Sophia Lauren Photography Brand Identity
Project Scope: Brand Identity Design
The Challenge
When Sophia reached out to me about creating a brand identity, I was thrilled! Sophia Lauren Photography, based in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, specializes in capturing dreamy, natural-lit portraits of families and their pets. While she had a logo she designed in Canva, she wanted a more polished and professional look to establish her brand. Sophia recognized the importance of having a brand identity that tells a story, rather than relying on a logo alone.
Here’s why having a comprehensive brand identity matters, and why a logo by itself simply isn't enough:
A LOGO IS JUST THE BEGINNING
A logo alone doesn’t encapsulate the full essence of a brand. A complete brand identity ensures visual consistency across various platforms and media, enhancing brand recognition.
A BRAND IDENTITY TELLS A STORY
Brand identities provide a narrative that goes beyond just a logo, adding depth and fostering a stronger connection with customers.
PROFESSIONALISM & CREDIBILITY
A well-rounded brand identity conveys professionalism and attention to detail, elevating the perceived value of the brand.
EMPOWERING CLIENTS
By providing my clients with a comprehensive brand identity, complete with brand guidelines, I empower them with the tools they need to maintain a clear direction in applying their visual elements and using their logo consistently.
Sophia fully recognized the importance of these points, which is why she turned to me to develop a complete brand identity.
The Goal
Our goal was to transform Sophia’s Canva logo into a stunning, customized brand identity that truly embodies her dreamy, natural-lit photography business. This involved designing a series of logos and submarks that not only capture the essence of her work but also resonate with her target audience. By incorporating elements that reflect her unique style and artistic vision, we aimed to create a cohesive visual identity that enhances her brand's appeal.
The Solution
I designed several logo concepts and worked closely with Sophia to refine them, aligning each option with her brand story and target audience. Together, we developed a comprehensive brand identity featuring a clear color palette and patterns to be utilized across her marketing materials and website.
Here’s a detailed overview of our process:
Brand Questionnaire Meeting:
We began with a meeting to discuss her brand questionnaire, delving into her brand values and mission, while also outlining the timeline and expectations. This session included brainstorming taglines and brand statements to capture her brand voice, which led us to the tagline “Dreamy Natural-Lit Photography.”
Moodboard & Color Palette:
Following our meeting, I created a moodboard and color palette that visually represented the potential of her brand identity, grounded in her values and mission. This included typography, imagery, textures, and illustrative elements, alongside her photography, to convey the overall vibe of her brand. We reviewed it together to ensure our visions were aligned.
Logo Design:
Next, I developed her primary logo, secondary logo, and brand marks, drawing inspiration from the moodboard and color palette. Typically, I provide one primary logo option, one secondary logo, and two brand marks, along with opportunities for revisions. This approach allows clients the flexibility to select the most appropriate logo or brand mark for various applications, easing the stress of making a final decision. In Sophia’s case, I explored additional options because I was truly enjoying the creative process! With over 10 years of design experience, I guide clients in making the best choice for their brand based on insights from our brand questionnaire and moodboard. Client feedback is always a priority, and I incorporate it as we move forward in developing the full brand identity.
Brand Identity Design & Guidelines:
This is the exciting part when everything comes together! I gathered textures and icons to create graphics that reflect the brand’s values and mission. With Sophia’s stunning images to work with, designing the brand guidelines was a breeze. The guidelines include a comprehensive overview of the brand essence, key terms, colors, fonts, brand elements, and logos, along with instructions on how to use them. Sophia was thrilled with how well her branding represented her photography business!
Final Delivery & Download:
After Sophia reviewed all of her assets, we scheduled a meeting to discuss the brand assets and their applications. I organized each element into easily accessible files so Sophia could seamlessly use them in Canva or anywhere else. All assets were provided as PNGs with transparent backgrounds, and I included imagery from the brand guidelines for her social media use. She was delighted to have everything available for easy download via a Dropbox link I provided!
The Results
Sophia truly embraced her new branding and ran with it! Her photography is stunning, and we ended up collaborating on a photoshoot for my business, resulting in many of the images you see of me throughout my website. I love partnering with local businesses, particularly those owned by women. There’s a unique camaraderie that develops in these collaborations, where we can support and uplift each other. Working with Sophia not only allowed me to showcase my brand visually but also reinforced the importance of community in our creative journeys. Together, we celebrate each other's talents and drive, creating a positive impact in our local area!
I’m excited to help you craft a standout brand identity for your business!
With more than a decade of experience in branding, illustration, and product design, I’m dedicated to ensuring your brand makes a lasting impression in today’s competitive market. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with both small businesses and major brands like Toys R Us, Skip Hop, Christmas Tree Shops, and Raymour & Flanigan, enhancing their brand identities. I can’t wait to bring that same passion and creativity to your project. Let’s create something extraordinary together!
