This article on branding for photographers was originally published in the December 2018 issue of Summerana Magazine. Interview by Shannon Squires.
Summerana Magazine recently reached to interview me — share some of my favorite branding advice for photographers! And I’m excited to finally share it with you:
I was a wedding photographer for almost 10 years! In the beginning I didn’t know what I was doing. I branded and rebranded myself along the way, desperate to get my business off the ground. After many DIY attempts, I became obsessed with the concept of branding and went back to school to earn a B.A. in graphic design.
I have been designing and branding ever since. It’s now my mission to empower other female entrepreneurs with visual branding that gives them the confidence to succeed. Not gonna lie… it’s the best job in the world!
Girl, don’t be duped by a new trendy logo and think that that’s all you need! Too many times I’ve seen photographers buy a logo off Etsy and think that their business is branded. Truth is, that’s barely the beginning. You need a comprehensive visual branding system. Think about Starbucks — they don’t just have a logo. They’ve got colors, style, fonts, design…etc. all grounded in a solid brand foundation. They have a comprehensive brand, and it works. We’ll go out of our way, and part with our precious dollars just to have some of that Starbucks-branded goodness.
My fave part is seeing my clients’ transformation and success. That may sound corny but I love seeing their brands come together and really work for them. I truly believe that confident and successful women will change the world.
Hmm… I’d say the biggest transformation is that they become busier and attract their ideal clients. Their brand appearance is higher end which attracts higher end clients. They tell me that they’re shocked at how busy they are (and how clients no longer tell them they’re “too expensive”)!
Right away. But…save up and invest in a complete branding experience versus the piecemeal DIY approach. Ideally, you want to brand completely and correctly the first time to avoid multiple rebrands which will degrade your business overtime.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for awhile, the fact that you have a business means you have a brand. It just may not be cohesive. Everyone can benefit from hiring a professional at any stage.
Inconsistency! Whether it’s your visual components (colors, fonts, design) or your written voice, if it’s not consistent, it’s not a strong brand. Your online presence (website and social platforms) should look and read the same as your printed materials.
I’m a nerd and I love my branding colors. My Christmas decorations are even branded…black, white and gold everywhere! I’m not even ashamed about it.
When I went back to school to get my graphic design degree, I took a lot of art history classes and fell in love with them. They influence my design work now.
Glass of red wine and Netflix binge.
Be yourself. Don’t be tempted by today’s trends and spend money on gimmicks. Invest in your brand. Even if it’s a slow process, I promise you, you will see success.
Start now by grabbing the Brand Blueprint — your free 20-page workbook to help you build the foundation of an epic brand: