My 1st Brand: Created by Me
Creating your own brand as a designer is one of the most challenging things you can do. It forces you to confront your own creative identity in a way that designing for clients doesn’t. However, I believe every designer should take a stab at branding themselves first before branding someone else. The experience builds empathy, clarity, and a deeper understanding of the branding process.
Why Branding Yourself First Matters
Empathy for Clients – Going through the process yourself helps you understand just how meaningful branding is for clients. It’s not just about visuals; it’s about identity, emotions, and how they present their work to the world. Experiencing this firsthand makes you a better designer and communicator.
Refining Your Focus – One of the hardest parts of personal branding is narrowing down key aspects of your identity. While some struggle with having too much to include, others feel they don’t have enough. This balancing act is something clients face as well, and working through it helps you guide them more effectively.
Breaking Through Mental Blocks – Many designers hit a wall when trying to brand themselves. The key to breaking through is asking the right questions. What do you want your brand to say? Who is your audience? What emotions should it evoke? The answers to these questions pave the way for a strong foundation.
The Creative Process
The tools used in personal branding are the same ones that work for client projects:
Industry Research – Understanding the landscape helps position your brand effectively.
Mood Boards – Collecting inspiration clarifies visual direction.
Brainstorm Sessions – Exploring ideas helps refine messaging and aesthetics.
Visual Imagery – Bringing elements together to create a cohesive brand identity.
Final Thoughts
Building my first brand was a transformative experience. It not only helped me understand my own creative identity but also gave me the insight needed to better serve my clients. If you're a designer, I encourage you to go through this process. The struggles and breakthroughs will make you a stronger, more empathetic branding expert. Your brand is a reflection of you—make it meaningful.
Here is a link to my project questionnaire if you wonder what questions I ask all my clients so you can come prepared or reach out to me with anything that comes to mind: [Project Questionaire]
