• Versatility and variation are two super important pieces to a brand identity suite. With each project, I aim to pare down the visuals as much as possible, but also ensure my clients have enough to work with in order to not have redundancy in their presence. A monogram is one of my favorite pieces of the suite (hi, little monogram baby … @saraboydphoto, I’m looking at you) … not only is it a great way to create a memorable brand mark, but it also lends itself to creative gift ideas for your clients and new ideas for cohesive details. One: Think about having a template made with each letter of the alphabet (stylized to match your brand aesthetic). Save these files and have them turned into stamps to deliver as a gift - if you’re a wedding photographer, your clients’ new last name or their first initials is a great option. This could easily be reflected onto so many gifts, and applied to so many industries. Two: Use your monogram style throughout your brand. Maybe it’s a big ol’ drop cap, or maybe it’s reflected in the way you number your process in your client guide. I love watching a single element adapt throughout the suite: consistency and cohesiveness. Yes, please. Three: Personalize your IG stories. Simplicity is best if you’re feeling stuck. The graphic size for stories is 1920x1080 px … make some art boards with your brand colors in the background, pop your monogram at the bottom, and save the files. Maybe add your URL if you’re feeling nasty. Then, when sharing thoughts and updates on IG, you have a collection of branded backgrounds to use - better yet, when people share your stories, your credit is right there on the graphic.
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    Versatility and variation are two super important pieces to a brand identity suite. With each project, I aim to pare down the visuals as much as possible, but also ensure my clients have enough to work with in order to not have redundancy in their presence. A monogram is one of my favorite pieces of the suite (hi, little monogram baby … @saraboydphoto, I’m looking at you) … not only is it a great way to create a memorable brand mark, but it also lends itself to creative gift ideas for your clients and new ideas for cohesive details. One: Think about having a template made with each letter of the alphabet (stylized to match your brand aesthetic). Save these files and have them turned into stamps to deliver as a gift - if you’re a wedding photographer, your clients’ new last name or their first initials is a great option. This could easily be reflected onto so many gifts, and applied to so many industries. Two: Use your monogram style throughout your brand. Maybe it’s a big ol’ drop cap, or maybe it’s reflected in the way you number your process in your client guide. I love watching a single element adapt throughout the suite: consistency and cohesiveness. Yes, please. Three: Personalize your IG stories. Simplicity is best if you’re feeling stuck. The graphic size for stories is 1920x1080 px … make some art boards with your brand colors in the background, pop your monogram at the bottom, and save the files. Maybe add your URL if you’re feeling nasty. Then, when sharing thoughts and updates on IG, you have a collection of branded backgrounds to use - better yet, when people share your stories, your credit is right there on the graphic.
  • The paper suite for @saraboydphoto is D R E A M Y ! Give me letterpress, but add a little salty flood, and YES, I AM HERE FOR THAT. Since we went with a vibrant, rich yellow envelope, and more understated note cards, we opted for a bold business card. These business cards are thick bbs, printed on 220# off-white cotton. When you hold Sara’s business cards, you can’t help but have a visceral reaction to the quality. The flooded ink variation from card to card is one of my favorite parts of letterpress printing; it’s an art. As always: letterpress stationery is printed by the lovely folks at @czarpress.
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    The paper suite for @saraboydphoto is D R E A M Y ! Give me letterpress, but add a little salty flood, and YES, I AM HERE FOR THAT. Since we went with a vibrant, rich yellow envelope, and more understated note cards, we opted for a bold business card. These business cards are thick bbs, printed on 220# off-white cotton. When you hold Sara’s business cards, you can’t help but have a visceral reaction to the quality. The flooded ink variation from card to card is one of my favorite parts of letterpress printing; it’s an art. As always: letterpress stationery is printed by the lovely folks at @czarpress.
  • Branding projects with my studio start way before I get to the design portion. And while what you see are the tangible brand elements, what you feel is all of the groundwork that’s laid before the pretty things are made. One of the best pieces: taglines & brand statements. The tagline is a short, sweet little note that sits with your logo. It tells people a bit about the heart of what you do. The brand statement is a deeper dive into the experience. My approach: a brand statement should cover “here’s what I will give you, and this is why it’s so important for you …”. After a potential client has absorbed these two elements of your experience (circling back to why the design really does matter: is it eye-catching enough to make people pause long enough to go deeper?), they’ll know whether or not you’re here to solve their problems, bring them fulfillment, and if you’re worth their investment. The suite for @saraboydphoto hits these notes perfectly. Visitors to her site know exactly what she delivers, and she sets the stage for true connection right away.
