Originally, the name I picked years ago was Fiber Based Design. I started in the realm of photography so the darkroom was my happy place. When I printed my own work, my favorite paper to print on was called fiber based paper. Makes total sense right? Not exactly.

Have you ever noticed how some brands feel like your bold best friend, while others seem like a wise mentor or a nurturing caregiver? This is the power of brand archetypes at work.

Whether you're launching a new business or refreshing your existing brand, understanding your archetype can make your messaging feel more human, more relatable, and more authentic.

I always feel like you get to really know someone’s character when they answer questions. Not design questions, real life, fun, who the heck are you kind of questions. So let’s get into it with some fun, lighthearted questions so you know a little more about the designer you are working with!

There are four different types of brands. They define what your business does as much as your offerings. Once you establish the category your brand fits into, it will help lead you to your brand style. What is the difference? First, let’s look at the four categories of brands. 

Color is a powerful tool in creating a brand identity that’s both memorable and effective. Your brand's color palette is not just about aesthetics. It’s about emotion, consistency, and standing out visually. But how many colors should you include in your palette to strike the right balance?

As a creative entrepreneur, your business is more than a product or service. It reflects who you are. This is your passion, your purpose, and your unique creative voice. So, when it comes to naming your business, don’t rush it. This is your first chance to tell the world who you are and what you're about. In a sea of sameness, a unique name can be your boldest branding move.

Not knowing where to begin your brand journey is quite common. Many aspiring small business owners struggle with getting started. It is also the exact reason why you hire an experienced designer to help guide you. I have noticed a pattern over the years. Clients explain they get overwhelmed and panic before they even can begin their branding experience. They give up, focus on something else and rush into making bad choices. These choices can come back and haunt you down the road. I am here to stop that cycle. Let me walk you through what the branding process looks like.

Recently, I was asked to help host the volunteer award breakfast for my friends at Keep Golden Isles Beautiful. I have been a board member for a few years and was happy to lend a hand. As I served coffee and orange juice, I smiled and was happy to meet new faces.

How much is a logo?

I get this question all the time. My answer is almost always the same. I don’t do just a logo; I work with clients to create their brand!

What is the difference? A brand is your business on so many levels that often begins with the visual form. It also includes wording and research such as what do you stand for or even who is your target market? From your business card to your website, to social media and brick and mortar the way you speak to customers through your brand story and marketing is essential. You want those customers on repeat and the way you do that is through consistency and trust.

I'm excited to share an update on my branding process. In response to evolving client needs, I've recently refined my approach. Moving forward, I'm shifting from mood boards to style boards. Why the change? Style boards allow us to delve deeper into your brand from the get go, ensuring we focus on your unique brand story right from the start.

This month I got to do a fun project for my friends at Keep Golden Isles Beautiful highlighting their event with the Audubon Society. They wanted me to create an identification sheet to share with everyone. I decided to also create a coloring sheet in case there were any little ones about. Please feel free to download it and plan a trip to the beautiful Golden Isles today!

With Valentine’s Day on Wednesday, I thought you might like to have so some fun cards to share around the office or in your personal life! We all have the one co-worker who we can’t stand, the best friend you have known since childhood, the person who may be your mentor and not even know it. Valentine’s Day is not about diamonds, red roses or gifts for me. It is about telling people you are loved, showing how much you care and lifting people’s spirits. Enjoy the day, go about it with love and serve these little beauties up to those who deserve a good, hearty laugh. Click here to download them now.

Maybe someday someone will see life in this old building and nectar will flow again. One can never have too much honey, I would surely buy some if I was driving along.