How to Find More White Space

I know I talk a lot about what to include in your branding. Your strategy. Your hierarchy. More of “you". Your logo. Your fonts. Your colors.

But have you thought about what NOT to include? Because what’s NOT in your brand is as important as what IS in it.

White space (also called "negative space") is the blank space between all the other elements. It allows the important areas to "pop,” helps determine hierarchy, and gives your eye a quiet place to rest.

And if you think it’s important for your brand, it can absolutely transform your life.

branding inspirationMichelle ClaytonDecember 15, 2017

4 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Hiring A Brand Designer

You’ve spent the past few months scrolling Pinterest, pinning drool-worthy brand boards that grab your attention and, let’s be honest, make you a little jealous. You know you need to make your brand look more professional and use colors and fonts that reflect who you are, but how exactly do you do that?

You’re thinking about working with a brand designer—someone who creates visual brands all day every day. Well, except for quick trips to refill her oversized coffee mug. (Decaf, please!) Before you work with one, there’s some important homework to do.

Stop scrolling Pinterest, and answer these four questions first.

branding inspiration, brand strategyMichelle ClaytonNovember 3, 2017

Brand Design for indieGlo

I don’t want to make you jealous, but I really have the best job ever. Actually I have the best clients which make this the best job. Ever.

I have women who share their dreams, goals, and mission with me and then trust me to translate them into authentic, attractive, meaningful brands. They are honest, brave, talented, and do so much good in the world that it’s my crazy pleasure to work with each and every one of them.

But I haven’t been very good about sharing that work with the rest of you. I’m a pretty private person, so to show off finished projects feels a little like, well, showing off. But it’s not about me. It’s about them. So if you’ve wondered what the “behind the scenes” looks like in the branding process, or if it all just sounds like artsy fartsy mumbo jumbo, then hop on in and take a look. This one’s a beauty, both the branding and the owner!

branding & identity, behind the scenesMichelle ClaytonOctober 20, 2017

Why You Need to Simplify

When I say the word “simple,” what comes to mind?

Do you think of minimalism or black and white? Or those cute capsule wardrobes? Or maybe you equate “simple" with “easy."

What if I told you that, at its core, simplicity is none of those things? Those may be the result of simplicity, but they are not the starting point.

If you’d like to understand what simplicity is and how to achieve it in your brand (& your life), then keep reading.

branding inspirationMichelle ClaytonOctober 6, 2017

How Fear Shows Up in Your Visual Branding

As an entrepreneur or small business owner, I dare say you're no stranger to fear. Sometimes those fears weigh you down for a time, sometimes they propel you forward, and sometimes they just are — like an uninvited guest that you're aware of but try not to pay too much attention to.

But sometimes that fear wiggles its way right into your branding. What should be fun and creative and colorful causes a mild sense of panic.

Don’t believe me? Keep reading and I’ll show you how it shows up and what you can do about it!

branding inspirationMichelle ClaytonAugust 17, 2017

Don't Make This Mistake With Your Brand (or Your Life)

I see you doing so many great things with your branding!

You’re doing the hard work of putting yourself out there to reach new clients. You’re actively engaging on social media. You’ve got a gorgeous color palette. You’ve chosen fonts that are classy and easy to read.

But all of this will still leave your audience confused if you’re missing this overarching, important piece. And it’s so easy to fix.

Believe it or not, this same missing piece may be causing confusion and frustration in your personal life too.

branding inspirationMichelle ClaytonJuly 20, 2017

Save Time with an Online Scheduler like Acuity [Video Tutorial]

Do you ever find yourself so excited to get a new client inquiry, only to be quickly frustrated by all the back-and-forth emails trying to set up that important first meeting? Believe me, I’ve been there. If you’re fed up with trying to find a time that works for both of you, or you wish there was an easier way to accept payments, send your client a questionnaire, or even let her cancel and rebook her appointment, then I have a great solution for you.

productivity, tutorialMichelle ClaytonJuly 6, 2017

The Best Thing You Can Do for Your Brand & Your Life

Since we’re almost at the halfway point of 2017 (can you even believe it?), this is a great time to refocus. Maybe you’ve drifted from your January goals, and you’re beating yourself up for being off course. Maybe you thought you’d be further ahead than you are, either in your business or personally. Now’s the perfect time to pause and reevaluate. There’s nothing magical about January 1, so if this first 6 months has left you discouraged or just a little “meh", let's course correct, ok?

branding inspiration, brand strategyMichelle ClaytonJune 22, 2017

How Crowdsourcing is Sabotaging Your Brand

I see it all the time. Well-meaning business owners asking for the opinions of the masses on their logo, brand colors, website, or some other part of their visual branding. It happens in many places, but especially in Facebook groups. I want to share with you why this is the very worst way to get valuable feedback on these critical components of your business and what you should be doing instead.

branding inspirationMichelle ClaytonApril 6, 2017