meghan brown of meghan brown creative sitting on floor typing on laptop

finding your brand identity

Is your brand's personality a little fuzzy? Like a photo that's out of focus? You're not alone. Even the most successful businesses sometimes struggle to define what makes them truly unique. Pinpointing those special quirks and charms that should set you apart can be tough. 

It's also easy to get lost in the sheer volume of elements that make up your brand, trying to represent everything at once. This can lead to a jumbled, messy feeling, making it difficult to choose a clear direction. Balancing authenticity with the desire to stand out is a common challenge. I want to help you hone in on your unique brand identity. All it takes is a little reflection and maybe a visual tool or two. 

let's find your vibe

let's find your vibe

every business has a unique energy…

a distinct personality that contributes to the vibrant tapestry of the marketplace. This individuality is what makes the business ecosystem so rich and complete.

we can use a framework of four key "corners" to help you discover and define your brand identity.

Think of it like a compass with its four cardinal directions—North, South, East, and West—or the four elements of nature—Air, Water, Fire, and Earth. Even a simple table relies on four legs for stability and wholeness.

These four "corners" represent distinct brand personalities, each playing a crucial role in creating a well-rounded communities that cater to a wide array of individuals.

Before we explore these corners, it's important to keep an open mind. Your business might not perfectly align with every single trait associated with a particular corner.

This framework is a guide, a tool to help you gain clarity and direction in your branding journey.

It's about finding the dominant leanings of your business personality to inform a more cohesive and authentic brand identity.

now let’s get into it, shall we?

scroll through each “corner” and see which ones resonate WITH YOU…

corner 1

bright and fun images for brand identity mood board corner 1

Corner 1 is bursting with vibrant energy, like a confetti explosion at a summer festival. This brand wouldn't shy away from bright, playful colors—think sunshine yellows, electric blues, and juicy oranges—used in unexpected and whimsical ways. Its visual language would be full of movement and life, perhaps incorporating fluid shapes, dynamic typography, and quirky illustrations. This "life of the party" brand would exude creativity and a free-spirited vibe, feeling refreshing and lively. Imagine bouncy animations, sparkly textures, and an overall sense of vivacious enthusiasm that makes you want to join the fun. This brand is peppy, approachable, and impossible to ignore.

    • energetic

    • bright

    • whimsical

    • free spirit

    • vibrant

    • refreshing

    • lively

    • vivacious

    • enthusiastic

    • peppy

    • bouncy

    • sparkly

    • gift shops of novelty shops

    • clothing boutiques

    • event planning

    • creative studios

    • salons

    • specialty food shops

    • innovative startups

    • gyms

corner 2

brand identity board corner two peaceful images meghan brown creative

Corner 2 feels like a warm embrace. Its visual language would be gentle and soft, perhaps using a muted color palette of pastels, creams, or soft grays. Typography would likely be rounded and flowing, avoiding sharp edges or harsh lines. Imagery might feature natural elements like flowing water, soft textures like clouds or feathers, or gentle, human-centric scenes. The overall feeling would be one of calm, peacefulness, and delicate grace. This brand wouldn't shout for attention; instead, it would offer a comforting presence, radiating empathy and support through every touchpoint, from its logo to its website to its customer interactions.

    • Gentle

    • supportive

    • empathetic

    • graceful

    • soft

    • compassionate

    • peaceful

    • comforting

    • delicate

    • therapists

    • massage therapists

    • spas

    • yoga studios

    • acupuncturists

    • florists

    • bookstores

    • senior care services

corner 3

bold and edgy images corner 3 brand identity meghan brown creative

Corner 3 crackles with energy. Think bold typography with sharp, angular lines, reflecting both swiftness and an edgy, unconventional spirit. A dynamic color palette, perhaps a striking contrast of deep hues with vibrant and/or vintage accents and textures, conveys purpose and drive. Imagery might feature abstract forms or unexpected perspectives, signaling a trendsetting, pioneer mentality. This isn't a brand that blends in; it's a visual force, radiating industriousness and tenacious leadership, clearly marking its territory as a leader in its field.

    • purposeful

    • driven

    • swift

    • edgy

    • trendsetter

    • industrious

    • tenacious

    • unconventional

    • pioneer

    • leader

    • tech startups

    • consulting firms

    • construction companies

    • fashion design

    • marketing agencies

    • environmental non-profits

    • outdoor/sports stores

corner 4

balanced and classic images for corner 4 brand identity meghan brown creative

Corner 4 embodies an air of timeless authority. Visually, this translates to a restrained yet powerful aesthetic. Think deep, rich color palettes (perhaps black, deep blues, or shades of red accented with gold or silver), bold, classic patterns, possibly a serif or elegant sans-serif typography, and meticulously crafted logos that convey a sense of heritage and enduring quality. Imagery would be carefully curated, favoring evocative photography or art over fleeting trends. The overall impression would be one of quiet confidence, unwavering stability, and profound understanding, inspiring trust and respect.

    • intentional

    • profound

    • regal

    • sophisticated

    • stable

    • poised

    • dignified

    • wise

    • balanced

    • jewelry stores

    • law firms

    • banks

    • high-end boutiques

    • architecture

    • fine art galleries

    • real estate companies

    • museums

JOURNAL PROMPTS

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Now that we've explored the four corners, let's pinpoint the one that resonates most with your business to help define your brand identity. Grab your favorite beverage, a notebook, and find a quiet spot to reflect on these five key questions, designed to help you delve deeper into your business—and yourself:

  • 1) Which corner do you gravitate toward most and why?

  • 2) How would your clients describe your business?

  • 3) How would your clients describe you?

  • 4) What's the story behind your business? Why did you start it?

  • 5) What does it mean to you to run your business authentically?

  • 6) Do your mission statement and values align with your desired brand presence?

By thoughtfully answering these questions, you'll gain valuable insights into the core of your business and yourself. These insights will serve as a strong foundation as we move forward in defining a compelling and authentic brand identity that truly resonates with your audience. 

I'm eager to work alongside you and help you achieve your business goals. Contact me once you’re ready to take the first step!