When designing a brand for a client, one of the ways in which I can get out of them what their brand style really is, is through a series of questions and exercises. It helps get us more quickly to the visual expression of their authentic uniqueness, providing a direct and instant emotional connection to their business. (Not much can beat giving a client that feeling of delight, surprise, and excitement when they see what I’ve created for them!)
One of the questions I’ll ask is, “How would you describe your decor style?” And, are there particular brands or stores that you gravitate towards? (You could also use this question in the context of your wardrobe.) Especially for those who don’t consider themselves particularly creative, this question gives them a vehicle to explain their tastes.
A quick vibe check for you as you are designing your brand is, “Does my brand style reflect my decor?”
Let’s use my home, brand, business cards, and website as examples. When I created my brand and Elanoura’s brand, I looked around to what I enjoy having in my space around me. For most of us, we’ll invest in pieces we love whether that’s in our homes or in our closets. It’s an easy vibe check: if you’re typically drawn to quietly traditional interiors, then a rebellious, aggressive, loud brand doesn’t make much sense for you. You won’t have that emotional connection to your brand that should light you up when you look at it and work with it through the years.
Now that you’re here on my website, take a look at some of the pieces I have in my living room: do you think they reflect my brand style?
Here’s what I see:
- I like neutrals, pairing ivory and black in particular.
- I tend to stay fairly modern and clean, but I soften it up with natural and organic accents.
- I enjoy an elevated vibe yet I include elements that convey a global sensibility.
- I am sure to incorporate my brand style muses: Carine Roitfeld, Kelly Wearstler, Kate Moss, and Missoni to add a bit of edge.
Can you try this exercise with your own brand style? What you surround yourself with are pretty good indications of what you love.
If you’re looking for more ways to find your brand style, we explore three tools I use Traits & Muses, Mood Board, and 10 Questions in the full Brand Building Foundations course, on sale for a limited time at 50% off with code NEWYOU2024.