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    Branding projects with my studio start way before I get to the design portion. And while what you see are the tangible brand elements, what you feel is all of the groundwork that’s laid before the pretty things are made. One of the best pieces: taglines & brand statements. The tagline is a short, sweet little note that sits with your logo. It tells people a bit about the heart of what you do. The brand statement is a deeper dive into the experience. My approach: a brand statement should cover “here’s what I will give you, and this is why it’s so important for you …”. After a potential client has absorbed these two elements of your experience (circling back to why the design really does matter: is it eye-catching enough to make people pause long enough to go deeper?), they’ll know whether or not you’re here to solve their problems, bring them fulfillment, and if you’re worth their investment. The suite for @saraboydphoto hits these notes perfectly. Visitors to her site know exactly what she delivers, and she sets the stage for true connection right away.
  • When we start the custom website part of projects, I remind my clients that this is where things really start to come together. One of my favorite things about @saraboydphoto is her personality - I remember our “this will only take 20-30 min” phone chats turning into 45 minutes, because it was like talking to a friend … THIS is what I wanted the site to feel like. When her ideal clients landed on the site, we wanted to invite them in. Invite them to pause. Invite them to explore a bit deeper, and reimagine what photography means for their wedding day. Sara’s site is equal parts quirky, fun, and comprehensive … she introduces her brand experience in such an organic way. By the time people are contacting her, they feel a connection, and that’s what this is all about. Be sure to click through and check it out! Link is in Sara’s bio.
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    When we start the custom website part of projects, I remind my clients that this is where things really start to come together. One of my favorite things about @saraboydphoto is her personality - I remember our “this will only take 20-30 min” phone chats turning into 45 minutes, because it was like talking to a friend … THIS is what I wanted the site to feel like. When her ideal clients landed on the site, we wanted to invite them in. Invite them to pause. Invite them to explore a bit deeper, and reimagine what photography means for their wedding day. Sara’s site is equal parts quirky, fun, and comprehensive … she introduces her brand experience in such an organic way. By the time people are contacting her, they feel a connection, and that’s what this is all about. Be sure to click through and check it out! Link is in Sara’s bio.
  • When @saraboydphoto and I first connected, I knew she had a big step ahead of her: changing her business name. It was a goal for the brand to reflect how the experience has evolved - it’s matured, and at the same time, it’s become so much more about authentic joy and love. I love that we made Sara Boyd Photography come to life during our project together. The logo suite is meant to hit on her brand’s keywords: inviting, playful, and professional. The same thoughts come through when looking at her work (and hey, we’re all about cohesiveness over here). I wanted a primary logo with organic movement and little flourishes where the letters flirt with each other a bit. Customizations to the letterforms ensure a unique We ended with a minimalist slash modern feel, and yet, it has warmth. Oh, and that sweet little sun icon? Sara and her husband weren’t stationary when I met them - they were on the brink of a move across the country (they just didn’t know where). The little “abstract” elements in her suite are meant to represent the sun and earth around us … the little things that are always there to give foundation and light. Sara is a bright spot, so she absolutely deserved a little sunshine in her logo.
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    When @saraboydphoto and I first connected, I knew she had a big step ahead of her: changing her business name. It was a goal for the brand to reflect how the experience has evolved - it’s matured, and at the same time, it’s become so much more about authentic joy and love. I love that we made Sara Boyd Photography come to life during our project together. The logo suite is meant to hit on her brand’s keywords: inviting, playful, and professional. The same thoughts come through when looking at her work (and hey, we’re all about cohesiveness over here). I wanted a primary logo with organic movement and little flourishes where the letters flirt with each other a bit. Customizations to the letterforms ensure a unique We ended with a minimalist slash modern feel, and yet, it has warmth. Oh, and that sweet little sun icon? Sara and her husband weren’t stationary when I met them - they were on the brink of a move across the country (they just didn’t know where). The little “abstract” elements in her suite are meant to represent the sun and earth around us … the little things that are always there to give foundation and light. Sara is a bright spot, so she absolutely deserved a little sunshine in her logo.
