I’m not sure how I feel about the word “rebrand”. I’m my brand, aren’t I? Let’s call it branding. Let’s call it what it is: figuring out who I am in my business and getting a brand to match that.

When I started my business 7+ years ago, I created my own logo, and figured that was enough. When my husband came on board 5 years ago, he drew up a new logo for me, and the copy on my website reflected the two of us.

The pandemic hit, Brandon exited the business, and I realized that the branding we had together wasn’t a reflection of who I am on my own. Nor did it show the direction I’m going with my work. Unknowingly, I began the search for a branding person. I say unknowingly because while I had it in the back of my head that I wanted to “rebrand” (thanks to a mentor session with Sarah Anne Photo), I didn’t know at the time that my eyes were peeled for the perfect designer.

My biggest advice when you start your branding journey is to find the right designer for you. Seems obvious, but sometimes we pick a designer because they’re work is beautiful and they’re recommended to us by someone we trust. However, if you don’t do your own mini soul-searching session, you could pick someone who creates beautiful work but not beautiful work in the style that is YOU.

Enter Morgan Riley Design. She’s a wedding stationer, but she also creates branding for small businesses. I honestly cannot remember the moment I saw her. But her work spoke to me. Cliché line, but I don’t know another way to describe it. Her work climbed out of the screen at me as feeling like me.

Hire the right person

That’s what you’re looking for. Don’t rush to hire someone whose work doesn’t feel like you.

To give you more insight into the process, Morgan and I chatted about all things branding. I’m going to show you the whole shebang and give you all the deets!

I reached out to Morgan via her online contact form, she responded super promptly (I appreciate this!), picked the package I wanted (more details below), and we got started!

Before YOU start, here is Morgan’s advice to you:

Before investing in branding, I think you should have some kind of foundation first. Getting a little deep here: Some people know their story and know exactly who they are and what they want to be, and some people struggle to find that. For me, it was so so hard and I thought, how do I build a brand around myself when I don’t even know who I am or what I want to be? I think in either case, take everything you’ve gone through and write it down. Write down your journey, wins, failures, likes, and what makes you tick. This is your story. This is your foundation. From there, I think it’ll be a little bit easier to build your brand and outsource logo design, copy, etc., to create a timeless outcome. 

The package I picked:

$1,700

In addition to the logo files, brand elements, and basic design board, three stationery designs are included. These can be items such as business cards, PDFs of services/menus, postcards and inserts, welcome packets, etc.

• Design Board
• Logo Design
• Secondary Logo
• 4 Rounds of Proofs
• Stationery or other designs (up to 3 pieces)
• Format Guide
• All File Types

Make sure to check her website to see if this information is still accurate. The process with Morgan made everything so easy! Morgan talks about the process in her own words:

As soon as a client books with me, I send over a lengthy, in-depth questionnaire to get to know them, their story, and so much more. This is where clients run wild with thoughts and think about how they want their brand to be seen. Sometimes, some of the questions are something they’ve never thought to ask themselves, so it’s always fun to see them explore this. I’m always open to chatting about things on the phone as well if some people need to explain further.

The next step in the process is brainstorming and sketching. I take all of that info and really dive deep into brainstorming, putting together a mood board with inspo photos, a color palette, and rough sketches to make sure I’m on the right track. Then we go into the proofing process, where I finalize the designs and incorporate them within your website and Instagram mock-ups to give you the whole feel.

My branding packages come with up to four proofs with opportunities to make specific changes to the design. I’ll then send over all the file types and launch materials if you’re happy with them. It’s that simple! I also love creating branded stationery (of course!) to create a cohesive design. 

Here are Morgans tips for creating the perfect design inspiration Pinterest board:

When building a Pinterest board for your brand, I think it’s essential to encompass an entire vibe and story rather than just the inspiration of other brand logos. Think about the type of client you want to work with and pin aesthetic photos of those people. Think about what direction you want your brand to grow in. We are all ever-changing and ever-evolving so it’s important to see your work for how it is now and how you want it to be and pin photos of your best work and photos of work you love. Ultimately, build a board about you and not just what you would want your logo to look like. 

Here’s what my Pinterest board looks like! I’m sure as I evolve this will change over the years, but for now, it pretty much encompasses me as a human being. And, as you can see, there’s almost no typical branding elements. It’s all about giving the feeling to your designer about who you are.

I had such an amazing experience with Morgan, I can’t recommend her highly enough! From beginning to end, she responded so quickly, and she totally got my vision. I think waiting and looking for the right person is such an important step in your design journey.

Here is some of the final branding elements that she delivered to me.

Everything came with several different file types/sizes/colors. Also, she came up with the idea for my bookmark business cards which are the coolest thing I have seen! Everyone remarks on how amazing they are, and they’re so unique to me! I love that.

If you’re looking for a great designer and feel that Morgan might be the one for you, reach out to her! And if you’re looking for more info, feel free to contact me as well.