Hello, creatives, it’s Kim Russo here, your go-to creative entrepreneur and owner of On Brand Designs. I’m tickled pink to bring this post to you, especially since it’s not just about me today. I get to share a bit of the limelight with my handsome man, Jeremy, who co-hosts our adventurous, entrepreneurial journey on our podcast.
Our recent episode has us diving into somewhat personal territories – brand evolution and the power of photography in branding. So, sit tight; I’m about to get real on how our personal branding photo shoots have shaped and showcased our brand’s journey over the years.
The Catalyst of Change
Reflecting on my recent photo shoot – the third of its kind since launching my business – I realized these sessions are more than just opportunities to update our portfolio. They’re milestones marking our brand, and by extension, our personal evolution. Every two years, like clockwork, we find ourselves in front of the camera, capturing the essence of where we are in our journey. This year was particularly enlightening, as it underscored the tremendous growth both personally and professionally.
The Creative Process
I always found photo shoots to be exhilarating, yet this time there was a twist. I invited three clients-cum-friends to join the session. The aim? To reflect our collaborative spirit and to show that business is not just transactional it’s personal and spirited. Compared to the stoic headshots one might expect, we opted for lively, vibrant captures that truly represent our brand today: creative, personable, and dynamic.
We used everything from props like disco balls and crowns to encapsulate that creativity isn’t just about being professionally stoic; it’s about letting one’s personality shine. It’s about demonstrating that as professionals, we are allowed to evolve and embrace our quirks and all the aspects that make us uniquely us.
Personal Growth and Brand Evolution
Looking back at my first ever business photo shoot, conducted in the beautiful streets of Charleston, it was a celebration of starting my journey. Fast forward to now, my team has grown, and so has my reach. This latest shoot wasn’t just for me; it was for us – my team, our brand, and our community.
I’ve discovered that with each photo shoot, not only does our brand imagery evolve, but so do I. From the color schemes to the themes and props, every element reflects where I stand as a business owner and how I envision the path forward for On Brand Designs. Even my interaction with the camera has shifted – from cautious optimism to confident and vibrant expressions of our brand’s core.
The Takeaway
This journey of brand evolution through photography taught me more about myself than I expected. I learned the significance of aligning one’s personal growth with their professional image. To anyone embarking on this journey, remember, your brand is a living, breathing entity that grows with you. Do not shy away from letting it reflect who you truly are, at every stage of your journey.
I also learned the importance of choosing the right photographer, one whose vision aligns with yours and can bring out the essence of your brand. And, let’s not forget the immense value of strategically leveraging these visuals across your marketing channels.
So here I am, urging you, whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a budding creative, to embrace the transformative power of professional photography in branding. Let it capture not just where your business is today, but the vibrancy and essence of where it’s headed.
For more insights and to catch a glimpse of the results of my headshot, follow us at @onbranddesigns, @profitablebranddesigner, and @profitable.brand.couple for your daily dose of creativity and business insights.
📽️YouTube: Want more than just audio? Subscribe to our channel, On Brand Designs, for video episodes, tutorials, and more that will help you elevate your business.
Want to turn your side hustle into a profitable business earning
6+ figures annually? Join other creative entrepreneurs in The Profitable Brand designer course here
We’re here to support you on your journey towards becoming a profitable brand designer. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with fellow designers, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and create more content that helps you succeed.
But wait, there’s more! As a special thank you to our listeners, we’re offering an exclusive Branding Biz Bundle — absolutely free. This bundle is packed with resources to help you refine your branding skills, level up your design business, and attract your dream clients. It’s a treasure trove designed specifically for ambitious brand designers ready to make their mark on the world.
To grab your Free Branding Biz Bundle, simply visit the BBB page here and use code: podcastlistener. Enter your details, and get ready to take your branding business to new heights!
Here’s to your success, and remember — we’re in this together. 💼🎨✨
Until next time, keep designing and dreaming big!
~ Kim (and Jeremy)