  • When I think about the reward and fulfillment I get from my career, it’s in the shape of the amazing human beings I’m lucky enough to connect with. Today, I am so, so happy to be kicking off this launch series for @saraboydphoto. She is a gem of a human, and a highlight of my 2020 - a client who has become a friend, and there really isn’t anything better. From the very beginning, I knew Sara would be amazing. Not only is her work absolutely stunning ($5 to you if her feed doesn’t make you smile - her images exude joy), but as a human, she’s stellar! She’s outspoken on issues concerning racial justice and equality for LGBTQ+ people. She’s shared her personal struggles and journey in a way that encourages healing, vulnerability, and connection … she’s a person who invites real feelings, and then celebrates the hell out of life. Sara’s suite is playful, inviting, and relatable. We had so much fun finding the delicate balance between playful, professional, personal, and timeless. Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing more about her project. Today, you get a little peek at her gorgeous letterpress stationery, printed by none other than my friends at @czarpress. The rich charcoal ink on off-white cotton: oh, yes. The dreamy golden envelopes make me feel like the heart eye emoji (forever and ever). The tangible brand experience is deep, warm, and joyful. ✨ Until my next post, please click through and meet your new best friend, @saraboydphoto.
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    When I think about the reward and fulfillment I get from my career, it’s in the shape of the amazing human beings I’m lucky enough to connect with. Today, I am so, so happy to be kicking off this launch series for @saraboydphoto. She is a gem of a human, and a highlight of my 2020 - a client who has become a friend, and there really isn’t anything better. From the very beginning, I knew Sara would be amazing. Not only is her work absolutely stunning ($5 to you if her feed doesn’t make you smile - her images exude joy), but as a human, she’s stellar! She’s outspoken on issues concerning racial justice and equality for LGBTQ+ people. She’s shared her personal struggles and journey in a way that encourages healing, vulnerability, and connection … she’s a person who invites real feelings, and then celebrates the hell out of life. Sara’s suite is playful, inviting, and relatable. We had so much fun finding the delicate balance between playful, professional, personal, and timeless. Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing more about her project. Today, you get a little peek at her gorgeous letterpress stationery, printed by none other than my friends at @czarpress. The rich charcoal ink on off-white cotton: oh, yes. The dreamy golden envelopes make me feel like the heart eye emoji (forever and ever). The tangible brand experience is deep, warm, and joyful. ✨ Until my next post, please click through and meet your new best friend, @saraboydphoto.
  • Pssst … YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS. This morning, we sent an email to withdraw our 2.5 year old from preschool. She hasn’t been there since March, and honestly, we don’t see any possibility she’ll be able to get back until the fall. That was hard. So hard. We’re sad about the opportunities and connection she’ll be missing out on. But we did it. And we will be fine. So many of us have been home since March. We learned to sew masks, teach our kids, work in odd chunks of time, balance our home/work/kids/life, grow our marriages without date nights, bake bread, and start a revolution. Being at home has been hard. But we’re doing it. And, yes, it will eventually get better. Last month, after the killing of George Floyd (and the countless murders of so many Black folx before him), our intention/messaging/energy shifted. We’ve donated, marched, destroyed, demanded, learned, protested, and used our collective energy to make change. It’s been uncomfortable to confront the biases we hold within ourselves and to reach out to confront the people we love to do the same. But this is the easy work (for White people). Don’t confuse necessary growth as being hard. It’s VITAL. YOU CAN DO IT. YOU MUST DO IT. The hard work here is the labor our Black friends have been giving day after day. Please support the BIPOC folx who you’re learning from. Share their work. Shop small, local shops. Follow them on social media. Buy their products. This month, I’m going to start sharing some of my recent projects. I want to spread this joy and support my clients. You’ll see my stories as a place for action items: people to follow, places to donate to, etc. Please share share share. Hang in there, friends! You can do hard things. We have to.
