
we work with brands who are passionate about what they do,
are mission driven, and are making the world a better
place one way or another. They don't have to be nonprofit,
they don't have to be like these these you know,
crazy organizations. We do work with non or with profit
(19:40):
profitable companies or for profit in UH company H organizations,
but we also are really finding that all of our
clientele are mission driven and they're focusing on a specific
need in the market and making the world a better
place through that need, which leads me to compliance. So
(20:02):
over the last three or four years, we've really discovered
through one of our particular clients, it's a education based client,
that a lot of the marketing in the world is
not accessible to those with visual impairment, which is the
traditional five o eight compliance. And everybody's eyes just lost
(20:23):
over when I said that five weight compliance is the
government mandate. I'm sure you know this from your from
your last episode having to do with this, but just
to remind everybody, five oh eight compliance is a is
a mandate by the federal government for websites or digital
media to be accessible to those with visual impairments. Now,
(20:45):
that is a very broad term, and I'm going to
take it a step further when I say that our
agency puts accessibility and compliance at the center of everything
that we do. We're not talking about web We're not
just talking about so but we're talking about all designs.
So when we are working on a branding for a
(21:06):
new organization or.
Speaker 3 (21:08):
A new.
Speaker 4 (21:10):
Uh maybe a fellowship of a organization that already exists,
we're really looking at the materials to be high contrast.
The color palets that are used are applicable for those
that have color blindness, but we're also structuring our long
form publications in such a way that not only are
(21:31):
they accessible to e readers for people who have visual
impairment or blindness, but we're also meeting those with cognitive
or brain injuries where they are, and a lot of
those individuals are using e readers, they're using voice to
text to voice, they're using these these new technologies often
(21:56):
also supplied by AI to be able to obtain the
same information in a way that works for them. So
we are finding that organizations are a little trepidacious about
undertaking like large projects that you know they're they're often
worried about the bottom line, and we then are able
(22:18):
to tell them there are multiple things that at play here.
There's multiple things that you that you will be uh
able to achieve through this, one of them being you're
able to reach an audience that is otherwise ignored, so
that that's always wonderful, that's a great place to be.
But also we're finding that these organizations want their materials
(22:41):
to be at the forefront of AI farmability, meaning that
they're going to be able to position themselves as thought
leaders in their individual niche fields. And that has also
really skyrocketed over the last couple of months where we're
able to provide two beads for the buck, if you will,
(23:01):
and we're finding that organizations are then using the materials
in new and improved ways to really allow individuals to
experience them, but also to propel their branding and propel
their thought leadership opportunities through the use of AI.
Speaker 2 (23:20):
Now, with your background coming from corporate and just before
we go to our first break here, was there a
personal connection that you really wanted to focus in on
this ability to have this power design for everyone, to
have the fible way, to have a different way for
this part of the community that was not being reached.
Do you have a personal connection to that or is
(23:41):
that just something that was part of eureka moment when
you started creating the company.
Speaker 4 (23:45):
It really was a moment where I realized, oh my gosh,
these people are not getting messaging. And it was really
a moment a client came to me and said, hey,
we really do need this to be accessible, and I
was like, oh, well, how hard could that be? And
I started digging, and I started digging, and before I
knew it, it was a pan of worms that I just
(24:08):
opened and I was like, wow. First of all, there
is a lot involved. There are a lot of factors
that play, especially when you talk about the visual, but
there's also the aspect of holy cow, there's so many
people that are not able to be met where they are.
And then I was fortunate enough to pick up organizations
(24:29):
like the Brain Injury Association of America who really opened
my eyes suggest how broad of a market these TBI
and other brain related disability individuals are and just how
many people were talking about And before I knew it,
I was like wow. And then you add dyslexia onto this,
and you add cognitive and it's insane. It's absolutely insane.
(24:52):
And then you think about all these millions and billions
of people worldwide, and people are just discounting them from
tradition media, and they're being you know, barred out of
some social content, and they're they're not able to access
in your reports and donor reports, and it's absolutely insane
(25:14):
to start thinking about all the opportunities to reach this audience.
And it's as simple as adjusting a color, or it's
as simple as adding an all tag, or it's as
simple as structuring something in a more meaningful way. It's
a small ask for a big reward.
Speaker 2 (25:31):
Yeah, and I we're gonna go to our first break,
but when you come back, I want to get into
those more details. And before we go to break, Rachelle,
I want you to think about that idea that you had,
that a Eureka moment or that aha moment. I'm always
curious to where you think that came from. So we're
gonna go to break. We'll pick u up on the
other side and keep discussing. But today we have our
special guest, Rachelle rat Key Moser, chief creative officer of
(25:52):
rat Key Designs.
Speaker 3 (25:53):
We'll be back here in two minutes. This is inspired
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Speaker 2 (28:56):
And welcome back to Inspired Living. Our guest today is Ms.
Rochelle rat Key Moser. She is the founder and CCEO
that stands for Chief Creative Officer of rat Key Designs,
and today we're talking about the power and design is
made for everyone. So before the break, Rachelle I had
asked her, where do you think that thought dropped into
your brain? To say I'm going to start a company
(29:18):
that's going to be focused on working with people with disabilities.
I'm always curious where that inspiration comes from.
Speaker 4 (29:26):
Yeah, so it has been around for a little while now,
but I would say the moment that it really solidified
was working with the Brain Injury Association of America last year.
We worked with them to develop their My Brain Injury
Journey campaign, which was in combination with a large event
(29:48):
that they had at the US Capital looking for congressional
support and advocacy around the reauthor of of the TBI
Act last year. And upon meeting so many individuals that
were deeply engrossed in this community, I had this moment
(30:10):
where I was like, it isn't just accessibility, it is
truly about the people. And this is my opportunity. Is
something that I've been looking for all my career of
a way to actually create an impactful, an impactful difference
through design and through what I do for a living.
(30:31):
So this was my chance and went upon meeting these people,
and when I had an opportunity to really run with it,
I was like, Okay, here we go, Like where can
we where can we make pivotal changes? Where can we
really spearhead conversations that have to do with difficult topics
and how can I better serve this community in a
(30:52):
way that will make lasting change. So I would say
that that campaign was like this solidifying moment for yeah,
and I.
Speaker 2 (31:01):
Like to refer to that as the diamond within. You know,
diamond stays in the dark until it's finally revealed. And
for our listeners who follow my journey, I always talk
about diamonds are always created under extreme pressures, and some
of those pressures can be your former life of working
in the corporate world, working with organizations, you know, traumatic
brain injury that give you that inspiration, give you that
(31:22):
vision to create a mission statement that you know unlocks
a door to start your own company.
Speaker 3 (31:27):
So I love that, And again for our inspired listeners.
Speaker 2 (31:30):
Out there, you can learn more about Rachelle's journey through
our social media websites that we've had at the beginning
of the show, but you can also go to Ratkeydesigns
dot com.
Speaker 3 (31:41):
And on there.
Speaker 2 (31:42):
You know, it's a nice website, it's broken down, it's
really nice. It talks about that design is more than aesthetic,
it's an impact and I love that. That to me
is like a mission statement, like you want to impact
people's lives because there are a lot of people out
there that are forgotten about and it's you know, and
a lot of times, until you've have the experience yourself,
or you've gone through the experience, you don't relate to
(32:04):
necessarily people in the same way.
Speaker 3 (32:06):
And the reason I'm saying that I learned a lot.
Speaker 2 (32:07):
About the brain because many, many years ago my brother
had brain cancer and he's made his journey to the
other side. But I learned a lot about how the
brain functions, actually sitting down with brain surgeons because he
had two open brain surgeries and explaining to me how
the brain works, but also the little things that make
the brain, any kind of injuries to the brain, any
(32:29):
kind of traumas to the brain, everything that we've been
talking about, and it really kind of opened my eyes
to be like, Wow, we are much bigger than we realize,
even just if you just take the brain. In fact, Einstein,
I think I'm just paraphrasing here, but he talked about
one of the most dynamic three pound objects in the
(32:50):
universes are brain, and I've always thought about that, like, oh,
what does he mean by that? And so you're now
with the digital age. We're in a full you know,
the digital ages here started years ago, but you had
talked about some of the things that before the break
that let's put that layman terms because some of my
listeners may not know what tagging is, or let's go
(33:10):
into a little bit, you know, some of the concepts
that you can incorporate into the design when you're doing
this full service visual branding if you.
Speaker 4 (33:18):
Will, Yeah, absolutely so. When we are talking about digital
and I'm going to lump social media in there too,
there are very simple steps that one can take in
order to create more accessible content everything from there, there
are pieces called all tags, and all tags are alternative
(33:39):
texts where if someone were to be visually impaired and
is using a text to speech, it will actually describe
a visual element to them in a way that is
meaningful for them for content or for understanding. So, as
a designer, we often are visualized data or we're we're
(34:01):
creating these graphs and these charts and these beautiful visual elements.
