Meet Steffan Stewart | Founder / Creative Director / Brand Designer

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

Hi Steffan, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I see risk-taking as a key part of success in any area of life. While it’s not always necessary, some of the best things come with risk—as long as you have a plan for the possible outcomes. In 2017, I took a big leap by quitting my full-time job to start a freelance design business. I wanted more control over my work, to choose my projects and clients, and to increase my earnings. Despite being fresh out of college and having no entrepreneurial experience, I felt confident in this decision.

In early 2016, I set a goal to launch my business by January 1, 2017. I used the time to plan meticulously, seeking advice from friends and mentors, figuring out my financial needs, and learning how to attract clients. I attended every networking event I could, joined AIGA Arizona’s board of directors, and made it a point to showcase my work consistently. By September 2016, I was balancing a full-time job with full-time freelance work, eventually transitioning to freelancing completely.

Not long after, my friend (and now business partner) Colton and I decided to merge our freelance efforts and start a creative agency in Phoenix. This was another risk, but one that paid off as we’ve grown BRIDGE into one of the top branding agencies in the area. The journey hasn’t been easy, and I’ve faced many moments of doubt and fear. But I’ve never once thought about quitting because I believe in myself, my team, and what we’re building.

In tough situations, you can either push through or step back. While quitting can sometimes be the right choice if you’re out of options or not fully invested, I’ve always bet on myself for anything worthwhile.

What should our readers know about your business?
Sure thing. Back in 2018, BRIDGE was born as a small but mighty creative duo (myself and Colton) with a mission to flip the script on bland branding and give our clients the storytelling, industry-disrupting masterpieces they deserve. We’ve been around the block and seen firsthand how some of the most well-known agencies charge top dollar for work that is either sub-par or lacks any kind of uniqueness, along with spotty communication throughout the process. We decided to take matters into our own hands and ‘bridge the gap’ between big ideas and killer execution.


What sets us apart is our commitment to doing amazing work with amazing people. We’re not just about churning out projects; we’re about building lasting relationships and treating every project with the care it deserves. We don’t see our clients as just another job—we’re in it to win it together, no matter the challenge. Whether we’re brainstorming, designing, or just shooting the breeze, we believe in being open, transparent, and all-in on every project we tackle, whether big or small.

Getting to where we are today wasn’t easy. Starting BRIDGE with zero business experience meant facing a steep learning curve. We had to figure out how to bring in work, when to make our first hire, and how to grow our business sustainably. But we leaned into our strengths, consistently sharing our great work with our peers, built a strong network through our involvement in local startup and creative communities, and working closely with mentors to guide us on the right path. Making our first hire was one of our biggest hurdles, and it took us several years to finally make the decision. Our hand was more or less forced, as we recognized we couldn’t scale wearing all the hats between 2 people while also keeping all the work in-house. When we finally sucked it up and bit the bullet, it was almost an immediate game-changer, allowing us to expand our capacity, continue to focus on growth, and take on bigger challenges.

The journey has taught us many invaluable lessons, like the importance of doubling down on what we’re good at and being selective about who we work with. We’ve built a strong network of trusted partners who complement our strengths, allowing us to tackle any challenge that comes our way. We’ve learned that the most successful businesses stay true to themselves, bet on their strengths, and recognize the power of a strong brand.

What I want the world to know about BRIDGE is that we’re not just another branding agency—we’re a team of passionate and intentional craftsmen dedicated to building stand out brands for industry trailblazers. Whether you’re looking for just a logo, a full brand identity, packaging design, or a new website, if your goal is to build something that’s truly unique, purposeful, and sturdy enough to stand the test of time, we’re here to take on the challenge.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Honestly, planning a week-long trip isn’t my strong suit, but I can definitely give some solid recommendations for when my best friend visits—namely just make sure it’s not during the summer! Phoenix can be a blast if you know where to go, especially if you’re into good food, cool spots, and a bit of outdoor adventure.

We’d kick things off in Downtown Phoenix, which is one of my favorite areas. We’d definitely hit up Cibo, my all-time favorite restaurant. Their calzone is out of this world, and you can’t leave without trying their Nutella shake or crepes—they’re legendary. After that, we’d head over to Cobra Arcade. It’s a total blast when it’s not too packed, and the drinks are pretty awesome too. For something a little different, we could check out Champagne Lanes for some retro bowling fun, and see what’s going on over at The Churchill.

If the weather’s not boiling, I’d suggest a hike up Camelback Mountain. It’s a bit of a workout, but the views are totally worth it. Plus, there’s always something really satisfying about conquering that climb. Alternatively, I’ve always wanted to check out Alta rock climbing in Gilbert, if we wanted to work in some fun indoor exercise.

We’d mix things up with some other great spots in the area. Maybe we’d hit up the Desert Botanical Garden if we wanted to go for something more relaxing, or we could tour the Heard Museum for a bit of culture.

Food-wise, I’d make sure we grub at The Gladly—they’ve got this incredible chopped salad that’s basically famous around here (my wife’s personal favorite). Buck & Rider is also fantastic. For drinks, we might swing by Bitter & Twisted,

Overall, the trip would be a mix of good eats, a bit of adventure, and some downtime at some of my favorite spots. I’m all about keeping it laid-back and fun, just enjoying what Phoenix has to offer without overcomplicating things.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! I have a few shoutouts to give, as I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help and support of several key people.

First, I want to recognize my business partner, Colton Barry. He’s been there since the beginning, through all the highs and lows, both professionally and personally. No matter the challenge, he’s always been a rock.

Then, my amazing wife, Courtney. She’s been my biggest supporter and always challenges me creatively, helping me to refine my ideas and improve my craft. She’s also taught me to pace myself–it’s not sustainable to work 100+ hours a week, and sometimes it’s okay to take a break and enjoy life’s experiences.

I also want to thank Sheila Schumacher, a dear friend and mentor since my college days. She was both my boss and teacher, always giving me honest feedback and pushing me to think outside the box. Her guidance has been invaluable to my growth as a designer.

Lastly, my parents, Shawn and Kim Stewart. We faced tough times growing up, especially during the ’08 housing crash, which hit our family hard. Watching them persevere through losing our house and navigating job uncertainties taught me resilience and the importance of never giving up. Their strength has been a powerful example for me throughout both my young and adult lives.

Website: https://bridgephx.com

Instagram: @steffanstewart @bridgephx

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steffanstewart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steffstew/

Other: Dribbble: https://dribbble.com/SteffanStewart