Funny that while working on a series about finding your style, Etsy is running a campaign called ‘Difference Makes Us‘. So I thought I would tie my next post in with this series. (Also sorry I have been a slack blogger, never ending sickness, injury, tantrums etc abounding in this household of late).
When I work with clients to create a design for them, like a logo, website or other business material, I usually start the process with series of questions about them/their business to better know who they are and how to show that in the design I create. Technically Graphic Design is ‘Communication Design’ as you are designing something that either communicates a message or communicates to their audience who they are visually. It is far more than just making things look nice, its a form of visual communication, showcasing who we are or what our business is, with the use of graphics, colours and typography, so that when you see it, you instantly get an idea of who they are without it needing to be explained to you. In this fast technology world, we often only have a short time to capture someone’s interest enough to make them stay or find out more, and not just click away. Therefore efficient visual communication is so important if you want to draw in the right audience.
So this is why ‘finding your style’ and who you are, and what sets you apart and makes you different is important. Because once you know, you can more efficiently communicate it and draw like minded people to you. This could be for your blog, instagram account, your business or community group. It also makes all visual decisions easier, as you are not just swayed by trends, or someone else’s cool style but can always stay true to you and keep a consistent image.
So , while my list to clients is much more simpler than this, I wanted to delve deeper and write an ultimate list. Some things you may not think relevant, but they all piece together who you are and you may want to discard part you don’t think important to your current image or your business and highlight bits you think most important. The main thing is these questions will get you thinking and may spark ideas. I will answer them too (just briefly, but you can delve deeper if it helps) and I have included some cool relevant Etsy finds.
Identity Questions
Where you are from, places you have been (significant travel or lived)?
NSW Australia. (Campbelltown, Sydney and Central West).
History and Eras you love (or if you like modern or futuristic)
1940-70s style and a touch of Art Deco of the 20s. Love the simpler style of war time. Our wedding was art deco influenced, a style my husband and I both love in architecture.
Places you love or have special significance to you
Sydney where I was born and met my husband, the inner west where I studied and lived and got married, and Orange where both my boys were born. I love the urban grunge and art scene of the city and the nature and rural beauty of the country.
School in outer Sydney Suburbs co-ed public primary and private secondary. Studied Fashion and Textiles and then Graphic Communication Design. Never went to uni, but a private collage and Tafe. Love hands on learning and independent self paced learning, that inspires you to discover and learn.
At the moment I love neutral like cream, black, white as well as browns deep blues, navy, mustard and deep green and red. Less into Orange, too much pink/purple or fluro colours.
Vintage cameras, paper ephemera, stamps, other vintage items and trinkets, vintage homewares, wooden spoons, inspirational images and paper, magazines, cookbooks, non fiction books, hats.
Things that are important to you, you advocate or feel strongly about e.g health, children, world peace, equality
Healthy living holistically and the mental wellbeing of children and their education. Also living a little more mindfully and consciously and trying to make small changes that better our health, the environment, individuals and economy.
Who inspires you (personally, proffessionally and style wise)
Timba Smits, Ellie Beck, Joy Cho, Sarah Wilson, Luisa Brimble, Sophie Asher, Mr and Mrs Charlie, Kristen Mittler, Sarah Glover, Pia Jane Bijerk, Kareena Zerefos, Kelli Murray .. probably many more but these are a few main ones.