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    Pssst … YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS. This morning, we sent an email to withdraw our 2.5 year old from preschool. She hasn’t been there since March, and honestly, we don’t see any possibility she’ll be able to get back until the fall. That was hard. So hard. We’re sad about the opportunities and connection she’ll be missing out on. But we did it. And we will be fine. So many of us have been home since March. We learned to sew masks, teach our kids, work in odd chunks of time, balance our home/work/kids/life, grow our marriages without date nights, bake bread, and start a revolution. Being at home has been hard. But we’re doing it. And, yes, it will eventually get better. Last month, after the killing of George Floyd (and the countless murders of so many Black folx before him), our intention/messaging/energy shifted. We’ve donated, marched, destroyed, demanded, learned, protested, and used our collective energy to make change. It’s been uncomfortable to confront the biases we hold within ourselves and to reach out to confront the people we love to do the same. But this is the easy work (for White people). Don’t confuse necessary growth as being hard. It’s VITAL. YOU CAN DO IT. YOU MUST DO IT. The hard work here is the labor our Black friends have been giving day after day. Please support the BIPOC folx who you’re learning from. Share their work. Shop small, local shops. Follow them on social media. Buy their products. This month, I’m going to start sharing some of my recent projects. I want to spread this joy and support my clients. You’ll see my stories as a place for action items: people to follow, places to donate to, etc. Please share share share. Hang in there, friends! You can do hard things. We have to.
  • I have an audience of nearly 3,000 people on this platform and I will be using this as a space for centering the conversation, advocacy and solidarity. Make it anti-racist or make it nothing: White people, it is time for a revolution in our thinking and actions. Over the weekend, I watched thousands of people protest the killings of unarmed Black folx. I am so proud of these people who put their bodies in harm's way to show the world that we won’t stand for police brutality. I fully support these protests, and because I didn’t feel safe putting my body in a crowd (during a pandemic … and yes, this is privilege; I’m working through this perspective), I will be donating my money to support the protesters and educators I’ve relied on over the weekend. This week, I will be amplifying Black voices (you’ll see quotes, art, etc.) in my stories. This isn’t my place to lead, but I will help point people in the right direction. If anything you read this week makes you uncomfortable, I urge you to sit with that feeling. Examine how your life experience has shaped your perspective, and be open to learning/changing. Fellow White people: please do not ask Black friends/peers to comfort you, educate you, or assure you that you’re a “good one”. Instead, check in with the POC and Black folx in your life. Let them know you’re here to listen, and you’re actively working towards equity and being anti-racist. If you find a resource super helpful, reach out to pay that person: ask for their handle, buy their book(s), share their posts. Correct other white people who are spinning these protests or misusing Dr. MLK Jr. quotes. Know better, do better! This isn’t the only post I’ll be making, and my work won’t be done once I start posting about my projects again. TL;DR: BLACK LIVES MATTER. Listen. Amplify. Pay. If you make any excuses for what happened to George Floyd, or if you’re ok with what you saw in the video, please unfollow me. You are not welcome here. To my Black friends: I see you. I’m listening.
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    I have an audience of nearly 3,000 people on this platform and I will be using this as a space for centering the conversation, advocacy and solidarity. Make it anti-racist or make it nothing: White people, it is time for a revolution in our thinking and actions. Over the weekend, I watched thousands of people protest the killings of unarmed Black folx. I am so proud of these people who put their bodies in harm's way to show the world that we won’t stand for police brutality. I fully support these protests, and because I didn’t feel safe putting my body in a crowd (during a pandemic … and yes, this is privilege; I’m working through this perspective), I will be donating my money to support the protesters and educators I’ve relied on over the weekend. This week, I will be amplifying Black voices (you’ll see quotes, art, etc.) in my stories. This isn’t my place to lead, but I will help point people in the right direction. If anything you read this week makes you uncomfortable, I urge you to sit with that feeling. Examine how your life experience has shaped your perspective, and be open to learning/changing. Fellow White people: please do not ask Black friends/peers to comfort you, educate you, or assure you that you’re a “good one”. Instead, check in with the POC and Black folx in your life. Let them know you’re here to listen, and you’re actively working towards equity and being anti-racist. If you find a resource super helpful, reach out to pay that person: ask for their handle, buy their book(s), share their posts. Correct other white people who are spinning these protests or misusing Dr. MLK Jr. quotes. Know better, do better! This isn’t the only post I’ll be making, and my work won’t be done once I start posting about my projects again. TL;DR: BLACK LIVES MATTER. Listen. Amplify. Pay. If you make any excuses for what happened to George Floyd, or if you’re ok with what you saw in the video, please unfollow me. You are not welcome here. To my Black friends: I see you. I’m listening.
