Hellooo my friend! β Thanks for being here, and welcome (if you're new) or welcome back to Vol. 004 of the Design Download! The months are flyinnn' by and I can't believe summer is basically here! β As a creative designer, maker & multi business owner for the past 10 years, I've gained a lot of knowledge on SO many different things related to branding, design & all things digital. My goal is to share my best tips that you can apply right away in your own biz.
Grab your notebook & let's do this!π
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VOL. 004 // MAY '24
Why you need a complete brand identity system & not just a logo
Brand & Visual Identity for my client Phloxy, a sustainable fashion brand
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1. What makes a brand identity & why it's a system
First, let's define what goes into a brand identity. I get so many inquiries about just creating a logo, but the simple answer is, I don't create just a logo because your brand is so much MORE than that. One logo alone won't leave a lasting impression on your audience. A brand identity typically includes various types of logos (primary, secondary, submark, and favicon), a color palette, typography, patterns and textures, and imagery. Beyond the visuals, your brand voice and messaging bring everything together into one cohesive system and guide for your business. β
2. Understand your brand personality and let it shine
Just like when you meet someone in real life, you remember things about themβtheir outfit, the way they spoke, something funny they said, or your first impression. You probably remember a few specific details that stick with you. This is just like your brand personality. β Here are some highlights & questions to ask yourself:
Know your brand's core values: What matters most?
Define your brand's voice: What does your tone sound like?
Know your audience: How can you best connect with them?
Share your uniqueness: What makes you different?
Visual consistency: Is your branding set in stone, or is it all over the place?
Be authentic: Are you being real and genuine?
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How to beat burnout & thrive throughout your summer
1. Set realistic, achievable goals
As business owners, nothing gets done unless, well... we actually make it happen. I'm all about slowing down and enjoying summer while also keeping the ball rolling and staying on track with my quarterly goals. We all know too well how fast fall creeps up, and that's the worst time to be scrambling to get things done. Make life easier by setting small weekly or monthly goals to help you stay on track. You'll see results in your biz and feel much more prepared when things get busier toward the end of the year.
Need help with organization? Grab my Notion planner 50% off here, using the code: GETORGANIZED. It's a free app, and everything you need to know is on the product description (it's awesome). β
2. Take this time to reevaluate & adjust
Summer can be a slower season for some businesses, making it a great time to work on the back end. Consider these questions:
Is everything working seamlessly on the back end for my website and customer orders?
Do I have an e-mail list set up, and am I staying in touch with my audience?
What's working well with my launch process, and are there any tweaks I could make to improve it?
Is there anything I can do to tighten my client process on the back end?
If I have a product-based business, how is my customer experience, and is there anything I could change to make it better?
3. Enjoy life, hydrate, recharge
If you follow me on any of my business accounts, you know my daily walks give me life. That's just my idea of taking a break, but there are so many things you can do for a little self-care. Spend time in nature, get fresh air, drink water, relax, recharge, take breaks, unplug, stretch, and spend time with loved ones. For us to be our best selves, I believe this all comes first to make everything else happen!
β βWrap up!
That wraps up this month's edition of The Design Download! I hope this leaves you feeling excited for what June has to offer. Enjoy summer while staying consistent with your goals! If you're ready to dive deeper into your brand, jump on a Free Mini 30-minute Strategy Session, my booking calendar is now open! β Have an amazing June, and I'll catch you again with VOL. 005 of The Design Download at the end of the month. Thanks for hanging with me, and happy creating!
Client Branding Spotlight βTAY TAKES A TRIP
Say hello to my newest branding project, Tay Takes a Trip! Taylor is a Midwest travel and lifestyle blogger who shares her favorite coffee spots, brews, stays, and views throughout Minnesota and beyond. Sharing her adventures and inspiring others to explore and experience the beauty of traveling is what sets her soul on fire! Her reels are seriously so fun to see come across my feedβI think you'll agree!
Not only did I design her new brand identity, but also her new blog website! I'm simply obsessed with the vibes and everything Taylor does. She's such a genuine, personable entrepreneur, and you can feel that through her content. ββ βCheck it out her new website here!
If you're not sure on where you stand with your brand, but you're curious about getting the ball rolling in the right direction, I'm offering FREE 30-minute Mini Strategy Sessions in June! The goal of this session is to discuss your brand, website, or any specific challenges you are facing in your business. You can schedule your session by clicking the button below! β
(and I love supporting other small business owners!)β β βMeet Naomi. β A Minnesota-based brand and website designer known for bold, modern, and artistic designs. My passion lies in crafting captivating brand narratives and inspiring others to pursue their creative dreams! Let's get creative together!
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