If you are reading this, then my new website must have launched – so big yay!

It’s been a while since I’ve written a post because I have been working on a complete overhaul of my look with new branding, and an entirely new website.

Let me start off by telling you why I needed a refresh. Well, just like how fashion or a haircut can define a style icon, your logo and brand should be your business’ identifiers. These pieces should immediately tell the viewer a few things about the business. Is it playful, or conservative? Hip and happening? Mature and here to stay? All should be subtly answered by branding.

So I asked myself what my brand is about and what values do I want to convey. When I compared my answers to my old website, I realized I was not getting the right message across. To be fair, it was my start-up website and I’ve learned a few things since then. I have grown as a designer and so has my aesthetic. But my brand needed to evolve with me. My website needed to better speak to my values and better showcase my new projects.

This meant, just like interior spaces, I needed to curate my inspiration and showcase my examples. Much like in the case of your home, where I love to showcase an aesthetic that captures your personality, my brand in the online space needed to represent me.

It was really interesting for me to be on the other side of a conversation I am usually the one leading. When I meet a new client, I ask questions like:

  • What are your needs, longings and goals for this space?
  • How will the space be used?
  • How do you want it to feel?
  • How do you want people in this space to feel?

For me to sit on the other side of that conversation was a real treat! And those utility and feel questions I could answer, but when it came to collecting a singular set of inspirations I really found a challenge.

The plight of a designer is that around every corner there is another showroom filled with all kinds of gorgeous. Each time I think I have found the one look I will never tire of, another season rolls around with fresh new looks that have captured all of my attention.  I wanted a look that would hold my attention without being overbearing. This task isn’t very different than designing for your home.

For my website, the beauty and change will come from the photos I showcase. In your case, the beauty comes from the things you love. Artwork, a family heirloom, or a great piece you found on vacation are the treasures that can inspire your décor. My website and brand needed to be distinctive and, well, pretty, but showcase all the beautiful project photos I’ve been fortunate to work on.

Much as I would love to be the graphic designer for this assignment, I know when to step aside and call in a pro. Someone who could stand back, and at a distance, distill all the inspiration I sent her and build a cohesive look. And guess what? She did a stellar job!

Collaboration is key when you’re working in a new space. For me, my new space was online. For you, it could be your new home, your new office or maybe a space you’ve had for years that needs revitalizing!

Here’s a sneak peek at the branding board we developed. There were some tough choices to be made (trust me). But now, I’m like a kid with a brand new set of pencil crayons ready to play with all these new colours, fonts, and patterns.judithtaylor-brandboard-final-700x726

Welcome to my new site. I hope you enjoy every visit!

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