  • Since my last post, I’ve had my head down, working on client projects. At first, it was hard. Creative bursts come a bit slower these days, and while my work day is truncated by two kids, I’m really happy with the time I’ve had and work I’ve done. I’ve spent hours upon hours reviewing information regarding the SBA, EIDL, PPP, etc. I’ve held myself steady at a “firm ok” when people ask how we’re doing. I’m balancing working at home (with my entire family here), parenting, homeschooling, housework, cooking, and self care. For now, it’s working. It’s hard, but it’s working. I’m endlessly grateful we have economic security, and I recognize this is a privilege so many don’t have right now. We’ve stayed home since March 13th. I learned to sew masks. We’ve learned to appreciate everything we can find when we walk within a few blocks of our house, and since my toddler stopped napping in her bed, I’ve gotten very familiar with every street and every house as I walk for hours each week during nap time. I’ve listened to audiobooks, and found so much joy in reading “real” books too. I’ve mourned a loss of the summer I thought we’d have, and I’m trying to keep myself from spiraling when I think about what school looks like in the fall. I’ve questioned how all of this is sustainable: my husband and I both work; we are not teachers. I’ve found myself feeling hopeful, feeling angry, feeling sad, feeling bored. I’ve also find myself grateful for the extra time with my family (even if my kids fight 68% of the time they’re awake). I don’t have much in the way of affirmations or advice (goodness, I didn’t think we’d still be in the thick of it at this point), but I do have encouragement: you are doing a really good job. We are in this together (different boats, same storm). I will be back in this space soon, but for now, my focus is on the things above. ✨ Please stay home when you can. Wear a mask. Be a kind human. ✨ Holga image taken by my favorite, @jimstadick.
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    Since my last post, I’ve had my head down, working on client projects. At first, it was hard. Creative bursts come a bit slower these days, and while my work day is truncated by two kids, I’m really happy with the time I’ve had and work I’ve done. I’ve spent hours upon hours reviewing information regarding the SBA, EIDL, PPP, etc. I’ve held myself steady at a “firm ok” when people ask how we’re doing. I’m balancing working at home (with my entire family here), parenting, homeschooling, housework, cooking, and self care. For now, it’s working. It’s hard, but it’s working. I’m endlessly grateful we have economic security, and I recognize this is a privilege so many don’t have right now. We’ve stayed home since March 13th. I learned to sew masks. We’ve learned to appreciate everything we can find when we walk within a few blocks of our house, and since my toddler stopped napping in her bed, I’ve gotten very familiar with every street and every house as I walk for hours each week during nap time. I’ve listened to audiobooks, and found so much joy in reading “real” books too. I’ve mourned a loss of the summer I thought we’d have, and I’m trying to keep myself from spiraling when I think about what school looks like in the fall. I’ve questioned how all of this is sustainable: my husband and I both work; we are not teachers. I’ve found myself feeling hopeful, feeling angry, feeling sad, feeling bored. I’ve also find myself grateful for the extra time with my family (even if my kids fight 68% of the time they’re awake). I don’t have much in the way of affirmations or advice (goodness, I didn’t think we’d still be in the thick of it at this point), but I do have encouragement: you are doing a really good job. We are in this together (different boats, same storm). I will be back in this space soon, but for now, my focus is on the things above. ✨ Please stay home when you can. Wear a mask. Be a kind human. ✨ Holga image taken by my favorite, @jimstadick.
  • Everything seems uncertain, and if I’m not intentionally making space for positive energy, I’m not finding much of it. Coming soon, a perfect project: a brand collection for a wellness company that focuses on tools for clarity, intention and connection. This little custom icon set brings me joy.
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    Everything seems uncertain, and if I’m not intentionally making space for positive energy, I’m not finding much of it. Coming soon, a perfect project: a brand collection for a wellness company that focuses on tools for clarity, intention and connection. This little custom icon set brings me joy.
