Monday, January 14, 2008

Poll Time! Branding

So, I know I need to create a "brand" for myself. Think Nike, Lexus etc.
My banners and avatars and business cards, etc. should match everywhere you can locate me so that I am more memorable. Currently, I'm all over the place and that has to change.

My question is, as a jewelry artisan is it important for me to have a picture of my work in my branding or no?

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, the way the question is worded it was hard for me to answer. But I said yes. At least in your case, because I love your flower baskets and if I saw a photo of it on a postcard mailer or your business card it would definitely make me want to visit your site or shop.

Generally though, no, a photo of work is not necessarily needed for branding. I have seen lots of cards without pics.

-Daphne

DragoninKnots said...

I agree with Daphne. Generally, no, a photo of your work is not needed, but if you have something really eye-catching, you might as well show it off!

Amanda Conger said...

I also agree with Daphne. I don't think a brand requires a picture of a product (how is a swhoosh a shoe for example?) but I think that you have developed a distinct style that deserves showcasing.

Also, having pictures of your work on your business cards will help people remember what you do when they see the card and encourage people who have never seen your work to go find more.

That said, if you are considering seriously changing your style soon, then I might not.

Anonymous said...

I was also confused by the question. I think it would be cool since you are an artist to include some piece of your work, but I do not think it is required (who would know? - usually each time you see the symbol it doesn't say this is done by the artist???). Also, since I know you do things beyond jewelry, i think you could also consider print making or other forms of art as well...

Unknown said...

I couldn't just click yes or no and agree with the comments above. We all recognize Tiffany just from the color and the name. But for people who don't know your work, I think having a picture on your card will give them an idea of your style. And your pieces are gorgeous, you should show it off.

shopPOPKO said...

i feel like a logo is good. if you end up suing a product image, you may end up being "stuck" with it at some point. i feel like using even a drawing of your product would be better in that case, bacause at least you could change the image even if the style is there. hmm, you know what i mean?

Kathryn said...

Your "logo", as it is called in the design world, should reflect your artistic style, not depict a particular product. As the last comment stated, what if your products change? Your style is a part of who you are and it will carry over to new products, and thus you will not have to change your logo.

You could do a two-sided business card with the back being a full-bleed image of one of your products. This way you could easily change the back image on your next print run.

Anonymous said...

Like Kathryn's ideas about a logo

miznyc said...

oooh Kathryn! Now that works! It's like the best of both worlds.

Jenny said...

I didn't answer the poll, because to me, you need to know your marketing messages before you decide what's going to be on your logo/business cards/etc. What do you want your audiences to know about you? Answer that question, and you'll be better able to figure out how to choose images.

Many Creative Gifts said...

Yup, I think Kathryn has hit the mark! Your "logo" should capture your style, something that runs through all of your designs. Then, for marketing purposes, you can send out postcards, brochures, etc., with pictures representative of your work.

Anonymous said...

No, a picture of your work isn't necessary, but you might want to incorporate your brand into the jewelry at some point...a tag at the clasp, for instance...so I'd make whatever brand you use simple.