But if somebody is not able to access that in
the more traditional waves, you know, with their with their eyes,
how would we want them to access that data in
a meaningful sort of way if say they were blind
or had a cognitive disability that didn't allow them to
(34:26):
to actually see it for what it actually is. So
all tags are incredibly important, and all techs are becoming
more and more prevalent in social media content as well.
We're seeing content creators add all texts to their captions,
add all text to the meta platforms. Uh, we're really
seeing that taking a large, uh leap forward. We're also
(34:51):
seeing a lot of content creators and and also video
correct creators using close caption. This is another amazing accessibility tool.
So it's not always about visual impairment, but it's putting
yourself in those shoes and being able to use the
(35:12):
materials and use the tools at hand to be able
to bridge the gap. So those are two when we're
talking digital content, are the two most important aspects.
Speaker 3 (35:25):
No, that's great.
Speaker 2 (35:25):
I think it's just clarifies for the listeners in case
they want to be a content creator, they want to
be an influencer, because we see a lot of that.
Speaker 3 (35:31):
We see a rise in that, right, and you know,
it's a little things.
Speaker 4 (35:36):
It's the little things, right, It's the difference between being
a content creator and being a responsible content creator or
a content creator that really puts humans first. So absolutely, yeah.
Speaker 2 (35:50):
I was just thinking on my YouTube channel, I would
do my videos, but I wouldn't always add close captioning.
And then I got a couple of comments to be,
you know, stating, hey, this would be much more enjoyable
if there was close captioning, and it just, you know,
it's just those you know, when you're working on social.
Speaker 3 (36:05):
Media or podcasting or YouTube. There's a lot of moving
parts too.
Speaker 2 (36:08):
There's a lot of behind the scenes stuff that takes place,
but it's it's one of those things that you just
you know, gloss over and you just don't think about it.
And as soon as you know, one of the followers
said that, I was like, you know what, You're right,
I'm not reaching I'm not making my message accessible to everybody.
And so a couple years ago I started mandating part
of you know that my YouTube videos have to contain
(36:29):
close captioning, you know, because I was I was applying
it to my from.
Speaker 3 (36:33):
My perspective, Oh, I can see fine, I can hear fine.
Speaker 2 (36:35):
But as I get older, I'm like, you know that,
thank God for close captioning because I sometimes now using
it on some of the television shows I watched them, Like, what.
Speaker 4 (36:41):
Did he say? Yeah? But you know, it's when we
take these elements. I mean, close captioning sounds like such
a small thing, but when we take these elements like
all tags and close captioning and contrast ratios, and we
look at it as a broader term and we talk
talk about across the full spectrum of design possibilities in marketing.
(37:06):
Think about all the times when close captioning would make
a world of difference. Think about all the times when
a contrast ratio would make a massive difference. And that's
where we really step in. We say, yes, we understand
that five O weeight compliance and these mandates are really
for the digital age, But what about that annual report?
(37:30):
What about a long form publication like a quarterly magazine?
What about these content pieces that kind of get overlooked
by the mass media. And it's really great when you
start to add these structures and add these alt tags
and create something that really transcends audiences and it creates
(37:52):
a whole new experience.
Speaker 6 (37:56):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (37:56):
And as you're saying that, I was thinking, could I
do my own web design that can don't need to
go and do an audit on my own design, you know,
going back and thinking about the things that now.
Speaker 3 (38:07):
Is that something I guess that leads me to another question.
Speaker 2 (38:09):
Let's say somebody like myself that does web design have
built their own website from the ground up. Is that
something that you can come in and do like an
audit to say, hey, you could do this to be
much more in five A weight compliance? Do you have
tools that allows you to look at the website each
page individually.
Speaker 4 (38:24):
We do. We actually now have people on staff that
are their subject matter experts when it comes to usability, accessibility,
and the ux UI of a website, and they can
go through and they use tools that are you know,
so profound, and they're able to really tell you what
(38:45):
is and isn't possible in your site and where those
holes are that you're really you're losing audience. So yeah, absolutely,
we also really help people see the broader picture when
it comes to like branding and being So many brands
are leaning on contrast ratios for color that are not
(39:06):
necessarily accessible. So when we're talking about a bank, for instance,
then maybe using a bright yellow and a black as
their as their primary colors, we may come in and say, Hey,
while I understand that you're really married to this this
bright yellow in this black, the contrast ratios in which
you're using them does not make for the best experience
(39:30):
for those with you know, cognitive disabilities, visual impairment, or
color blindness. So we need to refresh this branding a
little bit to create something that is more contrast uh compliance.
And that way users are able to then access the
data and understand and be able to actually, you know,
(39:51):
see the visuals that they're they're being presented with.
Speaker 2 (39:55):
Yeah, and so listeners, if you need to clean up
on your website, go to wreck Key Designs to schedule
your I think you said you give out free consultation too,
like a thirty minute we do contation, okay.
Speaker 9 (40:07):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (40:08):
We sit down with individuals and talk about where you
see your brand going, where your holes are, you know,
what where are you finding that you're you're not quite
man hitting the mark, and then we talk about what's possible.
We often open the open people's eyes to what's possible
or some gaps in the market that they may be missing. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (40:30):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (40:30):
So again, if you want to go prospecting a little
farther down the design path Ratkeydesigns dot com.
Speaker 3 (40:37):
They'll take you right there.
Speaker 2 (40:37):
And it's fine that I'm asking that question because I
can't tell you, as a public figure, how many emails
I get a week about my website and SEO and
your branding and and it's for.
Speaker 3 (40:48):
People I don't even know. I literally I probably get
two to three of those a day.
Speaker 2 (40:52):
They go to my spam folder. But it's just amazing.
It's like, well, well, how do you find my website?
If you know I'm getting all these different people, I
must be doing okay with what I'm doing because you're
reaching out to me, right, So be careful of people
that reach out to try to change your website or
get you know, better SEO results, you know, search engine optimization.
I guess I should save for SEO. But we have
(41:13):
rachelle on today as a trusted source through Inspired Living
that you can visit her site at Rakkeetesigns dot com
and she will pick up. She will take it from there.
My job is to introduce you to the global audience,
and you give her a call or visit.
Speaker 3 (41:26):
The website and she will. You're in good hands, is
what I'm saying.
Speaker 2 (41:29):
So this time goes by so quick, Rachelle, I could
talk to you for hours it does. It just means
we're inspiring, We're having fun. That's what that really means.
So let's talk about a little bit real quick, because
AI is.
Speaker 3 (41:45):
Going to change.
Speaker 2 (41:46):
I've been talking and writing about AI during our decade
of the Roaring twenties. These Roaring twenties are going to
be an age look back at history as an age
of transformation, historical moments and great levels of consciousness rising people.
You know, back in twenty eighteen, what are you talking about?
And AI is going to be our industrial revolution. That's
that's where I see. Now here's an interesting thought that
(42:09):
I had that I was going to just throw out
there for the listening audience and for you, and then
we'll talk about how AI is going to impact your business.
Speaker 3 (42:17):
Did humans.
Speaker 2 (42:20):
Make AI based on code or did we discover AI?
And the point in history is now where we're actually
revealing that AI has always been around, but it took
certain tools in certain times, like mathematics. Right, mathematics was
not created by humans. Mathematics was discovered by humans. And
I'm thinking wondering if AI is that same concept as
(42:42):
mathematics which we always say is the language of the universe, right,
and so AI as it is, Well, it's here, it's
it's almost everything we touch. Now, what do you think
about AI? What do you think that's going to happen?
How is thatcond Is it going to help you? Is
it going to hurt you in your business? Where do
you see yourself going with the age of artificial intelligences here?
Speaker 4 (43:03):
Yeah, so many creatives are finding themselves afraid of AI
and it kind of makes me chuckle because I personally
don't mind it. There's a certain amount of oh, well,
this is interesting that constantly happens with every evolution of CHET,
GVT or every evolution of now our tools, our design
(43:25):
software has a I built into it, and there's always
you know, things that are easier, things that are have
become a click of the mouse that used to take hours,
like photo retouching, things like that, which I'm all for.
I would much rather make an impactful and an impact
on somebody's piece in a design sort of way and
(43:46):
not spending five hours retouching a photo. But we have
found and this is going to be like, this is
very interesting to me. We have had multiple clients reach
out to us and say well, we really need this
publication to be farmable by AI, and we're like, cool,
(44:06):
that's awesome. You put any thought into accessibility and people
are like, oh, yeah, that's that's a nice to have.
That's something that we can look at next year. But
we really need this to be farmable by AI, that
that people can not just Google with its AI integrations,
but also people being able to throw a large, large
format and when I say long format, I'm talking like
(44:30):
twenty four pages or more publications throw that into AI
and say hey, I want a summary or can you
find these takeaway things like that? So everybody wants their pieces,
they're large, they're long format publications to be farmable by AI.
It's the same technology, it's the exact same integrations that
(44:55):
are needed for accessibility. So it's really funny to me.
