Let me just preface this by saying I’m nowhere near an expert on branding. I’m not even close! But I do understand how overwhelming it can be to try and figure out a way to express your personality in a visual way. When I first started trying to decide what I wanted this blog to look like, I had a bunch of random ideas that I thought were “professional” but weren’t really me. I knew I had to come up with something that showed off my own style, but I honestly wasn’t really sure what my style was. Style??? I never wear jewelry and I can’t accessorize to save my life. Figuring out my style was actually pretty intimidating.

One thing that has helped me a lot is the ever popular pinterest! I created a board  for my brand and searched and searched for items that I was drawn too. After a while I started to see common elements in a lot of my pins.  I noticed I like deep, muted colors like charcoal gray and lots of modern, urban elements. Before I started cultivating the brand board, I really thought I wanted my brand to be rustic and handmade…I love DIY projects and mason jars and would die over a barn wedding, but I’m just visually attracted to mid century furniture and quirky illustrations. Seeing all of those things pinned together helped me discover patterns in the things I’m drawn to and uncover a “style” that suits me better than barns or butterflies.

Another great thing you can do to figure out your brand is to go into your closet and take a look at the types of things you wear on a regular basis. Are you into sequins or glitter? Maybe your style is very glam. Do you wear lots of polo shirts and pearls? You might be classic and preppy. Or maybe you’re like me and you wear cardigans, skinny jeans, and lots of stripes. That could mean your style is pretty casual.

Also, if there are things you really, really love…like Apple products, funky earrings, horses, or junk food, make that a part of your brand!! The more things you incorporate that showcase who you are, the better! We know Jasmine Star loves magazines, and Katelyn James always comes to mind when I see something teal. And I always think of my own wedding photographers, Jodi and Kurt, when I see a cameo or some pretty lace! These photographers didn’t become associated with things they like by accident. They made sure they included things they liked in their branding because not only do they set them apart, but they also attract other people who like the same things! If you incorporate your love for NYC into your blog, a bride who loves NYC might read it, feel a connection with you, and decide she just has to have you at your wedding. And that’s what you want!

Lastly, work with a designer! A great designer will help you figure out how to take all of your ideas and make them visually cohesive! A designer can also help you elevate your brand into something that is also very professional, but still very you at the same time.

I know these tips probably seem pretty basic to some people, but I feel like there are others, like me, who might need a little bit of help. So hopefully this post might have given you some more ideas that will help you succeed with getting your brand headed in the right direction!