Branding Basics: Choosing Colors
Color is arguably the most powerful subconscious element of your branding. The colors you choose and how they interact sets the overall tone and mood for everything customers see. And while you've probably heard a few basics of color psychology (i.e., blue is a...
Start Your Brand with a Moodboard
Alright, you've figured out your values and the tone you want to convey. Now it's time to tie those concepts to actual visual elements. The first place we begin is what's called a mood board. You can think of this like a scrapbook page of images, colors, and other...
Kickstart Your Branding with Just 3 Words
You know that branding is important - that consistency is essential for trust, and differentiation is a must in an over-saturated, internet-connected world. But I'm often asked: "Where do I even start with my branding?" My answer is this: choose three words. These...
There are No New Ideas — Learn to Steal Like an Artist
So many people get stuck trying to come up with completely original ideas. Whether it's a product or branding, they feel uninspired because all of their ideas seem to already exist. Here's both the good news and the bad news: there's no such thing as a truly original...
Why You Should DIY Your First Brand (yes, I said “first”)
You're starting a new business. And you're smart — you know a brand is important to set you apart from the competition. A good brand proves you're professional and credible. But you're also savvy — you understand the value of bootstrapping to grow the business with...
What is Branding, Really?
In an oversaturated, internet-connected world where anyone can start a business, how do you stand out from the noise? What makes you different, and how do you communicate that difference to your audience? The simple answer is branding. But what is branding, really?...
What’s in a Name – Why “GrapeSeed” Designs?
I get asked frequently where the name GrapeSeed Designs comes from, so here's the story! Have you ever tried eating a grape seed? Some people like them, but I find them hard, bitter, and even sharp to where they can cut your gums. But when you take that seed, plant it...