Instead of getting caught up in the visual aesthetics of your brand, let’s flip the script. Put aside thinking about how you want your brand to look for just a second, and think about how you want your potential clients to feel when they see it. It’s time to embrace your true colors and let your personality shine through in your brand. Here’s why it matters:

Imagine this: your potential clients land on your website or come across your business on social media. What if, in that very moment, they felt an instant connection, excitement, or a sense of familiarity with you? That’s the magic of branding with emotions in mind. Instead of obsessing over colors, fonts, and logos, let’s shift our focus to how you want your audience to feel when they see your brand. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

The Power of Emotions in Branding

Before we dive into the ‘how,’ let’s talk about the ‘why.’ Why should you care about evoking emotions through your brand? Well, let’s be real, emotions are the secret to a brand that is memorable and relatable. Think about it; when someone feels a strong emotion in response to your brand, they’re more likely to remember you and, most importantly, to connect with you on a deeper level.

How many times have you heard the quote, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” from Maya Angelou? It’s the same concept when it comes to your brand.

Over the years, my clients have shared stories of their own clients saying that their websites made them feel excited and like they already knew them before even speaking to them. Now, isn’t that the kind of connection we all crave in our businesses? Emotions create that bridge between you and your potential clients, making them feel like they’re not just hiring a service provider, but creating a friendship.

Identifying Desired Emotions

So, how do you make this magic happen? Start by asking yourself: “How do I want my potential clients to feel when they see my brand?” This question is the root of your brand strategy. During my brand strategy sessions, we dive into exercises that help my clients identify these emotions.

Consider this an invitation to embark on your own journey of emotional branding. Take some time to reflect on how you want your brand to resonate with your audience. Do you want them to feel excited, inspired, confident, or maybe relaxed and at ease? These emotions will serve as the starting point for your brand’s design and messaging.

Translating Emotions into Design

Once you’ve identified the emotions you want to evoke, it’s time to translate them into design elements. Your color palette, typography, imagery, and even the tone of your copy should all work together to create the desired emotional experience.

For example, if you want your audience to feel excited when they encounter your brand, vibrant colors, bold typography, and energetic imagery can convey that enthusiasm. On the other hand, if you aim for a sense of calm and trust, softer colors, elegant fonts, and serene imagery can help you achieve that.

Remember, consistency is key. Your website, social media profiles, and marketing materials should all align to consistently bring up these emotions, creating a cohesive and memorable experience for potential clients.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

As with any creative endeavor, there are common pitfalls to avoid when crafting an emotional brand. One of the most significant challenges is trying to mimic someone else’s brand because it seems successful. Your brand should reflect your unique personality and values. Who you are is magnetic, and your potential clients want to know you and your story.

Another mistake is overloading your design with too many emotions. While it’s great to bring out multiple feelings, too many can create confusion. Focus on a few key feelings that align with your brand and message, and let them shine.

In the world of a career as intimate as photography, an emotional connection with your clients can make all the difference. The truth is, by embracing your unique personality and weaving it into your brand, you’ll naturally attract the clients you enjoy working with the most. You don’t have to force a niche; it will evolve organically while you’re embracing yourself.

Ultimately, embracing your personality in your brand isn’t just about attracting the right clients; it’s also about loving what you do even more. When you’re true to yourself, every session becomes an opportunity to express yourself through your art. It transforms work into passion, and passion into a lifelong love affair with your craft.