Brand Reveal // Feather Your Nest
Playing catch up on the blog. Lots of new projects to share so please excuse my short comments. But ... I am loving this new brand for Feather Your Nest. Feather Your Nest is an interior design studio located in Mobile, Alabama, with a new store front coming soon in Point Clear, Alabama. Website coming soon...
Brand Reveal // Caroline Boykin
Your branding should evolve and change, just like you and your work do! I'm loving this updated branding for Caroline Boykin. Caroline and I have been working together for 7+ years. Time flies when you're having fun!
New Branding: Blair Weddings + Events
So excited to share the new branding for Blair Weddings + Events! Blair is fabulous and brilliant at what she does. Website coming soon, but for now, you can follow her on insta @blairevents
Stationery and other collateral graphics are in the works...Plus, she's been SCOUTED for The Scout Guide Mobile Bay. Super excited about that too!
P.S. My portfolio is very behind, but hope to add my new work there soon....blog is easier for me for now!
New Branding: March + May Design
So proud of the talented, designer-sister-duo (Natalie Roe and Rachel Anderson) for making their dreams a reality. March + May Design is a full-scale interior design firm in Mobile, AL. Website coming soon! www.marchandmay.com. Follow them on instagram @marchmaydesign
New Branding: Sarah Otts
One of my dearest friends happens to be one of the most talented people I know. Always honored to work with you Sarah! You all must check out her beautiful website and work!
Much more in the works. Stay tuned...
business + social media
I've had this blog post in my head for a while, but haven't found the time to think it through or make it happen. Yesterday, I had a work meeting with my good friend and client, Sarah Otts. Sarah is a talented artist (follow her on instagram @sarah_otts_paintings). Her work is gorgeous! I respect her opinion, and we were talking social media. I asked what motivated her to step-up her social media game, and her answer was pretty simple: the more you share the more business increases, if it's done well. I've seen this first-hand too, but sometimes I go into a rut. She encouraged me to go for it. What's there to lose?
Every time I speak with a client, especially small business owners and artists, social media comes up. Most clients feel overwhelmed by it. I can tell its personal and that it bothers them, and I feel the same way lately. It has changed our ways of thinking and how we do business. “Our feed” represents us in a very public and vulnerable way.
Here’s some of what I tell my clients: Everyone is different. Don’t force anything. Be you. That works. If you’re overwhelmed put it down. If you find it fun and want to share, do it. Don’t overthink it. It’s social media. But at the same time, if you post regularly, do think it through. What do you have to lose?
But, sometimes it's easier to coach than it is to play. And quite honestly, social media is a tough beast to figure out. I struggle with it all too, and have by NO means mastered it. I have a love/hate relationship with it, especially when it comes to my business. It’s confusing to know which way to go. I'll be honest, sometimes I say screw social media. I second guess myself, become insecure and think: “What if no one likes it? No one cares. It's annoying. It’s too much of a distraction from all of the work I have to do. It isn’t perfect … Blah blah blah. This negative talk makes it overwhelming, and I'll just put it down.
And other times, I’m more carefree and enjoy sharing my work and inspiration. I have so many projects I haven't shared, and I take pictures of everything that inspires me creatively, so why not share some? When I worry about boring people with my logos and design work, I remind myself that they can easily unfollow the page. This is a design page for people who are interested in graphic design and branding. Just like when you follow a painters page, you follow because you want to see painting and it inspires you.
My goal is to be intentional in my business posts. And to enJOY it too. The bottom line is, the more you share, the more new business you get. The more emails that come in. So, I like that part. It’s free, it works and it can be fun. So, my advice is to GO FOR IT. I hope I do the same. And most importantly, I hope this helps at least someone get out of their comfort zone and pursue their dreams. It can be scary, but very rewarding too.
This year, I hope to write more about various subjects to help other designers, freelance artists and small business owners. I’ve learned a lot over the years and am still learning every day. Oh, and please kindly ignore any typos. I tried my best to spell check and proofread, but I have kids to pick up and deadlines to make now. :) Thank you for reading!
New Branding: Toss Waste Solutions
I recently finished the branding for Toss Waste Solutions, which is a Doorstep Waste and Recycling Service based out of Raleigh, North Carolina. The TOSS RESIDENT REWARDS PROGRAM engages your community to become part of the "Green Doorstep Initiative." With community and recycling at the focus, we wanted the brand to reflect that mission. After all, trash can be beautiful too.
New Branding: Bee Street Studio
New Branding: Collective
We've been working on this rebranding for a while now, and I'm absolutely thrilled to launch the new store name and new look for the Collective. Formerly known as Carter and Company, Sarah Thomas, the store owner, was ready for a new look and new branding. We met at a local coffee shop months ago and tossed around ideas. We decided it was also the perfect time to rename the store, and to start fresh and new. The new store name came together that day, and the design quickly followed. After visiting the store, I was inspired by the beautiful medallions on either side of the store door (image below). We loved the idea of incorporating a similar design in the logo and branding.
The Collective's focus is on "The Gift of Giving," and Sarah's store truly has the perfect gifts for ALL ages. Everything about the Collective and Sarah's style is fabulous—you just walk in and you're immediately in a better mood. Every time I visit, I'm amazed at the new inventory. It just keeps getting better and better...
The Collective is connected to the Holiday Place in the heart of Spring Hill. Definitely a must-see in Mobile and Spring Hill.
Look out for our ad in the upcoming November issue of Access magazine.
Huge thank you to Hannah Stinson Photography for these beautiful images. Hannah's photgraphy studio is located in The Holiday Place as well, and is directly above the Collective. What a great group to work with!
Follow their instagram and Facebook page for more information. New website and much more in the works....
New Branding: Rayford & Associates
Love giving an old logo a new look...
Not only is the team at Rayford & Associates WONDERFUL to work with, but the work that they do is the best around. They are top of the line. We're excited about everything else to come. Here's a description from their website (which will be updated eventually too).
"Rayford & Associates, Inc. are distributors of contract hardware, architectural flush wood doors, hollow metal doors & frames, construction specialties, and residential bath fixtures and accessories. For over 60 years, Rayford & Associates has been serving Mobile, Alabama and the surrounding Gulf Coast Region."
PS...I am way behind on the old blog. I have so many projects going on, that I've neglected this space lately. Maybe some day I will make time to elaborate and share more here. But for now, I'll keep it short and sweet...
New Branding: The Teacher Shop
The Steeple on St. Francis
Sad I missed The Steeple's Open House, but with over 500 people in attendance...I'd say it was a hit! Visit www.thesteeplemobile.com to learn more Mobile's most inspired new space.
paper crush
Happy clients and pretty stationery makes me happy. Love how these turned out.
These pictures don't do it justice...but the letterpress and gold foil is spot on! Love working with Jenna Laine Weddings!
It's NAPPIE Time!
UMS-Wright: "Our Spirit"
"Give to us a noble SPIRIT that we, with our teachers, may go forward to achieve the highest goals in life."
We are so excited to share with you the final video in the UMS-Wright Preparatory School's Mind, Body, Spirit Campaign! What a fun journey this has been. These videos have been my babies for most of the year, so sharing the final one, "Our Spirit," with you today is such an exciting day!
HUGE thanks to Cari Searcy with All Good Creatives, Ally Smith, Julie Otts, Laura Davison, Meridy Jones, and everyone else who participated. And after seeing this amazing school while making these videos, I am especially grateful that our daughter will attend 4K here next year.
Click here to view all videos in the campaign.
New Branding: Courtney & Morris
I just finished the new branding for Courtney & Morris Real Estate. They were undergoing some changes and were ready for a new look. View their current website (with old branding) to see the transformation. New website is in the works...
Here's a sneak peek of the new ad campaign. They are a smaller boutique real estate company, and they wanted this ad to reflect that. Photography by the talented Devin Ford Photography and styling/clothing by East Bay Clothiers.
Much more coming soon...
The MOST Important Work
I've had this print hanging on my office wall and taped to our kitchen fridge for years. It's a favorite of mine and a good reminder whenever we get caught up in the busyness of life. "Children are NOT a distraction from more important work. They are THE MOST important work." -C.S. Lewis #tuesdaytruth
The un-staged, 'imperfect' pictures and moments are usually the HAPPIEST, most fun moments. Here are some random pictures of life here at the Binion household:). I have thousands more. I'm always trying my best to capture this sweet stage of life. "MESSY IS FUN!" Yes, yes Calder it is. Love my little fam more than the entire world!!!
Crackers and snacks help Mack hang in there:)
This is such a CALDER FACE!
my free spirited aritist
I hope and pray that these moments never end....Sorry for so many but I couldn't help it!
UMS-Wright: "Our Body"
Our latest video for the UMS-Wright Preparatory School "Mind, Body, Spirit" campaign launched today! This video focuses on "Our BODY." Stay tuned. Our final video for the school year, "Our Spirit," will be revealed before graduation.
