Let’s talk about feedback.

So we’re working together (yay!) on your bright and shiny new brand and we’re about to start the proofing process. This is truly a collaboration and my absolute favorite part of working one-on-one with you. I wrote these tips for a smooth-sailing proofing process and hope they help you on this branding journey we’re on. Read on!

first things first.

This is the time that you put DOWN the Pinterest, Instagram and any other platforms you use to lust over other people’s branding. It’s time to focus on you. If you don’t do that anyway, skip the next paragraph. If you’re going to find it hard to stay off of them, stay with me here. 

There are millions of places to look and companies that do it so well, each in a unique way. The problem is, they’re not the same as you. You don’t have the same goals, objectives, style, personality, or customers as that brand. We’re going to be digging  in to what you’re building. Not what other people have already built. So let’s clear away the clutter and get laser-focused on your business. You’re paying me to do this for you. If you’re a chronic DIY-er, I give you permission to take a few weeks off. This is so important I literally wrote an entire blog on it. You can find that here if you’re still not convinced.

The right kind of feedback is valuable.

I want to know how you feel about everything and make any tweaks needed to get you to the point where you want to put it on every piece of swag imaginable. That being said, there are productive and unproductive types of feedback. Trust me when I tell you that I will run through every option imaginable to find the right thing for you but it may not be what you expect. Focus on feelings and vibes instead of specifics. Focus on the larger problem instead of the exact solution. 

For example, if you get your proof and say “no changes on the palette but can we incorporate the color green here?”, you may not be thinking about how green will play with the other colors already in your palette. It may not play nice at all. But if you looked at the same proof and told me “it’s a little too glamorous, I want it to be earthier”, I can use my knowledge of color theory to make the palette adjustments necessary to get you to that place.

Remember your goals.

The strategy piece will guide you through all edits and proofs. If something about the strategy isn’t on point, let’s adjust. If the design doesn’t support the strategy, let me know why. Keeping everything grounded in your goals, strategy, and objectives means that we have a measuring stick and aren’t just guessing.

Be mindful of who you ask for advice and discerning of which of that advice you take.

I know that your friends, parents, aunts, uncles, and mentors want the best for you. I also would never tell you not to have a second (or third) set of eyes on everything. But keep in mind their role when you ask them for their take. For example, if most of your clients are 30-something males and you’re asking your 75-year-old mother, the feedback is likely to be skewed to her taste instead of your target market’s. People always have opinions and while they are entitled to them, keep in mind their demographic, involvement, and level of expertise when they give it to you. Make sure that if you’re taking their feedback to heart, you agree with it, too.

Finally, trust me.

I only work with people who’s companies I can get excited about. It lights me UP to learn all about the awesome people who are making big waves in the world. I guarantee you that the second you booked with me, I went straight to my husband and talked his face off about this cool new client I got. I do it every single time. Our goals are the same. I wouldn’t lead you down a path I didn’t believe was a good one.