Three Tips for The Ideas Stage and Getting Started

So you want to start a brand but you need to get your ideas out of your head and onto paper!  Here are 3  tips to help you focus. Grab a pen and paper and ask yourself the following questions:

1. Brand Values

What are your values for your brand?  Your customer needs to know what you stand for.

Your core values/beliefs are what make up your USP (unique selling point) 

A core belief tells the story. This is your ‘why’ behind your brand. People don’t buy what you do they buy why you do it.  This will always be the core of your brand and something you have to.

2. Visual Identity/Product Area

What is your product area? What do you want to make? Having a clear outline of the type of product you want will you help you sketch out ideas.  Research products, look at your own wardrobe,  look online at brands you aspire to, look at magazines, visit your favourite shops, take pictures, magazine tears, look at Pinterest, look at vintage shops, you will soon start to see and build your image. Start building a mood board with all the information you collect  to get an idea of the kind of design you want to do. This should help you finalise the product you want to make.

3. Brand Name

Your brand name is the most visible and memorable part of your brand.  After people experience your brand, they attach their feelings to your brand name each time they see or hear it.  The following can be useful to help you come up with ideas, the big question is ‘does it resonate with people?’

Visual: You can translate/communicate it through design, including icons, logos, colours, etc.

Meaningful: It communicates your brand essence, conjures an image, and makes a positive emotional connection.

Be clear and descriptive - People can easily interpret it, say it, spell it, or Google it. (Even if you have an unusual name, it must be understandable.)

Distinctive: It is unique, memorable, and stands out from your competitors.