Surface Design Artist Branding Experience – Start to Finish
Let me introduce you to Sharon Spray!
Sharon Spray is a very talented surface design artist & quilt designer based here in North Carolina. When I asked her for her elevator pitch, here’s what she said:
“I’m a textile artist that specializes in textile art pieces that will make you warm, comfy, and dream in color. Wink! In the “olden days” they might have called my work “quilts” but today my work is more appropriately called, “functional art” because I make quilts from custom made fabrics, with modern designs that are as suitable for hanging on a wall as they are suitable for use on beds. There are no grandmas calicos in my studio.”
Isn’t that just perfect? She reached out to me back in September of 2021 to start the Branding Experience. Sharon not only hired me but she was already in the process of working with Mariana Durst; a brand & web designer. I absolutely love when my clients are all-in – it may be a lot of behind-the-scenes work but trust me, it’s worth it & it will all pay off in the end!
So when I say, from start to finish, here is what I mean! The Branding Experience is a multi-step process – there is the pre-planning followed by the final thoughts & then the final branding photo session! When clients are inquiring about the experience, I share with them that it is about 4-6 weeks of preparation. And once everything is complete they’re ready to be in front of the camera!
What’s the pre-planning?
A few people might think that a branding experience is formed with a snap but truly, it’s not! Once I’ve onboarded a client, they are sent a pre-shoot questionnaire, this is the beginning of the pre-planning! The questions that are on the questionnaire help my clients dig deep into their brand & the purpose behind the branding photo session. I break it into four sections; mindset, product & services, how they communicate, and then planning!
Here is a snippet of Sharon’s questionnaire that just tickled me pink:
“Textiles can and should enhance your home. The quilts you curl up under in front of the fireplace, the quilt that goes to the picnic in the park to hear the symphony play, the quilt your baby lays on in your office, the quilt that brings color to your entry wall, the quilt that lays across the end of your bed… these will be in quilts that enhance your lifestyle using artful design and sophisticated color and pattern.”
While they are completing the questionnaire I start drafting up their branding photoshoot workbook – this is one of my favorite parts! It includes digesting their answers, dreaming up creative concepts that speak to their brands, making a day-of timeline, etc! It’s very hands-on! This step takes anywhere from 1-1.5 weeks!
The Final Thoughts
This is just a fancy way of saying we have a final call one week before the branding session to walk through every detail of the day! So the day-of timeline comes in handy here – I walk through what is happening at each specific hour so that we are all in-tune and feel great on the day-of!
I also answer any questions about outfits, hair & make-up, props, etc. I’m an open book at this point – you’re welcome to ask me anything & everything!
Finally, the Branding Session is here!
It’s the day we’ve been planning & dreaming of for the last 4-6 weeks, yay! I always arrive at the 1st location a few minutes before go time to get organized and all my equipment ready for you! Depending on which collection you choose, a half or full day, this is your time to shine! There is space to breathe, refresh with food (or coffee!) and we have a great time bringing life to your brand through storytelling photographs!