  • I’m sure the post is full of typos, but it was important to me to share the resources I have found so far. All of us are in this together, and we will get through it!!! I will be updating this list as I find more information to share. *LINK IN PROFILE* Do you have specific info for your area or ppl in your industry? Please comment below. I’ll find links and update the post. Hang in there, friends. You’re doing a good job. ❤️
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    I’m sure the post is full of typos, but it was important to me to share the resources I have found so far. All of us are in this together, and we will get through it!!! I will be updating this list as I find more information to share. *LINK IN PROFILE* Do you have specific info for your area or ppl in your industry? Please comment below. I’ll find links and update the post. Hang in there, friends. You’re doing a good job. ❤️
  • Hi, friends. Can we take a minute to take a collective deep breath? ✨ Even though I know my newsfeed will be COVID news from top to bottom, I keep picking up my phone. And, it’s A LOT to take in … anxiety is high, and while things in the outside world are so uncertain, my husband and I are also in the middle of finding a new rhythm at home. Learning to work outside of our normal spaces/hours, and keep our kids on-track with their schooling and life. Like so many of you, we are doing everything we can to flatten the curve. We’re hunkered down, trying to keep things “normal”, but also having so many private, “What the fuck is actually happening?!?!” moments. While my kids are getting lessons in embroidery and pointillism, I am trying to take care of my current clients, think about my own small business, and think forward about new ways I can help this community. And for now, it’s working. I so wish I could slow all the way down and disconnect, but seeing our creative community come together has been a morale saver. Over the next few weeks, you might see some Business As Usual type posts on my feed. This is not me acting like there’s not a pandemic, but instead, celebrating this work we all do: work to encourage connection, communication, and beauty. And, you can also expect to see some blog posts (I know, I know - “no one read blogs”, but I promise these will be good) full of thoughtful content regarding really using this time to hone in on your brand experience. This WILL end. Our clients still believe in our missions, and thankfully, people are getting the message that for now, we need to slow down. My heart is aching for all businesses who don’t have a way to reach their clients right now (and if I can help you in any way, don’t hesitate to reach out - I have a giant network of really thoughtful, smart people, and we’ll find a way). I’ve already reached out to my clients with current contracts, but if we’ve worked together in the past and you need anything at all (even just a “YOU’VE GOT THIS!!!” pep talk, please do). I’m here for you - even though we are far apart! TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES AND EACH OTHER!!!! ✨
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    Hi, friends. Can we take a minute to take a collective deep breath? ✨ Even though I know my newsfeed will be COVID news from top to bottom, I keep picking up my phone. And, it’s A LOT to take in … anxiety is high, and while things in the outside world are so uncertain, my husband and I are also in the middle of finding a new rhythm at home. Learning to work outside of our normal spaces/hours, and keep our kids on-track with their schooling and life. Like so many of you, we are doing everything we can to flatten the curve. We’re hunkered down, trying to keep things “normal”, but also having so many private, “What the fuck is actually happening?!?!” moments. While my kids are getting lessons in embroidery and pointillism, I am trying to take care of my current clients, think about my own small business, and think forward about new ways I can help this community. And for now, it’s working. I so wish I could slow all the way down and disconnect, but seeing our creative community come together has been a morale saver. Over the next few weeks, you might see some Business As Usual type posts on my feed. This is not me acting like there’s not a pandemic, but instead, celebrating this work we all do: work to encourage connection, communication, and beauty. And, you can also expect to see some blog posts (I know, I know - “no one read blogs”, but I promise these will be good) full of thoughtful content regarding really using this time to hone in on your brand experience. This WILL end. Our clients still believe in our missions, and thankfully, people are getting the message that for now, we need to slow down. My heart is aching for all businesses who don’t have a way to reach their clients right now (and if I can help you in any way, don’t hesitate to reach out - I have a giant network of really thoughtful, smart people, and we’ll find a way). I’ve already reached out to my clients with current contracts, but if we’ve worked together in the past and you need anything at all (even just a “YOU’VE GOT THIS!!!” pep talk, please do). I’m here for you - even though we are far apart! TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES AND EACH OTHER!!!! ✨