Creating an elevated brand that speaks to your ideal client and reflects your story authentically is no easy feat, and it involves more than simply commissioning a logo, finalizing your color palette, and sitting back to wait for the bookings to come pouring in. If only it were that simple, right? Well, I got you, boss lady! In my own business, I’ve learned that some investments have absolutely enabled me to create a recognizable, thoughtful visual brand. On the other hand, others haven’t been so worth it. But today, I’m sharing the top three investments I’ve made over the years to create a consistent, elevated, and heartfelt visual brand that inspires lasting connection with my ideal clients, both online and in-person. The best part? They don’t have to break the bank!
Quality Stationery
I like to say that I fell into the world of graphic design totally by accident. My degree is actually in Journalism with an emphasis on News/Editorial, meaning I spent four years in university prepping to be an international journalist! But I fell into design as I learned the lay out the front pages of newspapers and design the covers of magazines in an intro level print design class. The marriage of strong storytelling and thoughtful type? Oh, be still my heart!
So it should come as no surprise that my print collateral is a top priority item. From the get-go, I’ve invested in high quality printing methods and luxe stock in order to create branded stationery and business cards that stand out. I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve received over the years on my little square business cards printed on double thick cotton stock with gold foil on the front and blind letterpress on the reverse. An entire suite of foil stamped stationery wasn’t cheap, but I can assure you that it’s more than paid for itself over the years. It’s stationery that I’m still excited to send to clients in the mail even years after I designed it. And I know it’s stationery that potential and current clients both truly engage with it as they hold it in their hands, creating a lasting memory and an emotionally positive experience.
A Polished Website
Over the past five plus years, I’ve moved five times thanks to my husband’s service in the Air Force. Going into this little business of mine, I knew I wouldn’t be able to dedicate a lot of time to growing a presence in one specific location. With that in mind, I knew I needed to focus my energy and resources into creating a website that a) reflects my brand and my personality well, and b) enables potential clients from all over the country to find me!
At first, I went the DIY route but after a while of saving up and really honing what I wanted from my website, I actually outsourced the coding of my last website to another designer. I knew exactly what I wanted my site to look like, and she graciously allowed me to send her to sketches and she coded everything for me. That not only enabled me to published a polished website I could be proud to send people to, but it also freed up so much of my time so I could pour into my clients at the time.
Since then, I’ve switched to Showit which deserves its own blog post in the near future! My current site was one that I built from scratch and, thanks to Showit’s handy drag-and-drop format, it took me less than a week to design from start to finish.
Branded Imagery
Don’t get me wrong, Ilove styled stock photos. In fact, I could sing Shay Cochrane’s praises until my voice goes out. But there’s nothing like having custom images created specifically for your brand. Images that incorporate your business cards, your stationery, the work that you do, and in just the right setting that reflects your brand’s aesthetic well.
Just this past August, I worked with the incredible Hannah Haston to create fresh branded imagery for my website and social channels. And as a result, I was able to add one-of-a-kind images of me in my home studio, doing the work that I love most for the most incredible clients in the world! I’ve been able to refresh everything from new client guides to every page on website with fresh imagery that speaks to who I am, what I do, and how that fits into my ideal client’s life. So if you can swing it, I highly recommend custom branded imagery to elevate your visuals.
Are you ready to invest in creating an elevated visual brand that authentically reflects the heart of your life’s work? I’m currently accepting clients at my 2017 rates before they increase for 2018, and I’d love to schedule a free consult to see if we’re a match made in heaven! Click here to send me a message and take the first step to building a brand that truly looks, feels, and sounds just like you.
