Have you ever struggled to capture the true essence of your interior design products with words alone, feeling the need for something more?

Visuals might be the solution you’re searching for. They are more than just decorative elements—they embody your brand’s story. While words convey messages, impactful visuals evoke emotions, spark imagination, and express what words often cannot. Whether it’s showcasing the elegance of a handcrafted piece or highlighting the practicality of a modern design, the right imagery creates lasting impressions and elevates your brand’s identity.

For over 26 years, Johnny Davis of Johnny Davis Digital Solutions has been at the forefront of photography, color management, and retouching, transforming creative visions into reality. Renowned for their seamless concept-to-completion approach, Johnny and his team offer exceptional services in photography, videography, cinematography, and graphic imaging. Since 2010, they have proudly partnered with leading furniture brands, serving the North Carolina furniture industry with excellence.

In this episode, we’ll explore how Johnny Davis and Ken Lewis merge artistry and technology to craft visually stunning results that elevate brand presence. We’ll also delve into their inspiring journey in the furniture industry and uncover valuable insights on how businesses can leverage creative digital solutions to stand out in today’s competitive market.

Let’s dive in!

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:01] Episode intro with Ken Lewis & Johnny Davis of Johnny Davis Digital Solutions

[01:54] The story behind Johnny Davis Digital Solution & what inspired its creation

[04:01] How the team blends photography, videography,& graphic imaging skills with clients

[09:20] Their ‘concept of completion’ business model and the entire process

[17:58] Significant changes in the furniture & interior product industries over the decades

[21:08] What CGI and AI is and the pros and cons of using them

[23:40] Recommendations to improve your brand visuals

[34:49] New and exciting things coming up in 2025 from Johnny Davis Digital Solutions

[37:55] Best ways to connect, episode wrap-up, and calls to action

• Video is the next evolution of commercial photography.
• Everything can't be told in a story, especially of a furniture piece, in just a photograph. Sometimes, it needs more long-form or even short-form video content.
• By building lasting relationships with brands and designers, financial gain becomes a natural byproduct of the connection.
• Creating something entirely new is far more exciting from a creative standpoint than repeating what has been done for decades.

Company Website: https://www.johnnydavisphotography.com/

Ken Lewis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-lewis-29901011a

Johnny Davis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-davis-b2898129

Website: https://www.jdavisdigital.com/

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

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.

Imagine the first time a potential client encounters your work—not through a conversation or a handshake, but through a single image. That image holds the power to captivate, inspire, and tell a story that words alone often cannot. For designers, visual storytelling isn’t just a tool; it’s the bridge between their creative vision and how the world perceives it. By crafting a compelling visual narrative that reflects the essence of a space, a brand, or a project, you create an emotional connection, build trust, and establish a unique identity. Every design has a story waiting to be told, and through the lens of photography, those stories come alive, resonating deeply and leaving a lasting impact.

In today’s episode, Tori Sikkema shares her inspiring journey as a visual storyteller, her passion for connecting with creatives, and her unique approach to bespoke photography. We dive into how she helps designers and entrepreneurs build stronger brand identities through compelling imagery, providing you with actionable tools and inspiration to transform your brand through visual storytelling.

Tori is a bespoke interior, architectural, and celebrity photographer whose work radiates the timeless elegance of Hollywood glamour. She doesn’t just take photos—she creates stunning visual narratives that elevate design projects and bring brands to life with a unique blend of artistry and storytelling. Featured in Architectural Digest, Lux, Aspire, House Beautiful, and Good Housekeeping, Tori’s award-winning photography has made waves in the design industry. She is also the dynamic host of The Brand Lift Podcast, where she shares branding, marketing, and business insights for creatives.

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:01] Intro and a bit about our guest, Tori Sikkema

[02:32] Tori’s journey into Bespoke Interior and Architectural photography [06:02] Travel and Hollywood: How storytelling inspires Tori’s work [08:18] Workflow: Creating a process that is consistent and repeatable [10:22] Tips on how to tell the story of a design through photography [12:49] How visual narratives build trust and connection with potential clients [14:56] Tori’s most favorite project’s storytelling, branding, and vision alignment [20:07] How to use storyboard and shortlist to aid visual storytelling [22:59] What it takes to tell a story, attract a client, and get a sale [24:27] Tori’s branding and marketing tips for launches

[29:11] The parallels between photography and podcasting

[31:03] What’s next for Tori and how she hopes to continue inspiring creatives [32:32] How to reach out, connect, or learn more about Tori

Notable Quotes:

• "Without understanding who you are, what you do, and who you’re trying to reach, you can’t tell the story."
• "Your visual marketing aspect is your first handshake with your client who has not even met you."
• "Before you even have a conversation with a prospective client, you’re putting your best face of your design project through visual imagery, so it’s critical to capture it through professional photography, it’s your calling card." ● “Find that design project that you can use as your laboratory and go wild”

Connect with Tori Sikkema:

• Website: https://torisikkemaphotos.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torisikkemaphotography/

Learn more about Thrive In Design:

• Website: thriveindesign.co
• Instagram: @thriveindesign
• Facebook: Thrive In Design
• LinkedIn: Thrive In Design

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here:

https://training.thriveindesign.co/

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales" here:

https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps

Great interiors don’t just happen—they are thoughtfully crafted through the artful blend of creativity and intention. At the heart of this process lies design thinking, a human-centered approach that transforms spaces into experiences by deeply understanding the needs, aspirations, and emotions of the people who will inhabit them. When paired with strategic planning, this approach ensures that every design decision is purposeful, harmonizing aesthetics with functionality. Through collaboration, innovation, and a focus on lasting impact, these elements come together to create interiors that captivate, inspire, and elevate everyday living.

In today’s episode, we sit down with Dan Hannula to discuss the role of strategy and design thinking in creating impactful interior solutions. Dan shares his remarkable career journey, the collaborative approach he and his team take to bring their clients’ visions to life, and the story behind Decorator Industries—a company that has set the gold standard for custom-crafted furnishings in hospitality, healthcare, and beyond.

With a rich legacy dating back to 1953, Decorator Industries combines decades of history with forward-thinking innovation to deliver high-quality, custom-made bedding and window treatments.

Let’s dive in!

Key Highlights from the Episode: [00:01] Intro and a bit about our guest, Dan Hannula [02:38] How Dan’s career journey began and has evolved over the years [05:41] What Decorator Industries is known for and Dan’s vision for the company [07:36] Decorator Industries’ design process for bedding and window treatment [08:54] The installation and measuring process after fabrication [09:43] What sets Decorator Industries apart from its competitors [12:05] Trends: How product selection and customer demands have evolved [15:12] Dan’s market and brand positioning before collaborating with Nicole [19:46] Decorators Industries' growth and innovation strategies [21:06] Dan’s advice to aspiring leaders in the industry [22:00] Wrap up and end of the show

Notable Quotes:

• "Address the problem, get it done, get results, figure out solutions, and then deal with the cost afterward."
• "Things could change on site, but how you react to problems is what makes or breaks you, and differentiates you from everybody else."
• "We’re not going to be perfect, we will make mistakes along the way, so don’t be surprised if you’re not perfect, just do the best you can.”

Connect with Dan Hannula and Decorator Industries:

• Website: https://www.decoratorindustries.com/
• Instagram: @decoratorindustries
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-hannula-3930532a/

Learn more about Thrive In Design:

• Website: thriveindesign.co
• Instagram: @thriveindesign
• Facebook: Thrive In Design
• LinkedIn: Thrive In Design

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales" here: https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps