A Love Letter to Photographers, from a Custom Brand Designer
“Be yourself, everyone else is taken.” – M.R.
Let this be a positive and encouraging message to creatives to be fearlessly authentic – from a brand designer herself, and someone that will not offer you a cookie-cutter brand or web design!
I’ve worked with A LOT of photographers over the years, and I can promise you they all had something unique that made them special. Even if they didn’t want to see it, it’s our job as a personal branding and web design house to help you see things, pull them out, and add them into your new vibe. You just have to look inward and cut out the noise of the outside world to find your *unicorn magic dust*, if you will
Client: “I want to be just like her!”
Me: “No, you don’t.”
It’s important to push a reminder out there about why it’s so crucial to be fearlessly authentic in a crowded creative industry. Furthermore, it’s essential to embrace your unique traits when it comes to your path in this lifestyle. After all, those very things might be the differentiating factors that set you apart.
First, let’s talk about some reasons why as creatives we might not project our authentic selves!
Comparison.
It gets the fucking best of us sometimes, and in a world where social media is regurgitating information at an insane rate, it can push our insecurities to the max and cause influence, and ultimately mislead our true identities.
How to tackle this:
We actually recommend that you meet your idols in the industry. Why? Sometimes, they’re not always cracked up to what they’re told to be. No, this doesn’t mean you should go looking for reasons to hate them – it means that you are allowed to learn from them and determine for yourself what sets you apart. Don’t go looking at their brand and try to find ways to make it your brand. Sometimes meeting your idol can refresh your mindset on what gives YOU your “special sauce”! Your light can shine just as bright as theirs, in your own way!
Imposter Syndrome
The persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own efforts or skills.
How to tackle this:
Have you ever taken the time to notice “ordinary” people outside of your creative life just think that you’re the absolute shit? As creatives, we’re surrounded by all of these marvelous people that tell us every day that we’re not good enough. But in the real world? You’re the shit. Keep that in mind when you’re feeling like you don’t belong here. Think about how most true success doesn’t happen overnight – and if it does, it’s probably not meant to last. Your past shapes you into who you are, and your story can only ever be yours. See how far you’ve come? Use that to help your brand stand out!
“My mother sent me a text the other day, telling me how proud she was of me. I often forget that people outside of this industry are amazed at what we do!”
-Whitney
The Need to Be Liked
For example, masking your true feelings and beliefs or producing creative work that doesn’t resonate with you because people-pleasing is a stronger short-term reward than being your authentic self.
How to tackle this:
“My therapist once asked me, if Jeffrey Dahmer (an incredibly over-sensationalized serial killer) hosted a party at his house and all of my friends were invited but not me, would I be mad about that?” – Katlin, House of W Copywriter
Okay, that example is extreme – but you get the point. Some people truly build their public identities for the sole purpose of being liked. What happens when inevitably, someone doesn’t like you? Is that really a bad thing? Some people just aren’t going to like you, and that’s okay. You might as well be liked by those that know the true you and vibe with your authentic vibes, which is why you want to attract your “ideal clients”, and a designer can help with just that! Not everyone is intended to be your ideal client, but your branding can help attract those *gems* that are meant just for you!
Insecurity
Another form of imposter syndrome, where you may not want to share the parts of you that got you to where you are today, such as lack of education, experience, or personality traits.
“I didn’t graduate high school or go get a degree in photography or brand design.”
-Whitney
How to tackle this:
We all have “that thing” we don’t want to mention on our creative resumes. But here’s a little secret… Most successful people didn’t get to where they are without setbacks and hurdles. Life happens, and embracing those demons can pave the way for our success and inspire others. Be a diamond in the rough, baby.
Our insecurities are sometimes rooted in our own personalities, and we’re afraid to express that. Oftentimes, we see clients fill out their questionnaires and reveal their true selves, and what they want to attract – but when it comes to the design process, they hold off out of fear of what others think.
Understand it is not always about the work you create; but that you, the artist, can shine your own individual light, and create a brand that is authentic to you.
“In a crowded marketplace, fitting in is failing. In a busy marketplace, not standing out is the same as being invisible.”
― Seth Godin, Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable
House of W truly wants your brand to resonate with you, and represent you authentically. Offering copy & paste brands and websites is not in our manual, and each client is different. Having a background in the creative industry means that we have an insider’s perspective on what will work, and won’t work. That’s why it’s so important to trust your designer during your design process! We want you to be fearlessly authentic when it comes to this process. This is truly meant to help you shine your own light, and attract the vibes you dream of!
Things to always remember:
- Your website and brand should be a representation of your authentic self, but be more about the client in all circumstances and what you want to attract.
- You should never trust a brand designer that will give you exactly what you ask for… to an extent. On your search for a designer, look for someone who will help you identify what you need to stand out, and will help you find your secret sauce.
- Getting caught up in your “fantasy self” can cloud judgment. Yes, we must reach for the stars – but don’t lose sight of what makes you, you!
- Never let anyone tell you that you can’t be you, boo.
Stay true, and be your damn self. Be Fearlessly Authentic.
XOXO,
-House of W Designs
Want to work with me? Reach out HERE!
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