Sometime times we come across a client who is so
into this AI thing and when we mention accessibility, they're like, oh, yeah,
that's that's on the list for like twenty twenty six,
twenty twenty seven, and I'm like, hmmm, well, first of all,
I have good news for you. We can do that sooner.
(45:19):
But you're also putting AI ahead of humans Like that
just seems so silly to me. Wouldn't you want to
reach the audiences first? And then, by the way, it's
also vulnerable by AI. It seems like the priorities are swapped.
But that all aside. The same integrations that make a
document accessible to individuals using e readers, using voice to
(45:43):
tech or text to voice, I always switch those text
to voice are the same integrations that allow AI to
parse the information as well. So it's it really is
a new age for us. It's really a new way
of looking at design, and it's it's really changing the
way that we design pieces because we as designers have
(46:04):
to be very thoughtful about how a publication is put
together or the reading path that an individual takes, like
do you read this call out now or do you
read it after the paragraph?
Speaker 3 (46:17):
Like all of.
Speaker 4 (46:17):
These things really do make a huge difference. So, yeah,
AI is here to say. AI seems to be at
everybody's forefront of their minds. But I'm also going to
challenge people like why are we catering to a robot
when we really should be reaching people from.
Speaker 3 (46:36):
Yeah, that's a great point, and thank you for sharing
that perspective.
Speaker 2 (46:38):
Because I think, you know, it's I can say, I
can say that I'm BC before computers. I can remember,
you know, having to go to the public library and
actually pull out an index card to say, oh, where's
this located in this building? And that's why Google is,
you know, a multi billion dollar company because they figured
out a way to grab that uh index card to
search information and all the knowledge that's right at our
(47:01):
fingertips via the Internet. I remember when the Internet came out,
everybody's like, well, where do I go?
Speaker 3 (47:05):
Where is the Internet? Is a physical location? Is it
a you know?
Speaker 9 (47:08):
I can even remember back to Yeah, I remember watching
the video on Bill on Bill Gates when they actually
incorporated the mouse, the mouse technology of actually having this
because when computers came out, it was there was no mouse.
Speaker 2 (47:22):
People don't realize it was keyboard. There was keyboard that
you had to use tabing keyboard.
Speaker 4 (47:27):
Yeah, that is also an accessibility requirement for websites. It's
the tabability because we do have individuals who cannot use
a mouse for whatever physical disability, cognitive disability, whatever the
case might be. So having from the old school website
that is still very relevant.
Speaker 3 (47:48):
Yeah. Yeah, going all the way back to green screen
dos so exactly.
Speaker 4 (47:55):
But if you if you just those of us that
are elder millennial gen A, yes, yes we all pre
date Google. So this is exactly right. This is very
crazy to be watching all of this happen, and eventually
our children will go, oh, there was a time that
AI didn't exist, like what did you do?
Speaker 2 (48:16):
And exactly, Yeah, the evolution has just been amazing to
watch with what we're doing and how we interact with
one another and not interact with one another as well.
But it's there's a picture showing where Apple was first
created in Steve jobs Parents' garage, so there's a picture
of where Apple was created, and then it shoots to today.
(48:37):
And if you've ever seen Apple's main headquarters, the big
round ring kind of looks like a stargate or it's
just it's amazing where we're going. And I think AI again,
did did we invent ai? Or are we just now
coming into the actual consciousness of AI that's been there
because it is based on coding, right, it's based on numbers,
it's based on algorithms, it's based on seeing and who
(48:59):
wrote that?
Speaker 4 (49:00):
But Mark, you just ruined my entire night and my
mind now you have broken me. I am ruined.
Speaker 2 (49:13):
But these are the questions I you know, That's why
I love doing these shows, because consciousness is an elevation
of something that starts in a garage and takes you
to something bigger. That's going back to the beginning of
the show, that leap of faith that if you don't
risk it, you don't get the biscuit. If you don't
make a choice, take a chance, you'll never see the changes.
And that's why I want to have you on the show,
because you're incorporating AI into digital accessibility for everyone with
(49:35):
the mindset not AI first, but humans first, AI second, which.
Speaker 3 (49:41):
Is how it should be. And I just you know,
I just think that there's so much more to come
that we have no.
Speaker 2 (49:46):
Idea of what is going to unfold for us. And
you know, for the rest of the twenty twenty five,
what do you have? What are some interesting things that
you're working on or anything you want to share in
the upcoming year, or any anything you'd share your younger
self that you would do differently.
Speaker 4 (50:03):
Yeah, so exciting projects for twenty twenty five. We're taking
accessibilities for We're flipping it on its head. We're really
focusing in on English learners now. A lot of our
clients are in the nonprofit space in the education market
in California, where we know that English learner is a
large portion of the everyday education landscape. So we're using
(50:27):
accessibility in such a way to help bridge that gap
for families that don't speak English first. But we're also
working with amazing organizations like Education Trust West, College Track
and ed Boys to really amplify their messaging and be
able to reach audiences through accessible design. And I know
(50:47):
like Education Trust West is doing amazing advocacy work for
not only their immigrants student based but also black Black
students and equitable education practices. So being able to be
part of that as well as advocate for accessibility when
it comes to disability through Brain Injury Association of America.
(51:10):
It's fantastic to be able to actually make a meaningful difference.
I know when I went to art school, when I
was in college, I was going, oh, I would give
anything to just be able to make an impact in
the world. And this is our opportunity. This is really
able to create something that other people are not.
Speaker 3 (51:31):
Yeah, and I love that.
Speaker 2 (51:32):
I think it's a reminder too for our listeners out there.
We as humans are born to create, just like you said, Rachelle,
you were born that passion.
Speaker 3 (51:40):
We're not put on this planet to consume.
Speaker 2 (51:41):
Some may argue that, but I've always said when you want,
when you're in a role of just consuming, you're never
going to know yourself, You're never going to reach your
highest potential. And it's about creating. Whatever that is, whatever
your dream you have out there, create it and take
that chance and make that choice to create that because
it may impact people's lives at a level that you.
Speaker 3 (52:00):
Didn't even think about. And so.
Speaker 2 (52:04):
Create, not consume, is what I would say. So just
with the time we have left, because again these I
love these episodes because they go by so quick.
Speaker 3 (52:11):
I'm liking I'm like, we got five minutes left.
Speaker 2 (52:13):
What I like to ask my guest, since this is
the first time being uninspired living, I hope you come
back and share, you continue to share your inspirations and
your your creative journey that you're sharing with all of
us today. Who or what inspires you? Who or what
inspires you?
Speaker 4 (52:31):
Yeah? Who you ask A tough one. I would say
that I'm inspired by every single one of my clients.
I have really been privileged to surround myself with individuals
who are making insane move in in helping people and
creating an equitable world that we all live in, whether
(52:54):
it be through education, advocacy, medical advocacy, human rights. It's
absolutely astounding that I'm so privileged to work with these
individuals and help them take their messaging and amplify it
in such a profound and meaningful way. I really I'm
(53:15):
only as strong as the messaging and the research briefs
and the insight that I'm given. I am just the
amplification of it, and be able to be able to
be a part of these amazing organizations just makes me
so proud of everything that my team and I have
(53:36):
been able to do.
Speaker 2 (53:38):
And that's a really good answer. One person at a time,
you can make the difference in one person's life. You're
doing your job, or as I always like to say,
the abcs of life, always be connecting because that's what
we have to do, unity through community.
Speaker 3 (53:51):
So that was a great answer.
Speaker 2 (53:52):
But I'd like to ask people that because I'm always
curious to what inspires people today, whether it's a person,
a place, a thing, a family member.
Speaker 3 (53:59):
You know, So I just want to say thank you
for being on the show.
Speaker 2 (54:02):
Thank you for the inspiring message, Keep up the great
work of what you're doing. And even if it's at
one person at a time, or you know a corporation,
you say that seawhere, that's the one see where we
don't want to talk about corporation, right.
Speaker 4 (54:14):
I mean we have, we have helped corporations with their
atuity and inclusion, but yes, it's one of those. Everybody
has a human focus and there are vast possibilities out there.
Speaker 2 (54:26):
Exactly the difference now, Rochelle is you're your own boss,
working for yourself.
Speaker 3 (54:30):
Not somebody else.
Speaker 2 (54:31):
And the secret of life is getting the paid to
do what you love because we're the only species that
pays to live here.
Speaker 3 (54:36):
So I love it, love the message, keep up the
great work.
Speaker 9 (54:39):
Again.
Speaker 2 (54:39):
If you want to work with Michelle and her team,
you can go to Ratkeydesigns dot com. All of her
information is also posted on our Facebook page, Blue sky
X and Instagram if you want to get that information,
it's all listed out there. Again, thank you for being
on the show today. Do you want to leave us
with an inspirational message before we close?
Speaker 3 (55:00):
Anything that you want.
Speaker 4 (55:01):
To just say I will leave it at our tagline,
which is there is power in design. Remember that there
is always power in design.
