Meet Colton Barry | Founder / Creative Director @ BRIDGE

We had the good fortune of connecting with Colton Barry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Colton, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work-life balance has changed a lot for me over the years. When I first started freelancing as a brand and web designer, balance wasn’t really on my radar. Back then, I said yes to every opportunity and pushed hard to build my skills and grow my client base. Late nights, weekends—whenever inspiration hit or deadlines loomed, I was working. I often sacrificed time with friends and family to focus on building the business. I loved the creative freedom, but the line between work and personal life became totally blurred. It felt like I was always “on,” but I didn’t mind because I was so driven to grow my career.


When my business partner (Steffan) and I launched BRIDGE, my approach to balance had to shift. Suddenly, it wasn’t just me managing a workload—it was about running a company, building a brand, and leading a team. It was a bigger responsibility, but having a partner allowed me to delegate and lean on others. We worked to create a company culture that valued creativity but also encouraged a healthier work rhythm. I started to recognize the importance of being strategic with my time, focusing on long-term goals rather than just the immediate grind. I became more intentional about creating structure in my day, but even then, work often took priority.


Now that I’m married and a father to my incredible son Oliver, my perspective on balance has changed completely. Having a family has forced me to set clearer boundaries. I’ve become much more protective of my time and focused on being present—both at work and at home. When you have a child, especially a 3-month-old, time becomes much more precious, and it forces you to prioritize what truly matters. I’ve learned that it’s not about perfectly dividing time between work and life, but about being fully engaged in each when it’s their time. I now strive to work smarter, not harder, and focus on high-impact activities at work, so I can step away and enjoy time with my family.


Balance, for me now, is less about strict schedules and more about being intentional with my energy and time. I think about it like a boxing match—sometimes work’s in your face, and you’ve gotta throw punches, but other times you step back, catch your breath, and let life take a few swings. It’s all about finding your rhythm. It’s a fluid process, and being adaptable has been key. Becoming a dad has given me a deeper appreciation for that flexibility and has shown me that work and life can complement each other in ways I hadn’t fully realized before.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At BRIDGE PHX, we’re all about breaking the mold and reimagining what’s possible. As Co-Founder and Creative Director, I’m lucky to work with a phenomenal team of creatives. We don’t just meet expectations—we blow them out of the water. With over a decade of experience in brand strategy, brand identity, UX/UI, and website development, we’ve fine-tuned our ability to understand what people really want and turn those insights into standout, impactful brands.

Starting BRIDGE in early 2018 with my good friend and exceptionally talented brand designer/illustrator, Steffan, was more than just a business venture—it was a dream realized. We envisioned a studio where strategy and creativity seamlessly merge, offering our clients not just a service, but a partnership built on transparency and collaboration. What truly sets us apart is the genuine friendships we’ve developed with our clients. Building these connections has been incredibly rewarding, and it’s been amazing to see how our creative solutions have helped them stand out and achieve their goals. As a dynamic team, we thrive on overcoming challenges and pushing boundaries, always with the goal of making a meaningful impact in our clients’ markets and lives.

The journey hasn’t been a walk in the park. We’ve faced our share of obstacles—growing pains, managing client expectations, and balancing the creative with the practical. On top of that, managing the growth of BRIDGE while juggling a busy personal life and family responsibilities has been its own set of challenges. Finding that equilibrium between leading a dynamic business and being present for my family has tested my time management and resilience. But each challenge has taught us invaluable lessons about adaptability, the importance of solid partnerships, and the power of a collaborative approach. Navigating these complexities has only deepened our commitment to excellence and strengthened our resolve to keep pushing boundaries, both professionally and personally.

What I want the world to know about BRIDGE is our mission goes beyond designing striking visuals; we’re committed to delivering solutions that generate real business impact and drive meaningful change. We don’t just create aesthetically pleasing designs—we forge powerful strategies that elevate brands and make a lasting difference. Our goal is to be more than just a creative agency; we want to be a partner in our clients’ success, crafting work that not only looks exceptional but also achieves their goals and resonates deeply with their audiences.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d definitely want to give them an unforgettable experience, mixing a bit of adventure, good food, and some laid-back fun.

We’d start with a chill morning at The Bistro for coffee and breakfast, a great spot to ease into the day. For something active, we’d hike the Goldmine Trail, which offers stunning views and a solid workout. Afterward, North Italia is the perfect spot to refuel with a fantastic lunch or dinner. The next day, we’d head to Saguaro Lake for some cliff jumping and relaxing by the water, making it a day of both adrenaline and zen.

Midweek, we’d take a day trip to Sedona for some jaw-dropping red rock views and hit up the wineries in Cottonwood on the way back, which always feels like a hidden gem of Arizona. If there’s snow in Flagstaff, we’d go snowboarding at Snowbowl Ski Resort. On the way back from Flagstaff, we’d definitely stop by Rock Springs Cafe for their world-famous pies—I’d make sure they try the key lime pie; it’s a must!

For a bit more excitement, we’d head out to the desert for some target shooting. And, of course, we’d mix in some more casual hangouts with tacos and margs to round out the trip. It’d be a perfect mix of action, relaxation, and great food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to a few amazing people who have played huge roles in my journey. Steffan, my partner-in-crime from the very beginning, deserves special recognition. He’s been there through all the ups and downs, constantly pushing me to improve both creatively and professionally. Our work together has been a major factor in BRIDGE’s success. I also have to thank my parents for teaching me the true meaning of perseverance. Their guidance has shaped who I am today, both personally and professionally. And of course, Natalia is my biggest cheerleader—she’s always there to support me emotionally and creatively. Little Oliver, even at just 3 months old, has already shown me how important it is to slow down and savor the moment. Each of these people has made a huge difference in my life and career.

Website: https://www.bridgephx.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgephx/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bridge-phoenix