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Best of 2016 || Branding & Graphic Design

Jan 13

Tagline Design by Moriah Riona for Wedding Photographer, Stefani Ciotti. Art Deco inspired with a burgundy and copper color palette. Graphic Design and Branding for photographers and creative bossladies.

These first few weeks of 2017 have been flying by — and I have been busy with so many new exciting projects! However, before I turn my focus completely on this new year, I wanted to reflect and share some of my favorite work and project from 2016. Last week I posted my Best of 2016 – Weddings & Engagements, and today I’m excited to share my Best of 2016 – Branding & Graphic Design.

Focused on Branding

While I had a wonderful year for weddings, my plan for 2016 was to shift my focus and start to build the branding side of my business.

At the beginning of 2015, my first year taking my business full time, I wrote an extensive business plan detailing how I would build my brand around two unique audiences (brides and bossladies) and two unique services (wedding photography and branding/graphic design). I had decided to dedicate my efforts to building the wedding side of my business in 2015 — and then saw the rewards of that effort in 2016 with more bookings and more fabulous weddings. In 2016 I shifted my focus to branding and graphic design.

Though I had worked professionally as a graphic designer at a marketing firm, and had owned my own photography business since 2009, this was my first time trying to take on my own branding clients and projects (a very different demographic than the clients at my old marketing firm). I learned a lot this last year. I grew a lot as a designer and a business owner. And I think, most importantly, I was able to take on design project that truly inspired me.

Branding Projects in 2016

I started 2016 by getting a beta invitation to the new Showit 5 website platform. I had long been a Showit user and was so excited to start designing my new site on Showit 5. Admittedly, I spent way too long on my site design (about three months total), but as I’ve mentioned before, I really struggle when working on my own branding. I get a serious case of “kid in the candy store” and my project scope seems to grow indefinitely. However, when it was all done, I ended up with a website that I was so proud to show off! And wow, has that been a game changer. I didn’t realize how much my disappointment of my own visual branding had kept me from “putting myself out there.” It is so important to have branding that you are proud of — so you can be a more confident entrepreneur.

Along with my new site design, I also created a media kit/magazine for my brides, and completed my branded stationery set. As for client work, I created my first custom Showit 5 website design for another photographer — along with a complete Branding Collection for her. I completed several other Branding Collections and I took on a few smaller design projects, customizing Katelyn James Bridal Guides for other photographers as well. I also shot a fair amount of brand photography in my new studio. I find it so fulfilling being able to balance design and photography in my work.

I finished the year by designing my own branded holiday campaign, including custom packaging, stationery and social media pieces. I also created my first opt-in as a part of this campaign, launching my new subscription based Resource Collection.

Finding Balance

At first I struggled with having two distinct sides to my business (branding/weddings) and I am still finding my way. This last year blessed me with plenty of clients and projects from both realms. Having shifted my focus to bossladies in 2016, I found it exhilarating to connect with so many other female entrepreneurs and have authentic conversations about their goals and dreams. And I am so grateful for the opportunities to help them grow towards those dreams. After spending the last two years growing each side of my business, my goal in 2017 is to find balance so I can continue to work equally at the two things I love most — weddings and branding.

Bosslady Portraits for writer, Caroline Beaton

Bosslady portraits in studio by Moriah Riona for writer, Caroline Beaton. Yellow and grey branded color palette. Graphic Design and Branding for photographers and creative bossladies.

Brand Stationery from Branding Collection for Fashion Stylist, Kerry HughesCustom stationery design from Branding Collection, designed by Moriah Riona for Fashion Stylist, Kerry Hughes. Blush, lavender and plum color palette for feminine branding. Graphic Design and Branding for photographers and creative bossladies.

Styled Stock Photography for Orchidee Salon & SpaBranded styled stock photography by Moriah Riona for Orchidee Salon and Spa. Lavender and aqua blue branded color palette. Graphic Design and Branding for photographers and creative bossladies.

The Launch of My New Showit 5 WebsiteLuxe glam branding and website design for wedding photographer by Moriah Riona. Custom designed Showit 5 website. Graphic Design and Branding for photographers and creative bossladies. Luxe glam branding and website design for wedding photographer by Moriah Riona. Custom designed Showit 5 website. Graphic Design and Branding for photographers and creative bossladies.

From My Holiday BrandingCustom holiday branding for wedding photographer by Moriah Riona. Luxe glam branding and website design for wedding photographer by Moriah Riona. Custom designed Showit 5 website. Graphic Design and Branding for photographers and creative bossladies.

Branded Stationery from Branding Collection for Photographer, Stefani Ciotti (Coming to the Blog Soon!)Branded stationery set designed my Moriah Riona for wedding photographer, Stefani Ciotti. From Branding Collection with burgundy and copper color palette. Luxe glam branding and website design for wedding photographer by Moriah Riona. Custom designed Showit 5 website. Graphic Design and Branding for photographers and creative bossladies.

Head Shots for Photographer, Tiffany Joyce, in Central Park, New York (Coming to Blog Soon!)Portrait of wedding photographer, Tiffany Joyce from Connecticut, by Moriah Riona in Central Park, New York City. Luxe glam branding and website design for wedding photographer by Moriah Riona. Custom designed Showit 5 website. Graphic Design and Branding for photographers and creative bossladies.

Logo Design from Branding Collection for Fashion Stylist, Kerry HughesBold and feminine logo design by Moriah Riona for fashion stylist, Kerry Hughes. Branding Collection palette with purples and pinks. Luxe glam branding and website design for wedding photographer by Moriah Riona. Custom designed Showit 5 website. Graphic Design and Branding for photographers and creative bossladies.

Portraits for Adoption WebsiteCouples branded portraits in studio by Moriah Riona for Adoption Website.

Branded Stationery for My Own BrandLuxe glam leopard print inspired branded stationery from Branding Collection by Moriah Riona. Graphic Design and Branding for photographers and creative bossladies.

Custom Showit 5 Website & Mobile Design for Wedding Photographer, Stefani Ciotti (Coming to the Blog Soon!)Custom Showit 5 website and mobile design for wedding photographer, Stefani Ciotti by Moriah Riona. Graphic Design and Branding for photographers and creative bossladies.

Media Kit/Magazine Design for Wedding ClientsMedia Kit for brides and wedding clients by Moriah Riona. Graphic Design and Branding for photographers and creative bossladies.

Bosslady Portraits for writer, Caroline BeatonGlamorous brand portrait for writer, Caroline Beaton by Moriah Riona. Graphic Design and Branding for photographers and creative bossladies.

Business Card design from Branding Collection for Interior Designer, Mandy StraightUnique business card design by Moriah Riona for Interior Designer, Mandy Straight. From Branding Collection with bold color palette of orange, purple and saffron. Branding and graphic design for photographers and creative bossladies.

Opt-In Printable Tag Design for the new Resource CollectionDownloadable printable holiday gift tags by Moriah Riona. Branding and Graphic Design for photographers and creative bossladies.

Business Card design from my own Branding CollectionLuxe glam blush, gold and black branding for wedding photographer designed by Moriah Riona. Gold foil business cards and stickers. Branding and graphic design for photographers and creative boss ladies.

Brand Portraits for Adoption WebsiteCouples branded portraits for adoption website by Moriah Riona. Branding and graphic design for photographers and creative boss ladies.

Branded Thank You Cards for Fashion Stylist, Kerry HughesBranded stationery from Branding Collection design by Moriah Riona for fashion stylist, Kerry Hughes. Blush and purple branding.

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