Truly an honor to be a part of this campaign. HUGE thanks to Cari Searcy with All Good Creatives, Ally Smith, Julie Otts, Laura Davison, Meridy Jones, and everyone else who participated. And seeing this amazing school while making these videos, I am especially grateful that our daughter will attend 4K here next year.
To view the other videos we've done throughout this campaign visit this page on my website, or visit the UMS-Wright website. I love their mission statement below:
Our Mission is “For the UMS-Wright Family to educate all students to their highest potential in mind, body, and spirit; and to produce in each student character of the highest possible order.” Our wonderful families, skilled faculty, and loyal alumni are the heart of UMS-Wright and help us to advance our mission each year. We wish for our children to consider us more than a school, but a place to call home."
To view in high-res select HD at the bottom right.
New Branding: Jenna Laine Weddings
We launched the new name and branding for Jenna Laine Weddings this week! Jenna is a wedding coordinator and event designer located in Fairhope. Her office and shop is adorable (just like herself and her team). I was immediately impressed by her passion, organizational skills, and her overall entrepreneurial spirit. You can tell she is good at what she does. Period.
Jenna realizes the importance of investing in her business, and I was honored that she chose me to help rename and rebrand her business. I love the video below, which is another example of the recent marketing investments she has made.
There's always a much bigger story behind every logo and project, and I wish I did a better job of sharing that. I'm so busy these days (which is a huge blessing), but I rarely have time to write much here. I used to write so much more on my old blog (which is lost somewhere in cyberspace which makes me sad and is a whole other story)....but these days, just to add photos of my current work here is an accomplishment in and of itself.
Plus, my words don't make much sense these days. Bare with me on the typos!
Let me preface my encouragement to say "yes" sometimes with this: Believe me, as a business owner with two young children and a hard-working husband, I have learned how to say "No." That was a HUGE, life-changing lesson in my life. I can't be (and don't want to be really) everything to everyone. I'm a people-pleaser by nature and am SO passionate about my work and my family, that it's hard to turn down clients, children's activities (when we already have too much going on!) and other good opportunities in life. But, I know that my family and my sanity come first. I have a waiting list months out and schedule my time accordingly. To Live a Mary Life in a Martha World is my book. I am Martha. I also think of Crazy Love by Francis Chan as I type this. Those books (and life experience!) taught me a lot. That being said, I'm a big believer that less is more sometimes, and it's important to know your own (and your family) limits. However, this time YES was a good choice. Same goes for the intense Bible Study I'm in now. That is important and demands a YES.
This story is unique, so I have to share. It taught me to say "yes" sometimes, even when you want to say "no" or are intimidated by something. So, Jenna emailed me last month to speak at a women's entrepreneur group in Fairhope. The group is small and consists of 15 or so women business owners. They (well, "we" now, since I'm the newest member) get together once a month to discuss the inner workings of our business, lift each other up in support and listen to various speakers who can benefit our businesses and help us to succeed in todays market. To be honest, when Jenna (whom I had never met) asked me to speak about my business and the importance of branding, I was intimidated and wanted to say no. There were a million excuses and reasons why I "couldn't" make it. But, I just said yes and I'm so glad I did.
I don't think my talk was anything special. I prepared my thoughts on the car ride there while taking a phone call (typical), and I'm not a great speaker in the first place. It was super casual and we just sat around a table discussing everything. BUT, I do think we all walked away more knowledgeable, confident and motivated then we came. I met some amazing women, gained a new client, and learned a lot as well. My biggest take-away (other than saying "yes" sometimes) was the importance of COMMUNITY and sharing ideas and experiences with other female business owners. This is true in all areas of life. True with motherhood as well.
Bottom line is: When women support each other, incredible things happen.
This is critical. We are all on the same team! It is only when you focus on other people, that you truly make a difference in life.
Visit their website and Facebook page to learn more. The website will be updated soon, but if you want to compare her new branding vs her old branding, that's a good place to do it. I feel like her new look reflects her personality and business so much better! We'll have new, professional photos soon to show off Jenna and her incredible shop. But for now, my iphone will have to do...
please excuse my laptop power cord:)
Before shot of exterior. We're giving this a HUGE facelift. New news to follow about this entirely.
My photos don't do it justice! They have some adorable paper products and invitation samples too. So much more to follow. Can't wait to see the letterpress, gold foil business cards and stationery soon....