Speaker 2 (55:09):
Beautifully said, Beautifully said. And with that, Inspired Listeners, thank
you for listening in today until our next soul adventure together,
be kind, be caring, be compassionate, and, most importantly, wherever
you're at in this world, dare to dream. Dare to explore,
Dare to live and discover that diminal within. We'll see
you next time here on Inspired Living.
Speaker 3 (55:29):
Have a great day, everybody. I'm mistake
Speaker 2 (56:19):
A
Welcome to Inspired Living with Mark Lainhart, the Intuitive Prospector.
Every Wednesday, Mark, along with his special guests, will explore
thought provoking topics and ideas that promote creativity, self help, healing,
happiness and well being to inspire you on your spiritual journey.
Each week, Mark will discuss different paths to achieving a
(00:36):
more spiritual, balanced, happy, and healthy lifestyle. Topics will elevate
consciousness and range from metaphysics, to the human and social
experience and all things spiritual. Welcome to an inspired community
that offers support, encouragement, and new ways of thinking. Mark
is a tested, certified and professional spiritual medium, metaphysical teacher, healer,
(00:58):
and spiritual advisor with a spiritual practice based in Seattle, Washington.
You are the inspired and the inspiration.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
And good morning, good afternoon, or good evening wherever you
may be in this awakening planet of ours. This is
inspired living, where every moment is an opportunity to ignite
your passion, your curiosities, and embrace the mysteries, phenomenons, the unknown,
the ordinary, and yes, the extraordinary. I am your host,
Mark Lainehart, the Intuitive Prospector, Here with you yet again
(01:30):
for another What I like to call soul adventure or
Inspired episode to explore, discuss, and discover the many diamonds
within each and every one of us, and the many
hidden gems that have yet to be revealed to us
and the rest of the world.
Speaker 3 (01:45):
I'm thrilled to have you join us.
Speaker 2 (01:46):
Today as we embark on a journey of inspiration, motivation,
and transformation.
Speaker 3 (01:50):
Whether you're tuning in from the comfort.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
Of your own home, on the road, or wherever life
takes you, this show is designed to uplift your spirit
and empower your dreams.
Speaker 3 (01:59):
Here it Inspired Living.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
We believe that within each of us lies the potential
to create the life redesire. Together, we'll explore stories of resilience, wisdom,
and creativity that will spark your imagination and encourage you
to take bold steps towards your goals. Inspired Living is
all about fostering a supporting and empowering community. Each episode
(02:20):
will highlight incredible guests who have overcome challenges, pursued their passions,
and make a positive impact in their fields. From artists
and entrepreneurs to thought leaders and wellness advocates, will bring
you diverse voices and perspectives that resonate with the journey
of personal growth will dwell into the topics like mindfulness, creativity,
goal setting, resilience, providing you with practical tips and insights
(02:43):
that you can apply to your own life. Inspired listeners
can expect engaging discussions through thought provoking questions, and actionable
steps to turn inspiration into reality. Additionally, we create a
space for you to share your own stories and experiences.
Your journey does matter, and we want to sell celebrate
your victories, no matter how big or how small. Together
(03:03):
we can cultivate a mindset of possibility and unlock the
doors to our dreams. So, whether you're seeking encouragement, looking
for new ideas, or simply want to feel connected, Inspired
Living is here to fuel your journey, inspire each other
to live our best lives, or, as I like to say,
you are.
Speaker 3 (03:20):
The inspired and the inspiration.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
So let's be inspired, let's inspire others, and let's inspire
before we expire. I do want to give a big
shout out to our Inspired listeners from all around the globe,
the universe.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
And beyond.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
My team and I hear at Inspired Living Radio are
always so very humbled and grateful to you. Listening, downloading, subscribing,
leaving reviews and voting to make Inspired Living Radio and
podcast a best inspirational show and a best spiritual show
to follow and listen to, as referenced and sourced by Feedspot.
Speaker 3 (03:51):
We do appreciate it, and we really appreciate you.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
If you have not yet subscribed, liked, or followed the show,
there's always time to do so. Over on our main
social media platforms. The main ones our Facebook. You're going
to look for our global community under Inspired Living Radio
and Podcasts. You can also follow us at Instagram, Blue Sky,
and Twitter or ex formerly known as Twitter under the
handle Inspired for Us.
Speaker 3 (04:13):
That's the number four Inspired for Us.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
And you can always visit our YouTube channel just look
for Inspired Living Radio. And we are now also streaming
through Audible and you can always find these podcasts and
nine seasons of Inspired Living wherever you get your favorite
podcasting shows. Or you can say Alexa, open up Inspired
Living Podcasts and you can play this latest episode.
Speaker 3 (04:33):
So a new day, a.
Speaker 2 (04:34):
New opportunity, a dave we've not seen before, to use
our intuition to prospect this wonderful world around us. So
get ready to be inspired and motivated, because the best
is yet to come. Let's go prospecting. So today's guest
is joining Inspired Living for the very first time. Rachelle
rat Key Mozart is the founder and chief officer of
rat Key Designs, a design agency focused on using the
(04:57):
power design to drive social change. Rochelle's commitment to accessible
and inclusive design has positioned her as a leader in
the field, helping mission driven brands and nonprofits apply their
messages and reach audience often overlooked by traditional design approaches.
With a wealth of experience working with top organizations like
the Brain Injury Association of America and College Track, Rochelle
(05:19):
is dedicated to designing with purpose, ensuring that accessibility is
not just an add on, but a fundamental aspect.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
Of every project.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
Her agency's work has won numerous awards, including the Netty
Awards and Best Agency of the Year and Best Design Campaign,
reflecting her ability to marry creative with social responsibility.
Speaker 3 (05:40):
With more than fifteen years of experience.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
She's worked with every kind of client and company, imaginable,
scrappy startups, solopreneurs, enterprise corporations, nationally known nonprofits, and yes,
your favorite small business is down the street, bringing all
the design and challenges that you have, Rochelle is ready
to meet them up in her usual way, with full
on enthusiasm and a passion for the possibility. For nearly
(06:06):
ten years, rat Key Designs has been providing the expertise
clients expect from a big agency with the pickup of
the phone experience of a small one. We're the best
of both worlds and we're ready to help you when
you need us. So Rachelle's going to be coming on
and sharing this vision that she had that she turned
into a reality and now impacts people all around local
(06:27):
around the globe, and bringing something that is not necessarily
discussed when we talk about design or production.
Speaker 3 (06:34):
And that's today's topic is the power and design is
made for everyone.
Speaker 2 (06:39):
So if you want to learn more, you can always
go to our social media sites to get the link.
You can also visit Ratkeydesigns dot com. Rochelle, welcome to Inspired.
Speaker 4 (06:47):
Livy, Hey Mark, great here you and thanks for having me.
Speaker 3 (06:53):
Yeah, well, you know we were talking beutfore the show.
Speaker 2 (06:55):
We just had an episode where we talked about inclusivity
and people with disabilities, and so I like how things
come in patterns of threes. This is something that I
learned on before my Day is a spiritual before.
Speaker 3 (07:07):
You know, as a former life, I was.
Speaker 2 (07:09):
A first responder and we always talked about the power
of three things that happen in threes. And so this
is the second episode following an episode we did just
a couple of weeks ago on accessibility for people with
visually impaired or hearing impaired within the workspace and it
was a great book and a great guest and now
we're following it up about web design, right, about different designs,
but a focus on compliance and a focus on you know,
(07:33):
on your website it says, you know, when we say
there's power in design, we mean that power should be
available to everyone. And today the World Health Organization the WHO,
estimates that there's one point three billion people in the
world that have.
Speaker 3 (07:47):
A significant disability.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
And there's a lot of people who might be interested
in your organization, service and product because you're making products
and design with them in mind.
Speaker 3 (07:56):
Correct.
Speaker 4 (07:57):
Yeah, absolutely, we're taking messaging to a whole new level
over here. We're taking nonprofit messaging and mission driven brand.
We're reaching an audience that is otherwise often overlooked or ignored.
When we talk about the number of people with this disability.
It's not always something that is visible to the general public.
(08:22):
We're also reaching audiences that may have visual dependencies or
or visual even color blind lieds things like that are
seen as a visual disability in some instances, but we're
also talking about invisible disabilities, things like traumatic brain injury.
(08:42):
Statistics show that five million people in the US right
now are living with a TDI or a brain injury
related disability. And by creating accessible design, we're reaching those
audiences that are otherwise marginalized by traditional method.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
Yeah, and I love that, and that's why I wanted
to have you on the show to get the message out.
And like I was saying, these things coming three, So
I have no doubt that there'll be another episode down
the pathway where we continue to talk about different accessibility, inclusivity,
you know, people with disability. So I haven't seen my
schedule yet, but I'm pretty sure they'll probably be one
(09:23):
that would be the third episode, because I do. I
believe in the power of three, and sometimes it takes
us three times to hear something before it actually sinks
in or resonates.
