Looking for a branding podcast episode to listen to? Ok, that might be a long shot, but I’m seriously so excited to share this with you! Kate McCarthy interviewed me for her podcast a few weeks ago and the conversation was so seriously good that it kept me in that top-of-the-mountain mood for weeks. We …
Check out my Interview on the Braver Brand Podcast Read More »
Many branders love to tell you that the very first thing you need to start your business is branding. Or they tell you that if you already started your business without branding, these are the 15 reasons why you absolutely need branding right this second. Their lists includes things like: branding makes the right impression, …
I’m sure you’ve seen them around the web. They’re especially popular on Pinterest. And I get the feeling they’re supposed to inspire and awe all of us small business owners. I’m talking about those intricately detailed 50-page brand manuals. Even as a brand designer, I find these meticulous documents overwhelming. And, I’ll be honest… I …
It’s kind of funny that one of my most frequently asked questions doesn’t seem to have much to do with design. A surprisingly large and completely unscientifically measured percentage of the business owners I’ve talked to have asked: Should I have a business name or go with my name? Some of them were just starting …
Why your actual name might be your best business name Read More »
In our personal lives, our values guide us in every interaction we have and every decision we make. They are our most dearly held beliefs and they’re a big part of what defines you as a person. Brand values are no different. Your brand values are a set of 3-5 powerful words that …
One of my favorite parts of the Brand Clarity process is helping creative business owners uncover their why. Your why is the purpose behind your business. It’s the bigger optimistic underlying motivation behind everything you do. It’s the change you’re wanting to create for your clients, your community, and even the world. If …
As a graphic designer, I’m supposed to tell you that your business needs professional graphics. That better design is the solution to all your problems. That a new logo will get you where you want to go. At least, that’s the myth I came out of design school believing. I don’t remember whether my …
Most designers might say that you absolutely need a custom logo to build your brand. That you need the full package of branded business cards, letterhead, and doo-dads on top of an expensive website. But the truth is, design is not the only way to build your brand. It’s not even always the best …
5 Ways to Invest in your Brand (before even buying a logo) Read More »
Designing your own website can feel like a challenge. You spend hours upon hours learning new apps, dipping your toes into code, finding the right templates… and still your website doesn’t feel done. You have that nagging feeling that something could be better, but you can’t pinpoint exactly what. Friend, let me tell you …
What Is A Website Hero Image? And How To Design Yours Like A Pro Read More »
I’m gonna let you in on a little secret. Not everyone needs custom professional brand graphics. As a branding designer, I probably shouldn’t be saying that. But I truly believe that you can build a strong successful business with a premade logo and matching business card. When you have an awesome brand, your …