Marketing and branding are probably my two favorite parts of owning my own business! I put a lot of time and energy into my own marketing (and my branding is an ever-evolving process…especially since reading the Style Statement book). I now know my style statement, but executing it has been a slower process that I’d like it to be – due mostly to the lack of free time that comes with being a momma.
I wanted to put together a few “branding” resources for all of you to help guide you to unique fonts, graphics and concepts. (the next post in this series will highlight graduates of my Keepin’ it Real Workshops and how they have successfully branding themselves and their businesses).
And a couple of genius branding ideas I’ve seen this week (and yes, i spend just about every waking moment analyzing what i see):
I LOVE the simplicity of both of these designs. That, the simplicity, is what draws me in and makes me tick! Notice the clean (sans serif) fonts and the one large image (very powerful to have just one graphic).
Looking at other branding/marketing campaigns is an excellent way to bring you inspiration. Just walking through the grocery store can give you a TON of ideas. i LOVE all of the eye candy you can find at the store. Take your camera phone with you…snap a photo of the packaging that inspires you. Once you have several “samples” of what you are drawn to, then find what all of these examples have in common:
- what kind of fonts do they have? simple, ornate, bold, small?
- is the background colored, black or pure white?
- is there a lot going on on the packaging? lots of images? lots of words?
- or is it more plain?
From there, you can start to get an idea of YOUR design interests. You can also get a ton of ideas from magazine print ads.
This past month I have been busy assisting my friend Caroline, who owns Paper Girl, in the launch of her new seasonal retail space. It has been a ton of fun for me to help with her branding, marketing, fb fan page, marketing ideas, signage, etc. And it is always fun to help see your friends succeed! Check out her site, and if you’re local, stop by her shop! You will NOT be disappointed.
Here are some GREAT resources for helping you brand yourself:
- Style Statement book (read it…trust me)
- Fonts:
- Font squirrel
- Da font
- Veer
- Fontspring
- Graphic elements (please make sure if you use any of these graphics that you have purchased the commercial licensing)
- iStockphoto (search “illustrations” for great graphics)
- two peas in a bucket
- deviant art
- designer digitals
Stay tuned for part two of this post where i highlight ten Keepin’ it Real workshop gals and their super successful businesses (i’ve been working on this post for…oh…about two months now….i’m such a slacker….sorry!).