Speaker 3 (09:30):
And like I said, in a.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
Farmer life, I was a first responder and that's when
I actually started to believe in the power of three
because we would see three different calls happen within that week,
you know, within that week time, you know, three car accidents,
three house fires, three bar fights, you know, et cetera.
And that's when I really started to believe in the
power of three. So I have no doubt that you
were meant to be here, to be on the show
and talk about your message. So you know, one example
(09:54):
I use is the unfortunate you know, plane accidents that
have happened, those coming threes, and we've seen that within
just the last month, you know, horrible as they are.
But when that first one happened in DC, I told
my wife, I said, look, there's going to be two more,
because they come in threes. And sure enough, within just
a few days, there was one in Alaska and one
in Philadelphia, and it's just like wow, So let's talk
(10:14):
about you.
Speaker 3 (10:14):
Let's talk about the beginning. I want to I want
to go back to the beginning.
Speaker 2 (10:18):
I want to go back to where this idea came from,
because I believe things are born twice, first in our mind,
and then what actions retake to bring them out into
reality and you've brought this company out into reality that's
won awards and worked with major companies and even small
business companies, which I love.
Speaker 3 (10:34):
So tell us a little bit about yourself.
Speaker 4 (10:36):
Yeah, So I started my career in corporate and I
know that that's not always exciting and not always what
everybody wants to hear. But I worked for very large corporations,
some retailers out there, and I kind of felt like
I wasn't really using my design skills or my life
(10:56):
in a way that was making an impact. So when
opportunity knocked, I was working for an agency. Something happened
at the agency management things like that, I was found
myself on the layoff list. I found myself unemployed, and
I used that as an opportunity to sort of think
(11:17):
about what I wanted to do as a designer, but
also think of a different way of approaching things that
made me different. And through the ten years that I've
run my agency, we've really fallen into this niche of
working with impactful and mission driven brands to really elevate
(11:41):
their messaging. But along the way, we've discovered this marginalized
and underserved community, meaning those that are not easily reached
through traditional methods, and we discovered that accessibility is something
that no one's talking about, no one's really leaning into this,
and really it's underutilized. So by leaning into accessible design,
(12:07):
we really created our own pathway and we found a
way to reach new audiences but also create such a
meaningful impact, especially in today's climate, in today's political upheaval,
marginalized communities.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
Yeah, especially today, And I think this is more. This
is so important to have this episode right now because
this lives on. This episode lives on in the in
the universe or the metaverse, or you know, whatever universe
Wren lives on. So this message is going to be
accessible to those you know, ten years down the road.
For you know, ten years ago you founded this company,
but that eureka moment, that aha moment you said.
Speaker 3 (12:43):
You know what, I'm going to take that leap of faith.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
And I want to talk about that, Rachelle with you,
because I think it's important for my listeners that you know,
I've always said if you don't risk it, there's no biscuit,
right And if you don't take.
Speaker 3 (12:53):
A leap of faith, you're not going to learn how
to fly.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
And there's a statistic out there for not only you,
but for our listeners that the richest people in the
world seventy five percent are entrepreneurs, fifteen percent or inventors,
seven percent or athletes, three percent are artists, zero.
Speaker 3 (13:09):
Percent are employees.
Speaker 2 (13:10):
And you had mentioned the word corporate, and when you
said corporate, it wasn't Your inflection was like, oh, corporate,
which I get.
Speaker 3 (13:16):
I just left the federal government after twenty three years.
Speaker 2 (13:18):
I'm glad with everything going on, I'm glad it was
a blessing in disguise to be retired.
Speaker 3 (13:22):
From the government. But kudos to you for taking that
leap of faith.
Speaker 2 (13:26):
Kudos to you for you know, having that ability to
risk it to have the biscuit which is now called
rat Key Design, and have that message statement with those
in mind that do have disabilities, and so I think
that's very important, you know, and for our listeners out there,
if you you know, if you've listened to my show,
you know I talk about the three season life, make
(13:46):
a choice, take a chance, see the change. Tell us
about the changes if you witnessed since you started this
business ten years ago.
Speaker 4 (13:54):
Yeah, absolutely so. I when I started the agency, it
was just me and that's really where happy place was.
I was content, I was a little clam live in
my best and I was working able to work with
some of these great organizations and really create an impact.
But as word continued to spread, and this sounds so crazy,
(14:16):
but you're really right, things happen in these waves and
these threes that keep coming. We moumped up in a
place in two thousand and two where the work without
pacing me. And I am not somebody who typically will
say no, especially when it's something I'm so passionate about.
So it was always where can I fit this in?
(14:36):
How can I make this work? And eventually it just
there were just not enough hours in the day. So
I brought in another designer to help me out, someone
who was equally focused on design and had the same
similar ethos to myself, and it took off, and before
I knew it, we had this big need to we
(14:56):
transition as an agency and as a company where we
brought in everybody to help support the vision and to
help build out the brand, but also to help service
the clients tell at subject no matter experts like developers
and project managers and other designers to really service the
(15:16):
clients that we were so passionate about. So today we're standing.
I believe we're at twelve strong, which is insane to
think about, but it's proof positive that when you lean
into something that you're truly passionate about and you're truly
energetic about, clients will find you. Clients will continue to
come if you build it. They will come by exuding
(15:40):
that energy and that enthusiasm for what possible in design.
I was able to really connect with my clients in
a completely different way, and one person led to another
and led to another, and before we knew it, we're
working with these massive nonprofits, these national reaching nonprofits. So
it's been a really wild ride. Like you said, if
(16:01):
you don't risk it, no biscuits exactly.
Speaker 3 (16:05):
Let me ask you this for the listeners. Would you
go knowing what you know now?
Speaker 2 (16:08):
Uh, you know what you make in the company you've
grown financially, would you go back to Would you go
back to corporate?
Speaker 4 (16:15):
No? I have a different ethos these days. I don't think.
I don't think corporate is made for me. I definitely
see myself as more of a UH an action based
individual and not necessarily a cog in a machine. I
definitely pride myself on as an a as an agency,
(16:38):
and as a service provider for our clients. We are
not yes people, We are not keyboard jockeys, we are
not order taken. We're here to elevate their brand and
we're there to be the subject matter experts. We're not
there to just simply put a logo on something and
call it a day. And I feel like in a
lot of instances, corporate culture does kind to dump things
(17:00):
down and it's unfortunate. But yeah, I don't think I
could ever go back. I don't think I could be
an indoor cat, as I call it in my channels.
I'm now door cat, through and through, and I love it.
Speaker 2 (17:15):
I knew that that's why you were going to be
a great guest for the show, because you know, I
always mind our listeners. You know that nobody really got
rich making us salary. I always said it's a scam.
And so if you really if you really want to,
if you've got that dream, y'all, and you want to
go out and do it, the right people will find
you the right energy. And you said two words it
(17:36):
really stuck out with me spiritually, Rachelle, And that's the
words passionate and energety, energetic, and I believe that energy
follows our intentions. So if you have a passion to
start something energetically as a human, and science confirms us
called the human energy field, it's not something marked just
made up. It's actually proven by science that we have energy,
energy in our heart, our org field. And when that
(17:57):
passion aligns with your intent, the energy will flow and
you'll start getting assistance from areas you never thought possible,
whether you want to call that the universe, your spirit, guides, angels, God,
other people on the planet. It's just a fascinating journey
if you have the faith to take that leap.
Speaker 3 (18:14):
And you did. And I and that question was a
setup question because I knew you were going to say no.
Speaker 2 (18:19):
And I if you asked me the same question, would
I ever go back to corporate or federal government? Now
they know that hell no, So so tell us a
little bit where the compliance part comes in. Because you
wanted to you wanted to carve your niche out to
be different. You didn't want to be just this branding
agency that said yes to everything. You wanted to be different.
And when you were and when you're different, be prepared
(18:40):
for rejection. Right, be prepared for ego and criticism and
labels and the pushback, or that will be successful. You
can't do that. You know, the word impossible broken down
splitting half means I'm possible.
Speaker 3 (18:52):
Tell me a little bit about that for the listeners.
Speaker 4 (18:54):
Yeah, So to cover the niche aspect of it, on
anyone who finds you on LinkedIn. One of my business
bessies and I we Starve. We have a visual podcast
that we host on LinkedIn Live and we talk about
niche and I like to I like to call myself
the anti niche designer because we don't have niches in
(19:16):
a very traditional sense. But what I would say is
we work with brands who are passionate about what they do,
are mission driven, and are making the world a better
place one way or another. They don't have to be nonprofit,
they don't have to be like these these you know,
crazy organizations. We do work with non or with profit
(19:40):
profitable companies or for profit in UH company H organizations,
but we also are really finding that all of our
clientele are mission driven and they're focusing on a specific
need in the market and making the world a better
place through that need, which leads me to compliance. So
(20:02):
over the last three or four years, we've really discovered
through one of our particular clients, it's a education based client,
that a lot of the marketing in the world is
not accessible to those with visual impairment, which is the
traditional five o eight compliance. And everybody's eyes just lost
(20:23):
over when I said that five weight compliance is the
government mandate. I'm sure you know this from your from
your last episode having to do with this, but just
to remind everybody, five oh eight compliance is a is
a mandate by the federal government for websites or digital
media to be accessible to those with visual impairments. Now,
(20:45):
that is a very broad term, and I'm going to
take it a step further when I say that our
agency puts accessibility and compliance at the center of everything
that we do. We're not talking about web We're not
just talking about so but we're talking about all designs.
