Branding is something I've thought a lot about in the last year. I'd like to think I'm making some progress from the days of "designing" my own website, printing out my own bookmarks, and changing my blog template on a regular basis.
One of the areas that Penny emphasizes it that of Consistent Marketing Materials.
Thanks to the fantabulous Nathan Clement (graphic designer, author, picture book illustrator) for help in this department!
Here are a few of the items he designed for me.
Nathan and I began with the "center of the universe" as Penny calls it - a website that reflects my style. And since I'm a history writer who tends to wax a wee bit nostalgic, I went for the old fashioned photo album look. I knew I wanted some movement on the home page so Nathan came up with the signature that writes before your eyes.
When we moved on to the bookmark, Nathan incorporated the signature into it as well. I like that!
If you read Blue and its sequel, Comfort, you know that wisteria is a symbol in both novels. I love how, on my website, Nathan included a sprig of it in a blue bottle (also a symbol from the books). He incorporated a stylized version of the wisteria vine on the website and as an overlay on the postcard below.
For Healing Water, Nathan used the same floral overlay technique as on the postcard for Blue and Comfort.With hibiscus, of course!
.jpg)
Of course I also wanted this blog header to connect to the look of my website and other materials. The incredibly savvy photographer, Johnna Brynn offerred to do that in exchange for publicity I gave to one of her projects. Nathan sent her a screen shot of the webdesign and Johnna adapted it. I love what she did with it!
My next project is a bookplate and maybe a brand new business card too. Because after all, I'm still using one that I designed. Penny Sansevieri would not be impressed!
