Brand Identity Client Interview: A Chat with Stephanie Aykroyd
Are you a creative entrepreneur who wants to create a strong brand identity? I recently interviewed one of my past clients to see how she has been doing after completing her brand in 2022. You won't want to miss the end of the interview, where she shares valuable advice for creatives in the same stage.
A little over two years ago, Stephanie Aykroyd, a fine artist from Ontario, Canada, reached out about brand identity design. At the same time, I was working through a mentorship with Fiona Humberstone, The Brand Stylist. Stephanie and I connected over our shared appreciation for Fiona's approach and sophisticated aesthetics.
Recently, I caught up with Stephanie to see how having a brand identity has helped her business. In this interview, Stephanie shares her experience and gives valuable advice to creative entrepreneurs who are looking to build a strong brand identity.
The Interview
Laura: Can you share a little bit about your business? What lights you up about it?
Stephanie: I am an artist and work primarily in oil paints. I have been experimenting with acrylics, but I have a special love for oils. I am also curious about the process of foraging for pigments, and I use them occasionally in my work. I love looking for inspiration outside. I take a lot of photos to determine what it is that I want to paint. Once I begin, I can get lost in the painting, and that lights me up.
It also lights me up to see when people connect with my work and send me comments through social media, my newsletter, or in a guest book at art shows.
Laura: When you reached out for help with your brand, what plans were you working on?
Stephanie: In 2021, I was working on showing up more on social media and putting together a cohesive and professional website. I was appearing in more shows and wanted to shift my art practice from hobbyist to more of an emerging artist.
Laura: How has your cohesive look helped you day-to-day?
Stephanie: My brand has helped all communications have a cohesive, professional, and recognizable look. On a personal level–it’s something I no longer have to think about. I know that I love it and that it feels good. When I put my newsletter together or share posts online, it feels right.
I know which brand colors are mine and that they reflect my artwork and also reflect me. I put my newsletter together with consistency, and I still have energy for other creative things. It’s so lovely not to struggle with it every day.
Laura: Is there anything you could share with other artists, like you, who are ready to take their art seriously and put themselves out there more?
Stephanie: It sounds a bit cliche, because I think we hear it a lot, but keep doing the art. There are many tasks to manage such as social media, website, newsletters, creating artwork, and selling artwork, but carving out time to do art is key. Don’t hesitate to learn from others and take classes, and reach out for help with some of the many hats… it’s hard to be good at it all.
I love doing and trying new things and that helps my art grow. Sometimes, I want to do it all because it lights me up and is very exciting. But I also need time to be still, or wander and reflect. In downtime, I get to see what inspires me or, or while sitting and relaxing notice what thoughts come through.
This is a tricky question because everyone’s experience is so individual. Last year, I created artwork for a lot of shows and this year I want to step back a bit from deadlines and take time to work on my craft, explore and experiment.
Stephanie and I created some stunning icons that represent different aspects of her business. Working with another creative founder was a dream come true, and I still consider this brand identity as one of my favorites. Take a peek below.
Stephanie, thank you for sharing your experiences as an artist and business owner. Your work is breathtaking. I look forward to following your journey in the years to come.
Visit StephanieAykroyd.com
Is your business ready to make a lasting impression with a cohesive brand identity? With a consistent and recognizable brand, you can establish trust with your audience and stand out in a crowded market. Get started on creating a powerful brand identity today.