So when we are working on a branding for a
(21:06):
new organization or.
Speaker 3 (21:08):
A new.
Speaker 4 (21:10):
Uh maybe a fellowship of a organization that already exists,
we're really looking at the materials to be high contrast.
The color palets that are used are applicable for those
that have color blindness, but we're also structuring our long
form publications in such a way that not only are
(21:31):
they accessible to e readers for people who have visual
impairment or blindness, but we're also meeting those with cognitive
or brain injuries where they are, and a lot of
those individuals are using e readers, they're using voice to
text to voice, they're using these these new technologies often
(21:56):
also supplied by AI to be able to obtain the
same information in a way that works for them. So
we are finding that organizations are a little trepidacious about
undertaking like large projects that you know they're they're often
worried about the bottom line, and we then are able
(22:18):
to tell them there are multiple things that at play here.
There's multiple things that you that you will be uh
able to achieve through this, one of them being you're
able to reach an audience that is otherwise ignored, so
that that's always wonderful, that's a great place to be.
But also we're finding that these organizations want their materials
(22:41):
to be at the forefront of AI farmability, meaning that
they're going to be able to position themselves as thought
leaders in their individual niche fields. And that has also
really skyrocketed over the last couple of months where we're
able to provide two beads for the buck, if you will,
(23:01):
and we're finding that organizations are then using the materials
in new and improved ways to really allow individuals to
experience them, but also to propel their branding and propel
their thought leadership opportunities through the use of AI.
Speaker 2 (23:20):
Now, with your background coming from corporate and just before
we go to our first break here, was there a
personal connection that you really wanted to focus in on
this ability to have this power design for everyone, to
have the fible way, to have a different way for
this part of the community that was not being reached.
Do you have a personal connection to that or is
(23:41):
that just something that was part of eureka moment when
you started creating the company.
Speaker 4 (23:45):
It really was a moment where I realized, oh my gosh,
these people are not getting messaging. And it was really
a moment a client came to me and said, hey,
we really do need this to be accessible, and I
was like, oh, well, how hard could that be? And
I started digging, and I started digging, and before I
knew it, it was a pan of worms that I just
(24:08):
opened and I was like, wow. First of all, there
is a lot involved. There are a lot of factors
that play, especially when you talk about the visual, but
there's also the aspect of holy cow, there's so many
people that are not able to be met where they are.
And then I was fortunate enough to pick up organizations
(24:29):
like the Brain Injury Association of America who really opened
my eyes suggest how broad of a market these TBI
and other brain related disability individuals are and just how
many people were talking about And before I knew it,
I was like wow. And then you add dyslexia onto this,
and you add cognitive and it's insane. It's absolutely insane.
(24:52):
And then you think about all these millions and billions
of people worldwide, and people are just discounting them from
tradition media, and they're being you know, barred out of
some social content, and they're they're not able to access
in your reports and donor reports, and it's absolutely insane
(25:14):
to start thinking about all the opportunities to reach this audience.
And it's as simple as adjusting a color, or it's
as simple as adding an all tag, or it's as
simple as structuring something in a more meaningful way. It's
a small ask for a big reward.
Speaker 2 (25:31):
Yeah, and I we're gonna go to our first break,
but when you come back, I want to get into
those more details. And before we go to break, Rachelle,
I want you to think about that idea that you had,
that a Eureka moment or that aha moment. I'm always
curious to where you think that came from. So we're
gonna go to break. We'll pick u up on the
other side and keep discussing. But today we have our
special guest, Rachelle rat Key Moser, chief creative officer of
(25:52):
rat Key Designs.
Speaker 3 (25:53):
We'll be back here in two minutes. This is inspired
living radio.
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Speaker 2 (28:56):
And welcome back to Inspired Living. Our guest today is Ms.
Rochelle rat Key Moser. She is the founder and CCEO
that stands for Chief Creative Officer of rat Key Designs,
and today we're talking about the power and design is
made for everyone. So before the break, Rachelle I had
asked her, where do you think that thought dropped into
your brain? To say I'm going to start a company
(29:18):
that's going to be focused on working with people with disabilities.
I'm always curious where that inspiration comes from.
Speaker 4 (29:26):
Yeah, so it has been around for a little while now,
but I would say the moment that it really solidified
was working with the Brain Injury Association of America last year.
We worked with them to develop their My Brain Injury
Journey campaign, which was in combination with a large event
(29:48):
that they had at the US Capital looking for congressional
support and advocacy around the reauthor of of the TBI
Act last year. And upon meeting so many individuals that
were deeply engrossed in this community, I had this moment
(30:10):
where I was like, it isn't just accessibility, it is
truly about the people. And this is my opportunity. Is
something that I've been looking for all my career of
a way to actually create an impactful, an impactful difference
through design and through what I do for a living.
(30:31):
So this was my chance and went upon meeting these people,
and when I had an opportunity to really run with it,
I was like, Okay, here we go, Like where can
we where can we make pivotal changes? Where can we
really spearhead conversations that have to do with difficult topics
and how can I better serve this community in a
(30:52):
way that will make lasting change. So I would say
that that campaign was like this solidifying moment for yeah,
and I.
Speaker 2 (31:01):
Like to refer to that as the diamond within. You know,
diamond stays in the dark until it's finally revealed. And
for our listeners who follow my journey, I always talk
about diamonds are always created under extreme pressures, and some
of those pressures can be your former life of working
in the corporate world, working with organizations, you know, traumatic
brain injury that give you that inspiration, give you that
(31:22):
vision to create a mission statement that you know unlocks
a door to start your own company.
Speaker 3 (31:27):
So I love that, And again for our inspired listeners.
Speaker 2 (31:30):
Out there, you can learn more about Rachelle's journey through
our social media websites that we've had at the beginning
of the show, but you can also go to Ratkeydesigns
dot com.
Speaker 3 (31:41):
And on there.
Speaker 2 (31:42):
You know, it's a nice website, it's broken down, it's
really nice. It talks about that design is more than aesthetic,
it's an impact and I love that. That to me
is like a mission statement, like you want to impact
people's lives because there are a lot of people out
there that are forgotten about and it's you know, and
a lot of times, until you've have the experience yourself,
or you've gone through the experience, you don't relate to
(32:04):
necessarily people in the same way.
Speaker 3 (32:06):
And the reason I'm saying that I learned a lot.
Speaker 2 (32:07):
About the brain because many, many years ago my brother
had brain cancer and he's made his journey to the
other side. But I learned a lot about how the
brain functions, actually sitting down with brain surgeons because he
had two open brain surgeries and explaining to me how
the brain works, but also the little things that make
the brain, any kind of injuries to the brain, any
(32:29):
kind of traumas to the brain, everything that we've been
talking about, and it really kind of opened my eyes
to be like, Wow, we are much bigger than we realize,
even just if you just take the brain. In fact, Einstein,
I think I'm just paraphrasing here, but he talked about
one of the most dynamic three pound objects in the
(32:50):
universes are brain, and I've always thought about that, like, oh,
what does he mean by that? And so you're now
with the digital age. We're in a full you know,
the digital ages here started years ago, but you had
talked about some of the things that before the break
that let's put that layman terms because some of my
listeners may not know what tagging is, or let's go
(33:10):
into a little bit, you know, some of the concepts
that you can incorporate into the design when you're doing
this full service visual branding if you.
Speaker 4 (33:18):
Will, Yeah, absolutely so. When we are talking about digital
and I'm going to lump social media in there too,
there are very simple steps that one can take in
order to create more accessible content everything from there, there
are pieces called all tags, and all tags are alternative
(33:39):
texts where if someone were to be visually impaired and
is using a text to speech, it will actually describe
a visual element to them in a way that is
meaningful for them for content or for understanding. So, as
a designer, we often are visualized data or we're we're
(34:01):
creating these graphs and these charts and these beautiful visual elements.
But if somebody is not able to access that in
the more traditional waves, you know, with their with their eyes,
how would we want them to access that data in
a meaningful sort of way if say they were blind
or had a cognitive disability that didn't allow them to
(34:26):
to actually see it for what it actually is. So
all tags are incredibly important, and all techs are becoming
more and more prevalent in social media content as well.
We're seeing content creators add all texts to their captions,
add all text to the meta platforms. Uh, we're really
seeing that taking a large, uh leap forward. We're also
(34:51):
seeing a lot of content creators and and also video
correct creators using close caption. This is another amazing accessibility tool.
