I’m thrilled to step down from blog-authoring this week to let Renee Swigert, owner of Ribbons of Red, take the stage!  She’s an absolutely phenomenal graphic designer/brand strategist/web developer/artist based in Ohio.  I let her choose the topic, and she penned a brilliant post about the importance of custom graphic design in your market.

–

Did you know there are over 155,000 professional photographers in the United States? More than half of those photographers are self-employed too! The number of professional photographers is expected to grow 12% by 2018, making the photography industry one of the fastest growing (and desired) occupations in the United States!

With new photography businesses coming to life everyday, it’s more important than ever to ensure your business stands out from the competition. While talent is important for any successful photographer, having a unique brand will allow you to connect on a deeper, more emotional level with your potential and current clients. So, what exactly is a brand? Simply put, a brand is you! It’s your story and your passion professionally designed into a custom logo, website, blog, and marketing materials.

As you probably know, template websites and do-it-yourself-logos are very popular in the photography industry because they are so inexpensive and quick make. However, when you and your competitors have a similar website or text logo—what makes you stand out to a bride or mom-to-be? Your photography alone isn’t enough to make you stand out, especially when your competitors are talented too!

Along with selling your talent (your photography), make sure you are also selling an image or lifestyle too (your brand)!

You want your clients to feel like they not only snagged the most talented photographer but also the one who they feel most connected to. Custom design can achieve this exact feeling.

For instance, think of how wonderful you felt when you purchased a Shootsac or Kelly Moore Bag. I bet it made you feel fashionable, excited, inspired, and maybe even cool too! These are emotions you should be evoking through your clients as well. Whether you realize it or not, you feel these emotions because the Shootsac and Kelly Moore Bag brands are professional, unique, and creative. You are buying a lifestyle as well as a product, and custom design created that connection!

Every photographer has a different market they are trying to reach, and each market can be as unique as your business. Do you shoot newborns, children, and families? Do you only shoot weddings? Are you a pet or nature photographer? Think about the market you are trying to reach for a moment. Does your brand have the proper colors to attract that market? Does the font within your logo capture that high-end clientele you are after?

Overall, custom design captures the essence of your business, makes you stand out, and helps attract and capture your ideal clientele. And although custom design is an investment, if you are looking to gain clients and increase your sales, it is definitely a must either now or in the future!

If you would like to know more about creating a custom brand or design, feel free to send your questions to hello@ribbonsofred.com and I can help! You can also check out these photographers to see great custom brand examples: Pobke Photography, He & She Photography, Michelle Moore Photography, and Flory Photo.