Where to begin? Where to begin?

I remember when I started this photography journey, I was so excited. I had just discovered this completely new landscape, where one could make a living from their artwork. Where one could have their own business that would sustain them. Where one could do what they love and earn a living. It was amazing.

I remember attending a photography mixer, barely able to call myself a “photographer”, and feeling terrified at the prospect of talking to “real” photographers. I remember quietly observing and listening to conversations, until one photographer introduced himself to me. He asked if I had a business card (I did not), and when I couldn’t proffer one, he gave me a kind smile, and said, “Next time, remember to bring some.”

That was when I set out to create a logo. Because obviously, if I’m going to have a business card, I need a logo, right? I searched online, and found a graphic designer who seemed to produce good work and was within my budget. I sent her an email and we got started. I had compiled a bunch of images, colors, and things that I liked and I hoped that she’d be able to bring something to life.

That’s pretty much how my first logo was born. And I hesitate to call it a “brand” because it lacked vision and strategy and purpose. It was just something pretty. And it’s funny how they say that hindsight is 20/20 because it is so true! I wish I had known even a fraction of what I know now about branding. But I guess that’s how you learn, right?

People would tell me that it was cute, but there was just something that wasn’t quite right with it.

About 18 months ago (yes! that long!) I knew that I needed some change. I had received some feedback that had been difficult to hear, but oh-so needed. But I didn’t know where to start and I didn’t want to commit, because I was afraid of doing it wrong.

It took months of pinning on Pinterest, soul searching, writing, journaling, and talking for the real change to begin. Just a few things that were pinned….

I was so thrilled to find An Otherwise Co and I loved their process that involved creating a vision and strategy. It was what I was looking for!

Before a design ever took form, they walked and talked me through who I am, what I wanted, and where I want my business to go. This creates a solid roadmap for a design to be built upon. We had a Google Hangout, where I introduced myself and what I was looking for, and they synthesized everything I said and assembled a strategy.

If you are truly looking into having your business rebranded/brand refresh, I highly recommend finding someone/a team who spends time creating a strategy for you, before jumping straight into design. Sure, a graphic designer can create something beautiful, but a branding team can create a brand that has a vision, purpose, and strategy to move in the direction you want to.

From here, they condensed everything into a creative brief…

Stay tuned for part 2!

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