So it's not always about visual impairment, but it's putting
yourself in those shoes and being able to use the
(35:12):
materials and use the tools at hand to be able
to bridge the gap. So those are two when we're
talking digital content, are the two most important aspects.
Speaker 3 (35:25):
No, that's great.
Speaker 2 (35:25):
I think it's just clarifies for the listeners in case
they want to be a content creator, they want to
be an influencer, because we see a lot of that.
Speaker 3 (35:31):
We see a rise in that, right, and you know,
it's a little things.
Speaker 4 (35:36):
It's the little things, right, It's the difference between being
a content creator and being a responsible content creator or
a content creator that really puts humans first. So absolutely, yeah.
Speaker 2 (35:50):
I was just thinking on my YouTube channel, I would
do my videos, but I wouldn't always add close captioning.
And then I got a couple of comments to be,
you know, stating, hey, this would be much more enjoyable
if there was close captioning, and it just, you know,
it's just those you know, when you're working on social.
Speaker 3 (36:05):
Media or podcasting or YouTube. There's a lot of moving
parts too.
Speaker 2 (36:08):
There's a lot of behind the scenes stuff that takes place,
but it's it's one of those things that you just
you know, gloss over and you just don't think about it.
And as soon as you know, one of the followers
said that, I was like, you know what, You're right,
I'm not reaching I'm not making my message accessible to everybody.
And so a couple years ago I started mandating part
of you know that my YouTube videos have to contain
(36:29):
close captioning, you know, because I was I was applying
it to my from.
Speaker 3 (36:33):
My perspective, Oh, I can see fine, I can hear fine.
Speaker 2 (36:35):
But as I get older, I'm like, you know that,
thank God for close captioning because I sometimes now using
it on some of the television shows I watched them, Like, what.
Speaker 4 (36:41):
Did he say? Yeah? But you know, it's when we
take these elements. I mean, close captioning sounds like such
a small thing, but when we take these elements like
all tags and close captioning and contrast ratios, and we
look at it as a broader term and we talk
talk about across the full spectrum of design possibilities in marketing.
(37:06):
Think about all the times when close captioning would make
a world of difference. Think about all the times when
a contrast ratio would make a massive difference. And that's
where we really step in. We say, yes, we understand
that five O weeight compliance and these mandates are really
for the digital age, But what about that annual report?
(37:30):
What about a long form publication like a quarterly magazine?
What about these content pieces that kind of get overlooked
by the mass media. And it's really great when you
start to add these structures and add these alt tags
and create something that really transcends audiences and it creates
(37:52):
a whole new experience.
Speaker 6 (37:56):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (37:56):
And as you're saying that, I was thinking, could I
do my own web design that can don't need to
go and do an audit on my own design, you know,
going back and thinking about the things that now.
Speaker 3 (38:07):
Is that something I guess that leads me to another question.
Speaker 2 (38:09):
Let's say somebody like myself that does web design have
built their own website from the ground up. Is that
something that you can come in and do like an
audit to say, hey, you could do this to be
much more in five A weight compliance? Do you have
tools that allows you to look at the website each
page individually.
Speaker 4 (38:24):
We do. We actually now have people on staff that
are their subject matter experts when it comes to usability, accessibility,
and the ux UI of a website, and they can
go through and they use tools that are you know,
so profound, and they're able to really tell you what
(38:45):
is and isn't possible in your site and where those
holes are that you're really you're losing audience. So yeah, absolutely,
we also really help people see the broader picture when
it comes to like branding and being So many brands
are leaning on contrast ratios for color that are not
(39:06):
necessarily accessible. So when we're talking about a bank, for instance,
then maybe using a bright yellow and a black as
their as their primary colors, we may come in and say, Hey,
while I understand that you're really married to this this
bright yellow in this black, the contrast ratios in which
you're using them does not make for the best experience
(39:30):
for those with you know, cognitive disabilities, visual impairment, or
color blindness. So we need to refresh this branding a
little bit to create something that is more contrast uh compliance.
And that way users are able to then access the
data and understand and be able to actually, you know,
(39:51):
see the visuals that they're they're being presented with.
Speaker 2 (39:55):
Yeah, and so listeners, if you need to clean up
on your website, go to wreck Key Designs to schedule
your I think you said you give out free consultation too,
like a thirty minute we do contation, okay.
Speaker 9 (40:07):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (40:08):
We sit down with individuals and talk about where you
see your brand going, where your holes are, you know,
what where are you finding that you're you're not quite
man hitting the mark, and then we talk about what's possible.
We often open the open people's eyes to what's possible
or some gaps in the market that they may be missing. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (40:30):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (40:30):
So again, if you want to go prospecting a little
farther down the design path Ratkeydesigns dot com.
Speaker 3 (40:37):
They'll take you right there.
Speaker 2 (40:37):
And it's fine that I'm asking that question because I
can't tell you, as a public figure, how many emails
I get a week about my website and SEO and
your branding and and it's for.
Speaker 3 (40:48):
People I don't even know. I literally I probably get
two to three of those a day.
Speaker 2 (40:52):
They go to my spam folder. But it's just amazing.
It's like, well, well, how do you find my website?
If you know I'm getting all these different people, I
must be doing okay with what I'm doing because you're
reaching out to me, right, So be careful of people
that reach out to try to change your website or
get you know, better SEO results, you know, search engine optimization.
I guess I should save for SEO. But we have
(41:13):
rachelle on today as a trusted source through Inspired Living
that you can visit her site at Rakkeetesigns dot com
and she will pick up. She will take it from there.
My job is to introduce you to the global audience,
and you give her a call or visit.
Speaker 3 (41:26):
The website and she will. You're in good hands, is
what I'm saying.
Speaker 2 (41:29):
So this time goes by so quick, Rachelle, I could
talk to you for hours it does. It just means
we're inspiring, We're having fun. That's what that really means.
So let's talk about a little bit real quick, because
AI is.
Speaker 3 (41:45):
Going to change.
Speaker 2 (41:46):
I've been talking and writing about AI during our decade
of the Roaring twenties. These Roaring twenties are going to
be an age look back at history as an age
of transformation, historical moments and great levels of consciousness rising people.
You know, back in twenty eighteen, what are you talking about?
And AI is going to be our industrial revolution. That's
that's where I see. Now here's an interesting thought that
(42:09):
I had that I was going to just throw out
there for the listening audience and for you, and then
we'll talk about how AI is going to impact your business.
Speaker 3 (42:17):
Did humans.
Speaker 2 (42:20):
Make AI based on code or did we discover AI?
And the point in history is now where we're actually
revealing that AI has always been around, but it took
certain tools in certain times, like mathematics. Right, mathematics was
not created by humans. Mathematics was discovered by humans. And
I'm thinking wondering if AI is that same concept as
(42:42):
mathematics which we always say is the language of the universe, right,
and so AI as it is, Well, it's here, it's
it's almost everything we touch. Now, what do you think
about AI? What do you think that's going to happen?
How is thatcond Is it going to help you? Is
it going to hurt you in your business? Where do
you see yourself going with the age of artificial intelligences here?
Speaker 4 (43:03):
Yeah, so many creatives are finding themselves afraid of AI
and it kind of makes me chuckle because I personally
don't mind it. There's a certain amount of oh, well,
this is interesting that constantly happens with every evolution of CHET,
GVT or every evolution of now our tools, our design
(43:25):
software has a I built into it, and there's always
you know, things that are easier, things that are have
become a click of the mouse that used to take hours,
like photo retouching, things like that, which I'm all for.
I would much rather make an impactful and an impact
on somebody's piece in a design sort of way and
(43:46):
not spending five hours retouching a photo. But we have
found and this is going to be like, this is
very interesting to me. We have had multiple clients reach
out to us and say well, we really need this
publication to be farmable by AI, and we're like, cool,
(44:06):
that's awesome. You put any thought into accessibility and people
are like, oh, yeah, that's that's a nice to have.
That's something that we can look at next year. But
we really need this to be farmable by AI, that
that people can not just Google with its AI integrations,
but also people being able to throw a large, large
format and when I say long format, I'm talking like
(44:30):
twenty four pages or more publications throw that into AI
and say hey, I want a summary or can you
find these takeaway things like that? So everybody wants their pieces,
they're large, they're long format publications to be farmable by AI.
It's the same technology, it's the exact same integrations that
(44:55):
are needed for accessibility. So it's really funny to me.
Sometime times we come across a client who is so
into this AI thing and when we mention accessibility, they're like, oh, yeah,
that's that's on the list for like twenty twenty six,
twenty twenty seven, and I'm like, hmmm, well, first of all,
I have good news for you. We can do that sooner.
(45:19):
But you're also putting AI ahead of humans Like that
just seems so silly to me. Wouldn't you want to
reach the audiences first? And then, by the way, it's
also vulnerable by AI. It seems like the priorities are swapped.
But that all aside. The same integrations that make a
document accessible to individuals using e readers, using voice to
(45:43):
tech or text to voice, I always switch those text
to voice are the same integrations that allow AI to
parse the information as well. So it's it really is
a new age for us. It's really a new way
of looking at design, and it's it's really changing the
way that we design pieces because we as designers have
(46:04):
to be very thoughtful about how a publication is put
together or the reading path that an individual takes, like
do you read this call out now or do you
read it after the paragraph?
Speaker 3 (46:17):
Like all of.
Speaker 4 (46:17):
These things really do make a huge difference. So, yeah,
AI is here to say. AI seems to be at
everybody's forefront of their minds. But I'm also going to
challenge people like why are we catering to a robot
when we really should be reaching people from.
Speaker 3 (46:36):
Yeah, that's a great point, and thank you for sharing
that perspective.
Speaker 2 (46:38):
Because I think, you know, it's I can say, I
can say that I'm BC before computers. I can remember,
you know, having to go to the public library and
actually pull out an index card to say, oh, where's
this located in this building? And that's why Google is,
you know, a multi billion dollar company because they figured
out a way to grab that uh index card to
search information and all the knowledge that's right at our
(47:01):
fingertips via the Internet. I remember when the Internet came out,
everybody's like, well, where do I go?
Speaker 3 (47:05):
Where is the Internet? Is a physical location? Is it
a you know?
Speaker 9 (47:08):
I can even remember back to Yeah, I remember watching
the video on Bill on Bill Gates when they actually
incorporated the mouse, the mouse technology of actually having this
because when computers came out, it was there was no mouse.
Speaker 2 (47:22):
People don't realize it was keyboard. There was keyboard that
you had to use tabing keyboard.
Speaker 4 (47:27):
Yeah, that is also an accessibility requirement for websites. It's
the tabability because we do have individuals who cannot use
a mouse for whatever physical disability, cognitive disability, whatever the
case might be. So having from the old school website
that is still very relevant.
Speaker 3 (47:48):
Yeah. Yeah, going all the way back to green screen
dos so exactly.
Speaker 4 (47:55):
But if you if you just those of us that
are elder millennial gen A, yes, yes we all pre
date Google. So this is exactly right. This is very
crazy to be watching all of this happen, and eventually
our children will go, oh, there was a time that
AI didn't exist, like what did you do?
Speaker 2 (48:16):
And exactly, Yeah, the evolution has just been amazing to
watch with what we're doing and how we interact with
one another and not interact with one another as well.
But it's there's a picture showing where Apple was first
created in Steve jobs Parents' garage, so there's a picture
of where Apple was created, and then it shoots to today.
(48:37):
And if you've ever seen Apple's main headquarters, the big
round ring kind of looks like a stargate or it's
just it's amazing where we're going. And I think AI again,
did did we invent ai? Or are we just now
coming into the actual consciousness of AI that's been there
because it is based on coding, right, it's based on numbers,
it's based on algorithms, it's based on seeing and who
(48:59):
wrote that?
Speaker 4 (49:00):
But Mark, you just ruined my entire night and my
mind now you have broken me. I am ruined.
Speaker 2 (49:13):
But these are the questions I you know, That's why
I love doing these shows, because consciousness is an elevation
of something that starts in a garage and takes you
to something bigger. That's going back to the beginning of
the show, that leap of faith that if you don't
risk it, you don't get the biscuit. If you don't
make a choice, take a chance, you'll never see the changes.
And that's why I want to have you on the show,
because you're incorporating AI into digital accessibility for everyone with
(49:35):
the mindset not AI first, but humans first, AI second, which.
Speaker 3 (49:41):
Is how it should be. And I just you know,
I just think that there's so much more to come
that we have no.
Speaker 2 (49:46):
Idea of what is going to unfold for us. And
you know, for the rest of the twenty twenty five,
what do you have? What are some interesting things that
you're working on or anything you want to share in
the upcoming year, or any anything you'd share your younger
self that you would do differently.
Speaker 4 (50:03):
Yeah, so exciting projects for twenty twenty five. We're taking
accessibilities for We're flipping it on its head. We're really
focusing in on English learners now. A lot of our
clients are in the nonprofit space in the education market
in California, where we know that English learner is a
large portion of the everyday education landscape. So we're using
(50:27):
accessibility in such a way to help bridge that gap
for families that don't speak English first. But we're also
working with amazing organizations like Education Trust West, College Track
and ed Boys to really amplify their messaging and be
able to reach audiences through accessible design. And I know
(50:47):
like Education Trust West is doing amazing advocacy work for
not only their immigrants student based but also black Black
students and equitable education practices. So being able to be
part of that as well as advocate for accessibility when
it comes to disability through Brain Injury Association of America.
(51:10):
It's fantastic to be able to actually make a meaningful difference.
I know when I went to art school, when I
was in college, I was going, oh, I would give
anything to just be able to make an impact in
the world. And this is our opportunity. This is really
able to create something that other people are not.
Speaker 3 (51:31):
Yeah, and I love that.
Speaker 2 (51:32):
I think it's a reminder too for our listeners out there.
We as humans are born to create, just like you said, Rachelle,
you were born that passion.
Speaker 3 (51:40):
We're not put on this planet to consume.
Speaker 2 (51:41):
Some may argue that, but I've always said when you want,
when you're in a role of just consuming, you're never
going to know yourself, You're never going to reach your
highest potential. And it's about creating. Whatever that is, whatever
your dream you have out there, create it and take
that chance and make that choice to create that because
it may impact people's lives at a level that you.
Speaker 3 (52:00):
Didn't even think about. And so.
Speaker 2 (52:04):
Create, not consume, is what I would say. So just
with the time we have left, because again these I
love these episodes because they go by so quick.
Speaker 3 (52:11):
I'm liking I'm like, we got five minutes left.
Speaker 2 (52:13):
What I like to ask my guest, since this is
the first time being uninspired living, I hope you come
back and share, you continue to share your inspirations and
your your creative journey that you're sharing with all of
us today. Who or what inspires you? Who or what
inspires you?
Speaker 4 (52:31):
Yeah? Who you ask A tough one. I would say
that I'm inspired by every single one of my clients.
I have really been privileged to surround myself with individuals
who are making insane move in in helping people and
creating an equitable world that we all live in, whether
(52:54):
it be through education, advocacy, medical advocacy, human rights. It's
absolutely astounding that I'm so privileged to work with these
individuals and help them take their messaging and amplify it
in such a profound and meaningful way. I really I'm
(53:15):
only as strong as the messaging and the research briefs
and the insight that I'm given. I am just the
amplification of it, and be able to be able to
be a part of these amazing organizations just makes me
so proud of everything that my team and I have
(53:36):
been able to do.
Speaker 2 (53:38):
And that's a really good answer. One person at a time,
you can make the difference in one person's life. You're
doing your job, or as I always like to say,
the abcs of life, always be connecting because that's what
we have to do, unity through community.
Speaker 3 (53:51):
So that was a great answer.
Speaker 2 (53:52):
But I'd like to ask people that because I'm always
curious to what inspires people today, whether it's a person,
a place, a thing, a family member.
Speaker 3 (53:59):
You know, So I just want to say thank you
for being on the show.
Speaker 2 (54:02):
Thank you for the inspiring message, Keep up the great
work of what you're doing. And even if it's at
one person at a time, or you know a corporation,
you say that seawhere, that's the one see where we
don't want to talk about corporation, right.
Speaker 4 (54:14):
I mean we have, we have helped corporations with their
atuity and inclusion, but yes, it's one of those. Everybody
has a human focus and there are vast possibilities out there.
Speaker 2 (54:26):
Exactly the difference now, Rochelle is you're your own boss,
working for yourself.
Speaker 3 (54:30):
Not somebody else.
Speaker 2 (54:31):
And the secret of life is getting the paid to
do what you love because we're the only species that
pays to live here.
Speaker 3 (54:36):
So I love it, love the message, keep up the
great work.
Speaker 9 (54:39):
Again.
Speaker 2 (54:39):
If you want to work with Michelle and her team,
you can go to Ratkeydesigns dot com. All of her
information is also posted on our Facebook page, Blue sky
X and Instagram if you want to get that information,
it's all listed out there. Again, thank you for being
on the show today. Do you want to leave us
with an inspirational message before we close?
Speaker 3 (55:00):
Anything that you want.
Speaker 4 (55:01):
To just say I will leave it at our tagline,
which is there is power in design. Remember that there
is always power in design.
Speaker 2 (55:09):
Beautifully said, Beautifully said. And with that, Inspired Listeners, thank
you for listening in today until our next soul adventure together,
be kind, be caring, be compassionate, and, most importantly, wherever
you're at in this world, dare to dream. Dare to explore,
Dare to live and discover that diminal within. We'll see
you next time here on Inspired Living.
Speaker 3 (55:29):
Have a great day, everybody. I'm mistake
Speaker 2 (56:19):
A
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