branding

The Color Green

I have always loved the color green but rarely incorporate it into my everyday life. Each year when St. Patrick’s Day roles around I remember just how little green I own.

In brand design, it is important to consider the meaning of the colors you use in your logo and branding elements. Green represents nature, growth, money, fertility and safety. Often companies in the health care industry incorporate green into their logos because it is a relaxing color.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to selecting which shades of green you will use. From yellow-green to dark green the meaning of the color can vary.

Because green is made up of a combination of blue and yellow it embodies characteristics of each. From the color yellow, green draws mental clarity and optimism while from blue, green receives emotional tranquility and insight.

Psychology of the Color Green

Green is an emotionally positive color. Evoking a sense of restfulness, healing, stability and endurance. Green causes observers to feel a sense of balance and stability.

Green in Design

Because of the calming effect green can have you will find varying shades of green incorporated throughout design. In graphic design, often in logos and marketing items for the healthcare industry. In interior design, various textiles and accent items in green are a frequent staple.

KateOGroup utilizes green in branding design and web design often. Here are a few examples:

Front and Back of Lindsey Edison Business Cards

The logo and collateral for Lindsey Edison Branding includes a few shades of green.

The website for Mosquito Steve also includes a few shades of green throughout the design.

Visit KateOGroup on Pinterest and see our board titled Greens. This board is full of inspiration that is nothing but Green. All of the images in the first image are on the Greens Pinterest Board.

Are you a fan of green?

Moodboard Monday: Dreamy Sophistication

Moodboards play such an important when I begin a design project.  Whether it’s a logo or a website, this is where I like to start.  The Moodboards I’m sharing today have dreamy sophistication.

I love this Nantucket inspired color pallet.  These weathered wood textures add so much character.

nantucket-moodboard-dreamy-sophistication

This moodboard was so much fun to create. It was designed for a project for a new business in the flooring industry. All of the patterns and textures…I just love the endless possibilities they represent.  As different as the moodboard below is from the one above, to me it also represents dreamy sophistication.

mood-board

 

Every time I start a new moodboard, the first place I go is to Pinterest.  I start gathering images and bringing them into Illustrator.  As I put them side by side I can see if they really create the story I’m trying to create for my customer.  Do they evoke the look and feel the brand represents?  I typically have a color pallet in mind when I start a project but it evolves as the moodboard comes together.

Instagram for your Brand

Instagram for your Brand

I am constantly striving to up my Instagram game but am by no means an Instagram expert. With that said, I’ve found some pretty basic concepts to help you Instagram for your brand.  These 8 tips have consistently helped my account grow and work for me, and I wanted to share them.  I am not promising over night success but you’ll be able to Instagram for your brand with more purpose if you implement these.

Here’s a look at my Instagram profile and feed.  Click on the image to visit my profile and be sure to follow KateOGroup!

KateOGroup Instagram Feed

1. Post Consistently
You need to post everyday. If you aren’t putting your company in front of potential customers and fans, then who is?

2. Use Similar Lighting
Whether you’re going for light or bright, be consistent. Be sure to take a look at not just your individual posts but on your entire feed. Do your photos compliment each other? Or does your feed look chaotic? For some of you using bright colors in each photo is your way of being consistent.

3. Do Unto Others as You Would Like Done to You
Like and comment on other people’s posts, this is how you’ll build a a community. Plus if you aren’t liking and commenting on posts why would people do that to your posts?

4. Think Before You Post
Be mindful about your posts. Make sure they are sending a message that explains and introduces people to your brand.

5. Mix in a Little Personality
Even though this is your business account, be sure to show your face every once in awhile and even glimpses into your life or behind the scenes. This helps people get to you know you.

6. Use all 30 Hashtags
I know it sounds extreme but it’s worth it. Experiment a little and figure out which ones work best for you. A little trick I got from my sister, keep your hashtags in a note and copy and paste them on your photos. Be sure and add the hashtags ASAP after you post your image. I like to copy them before I actually post my image so then I can immediately paste them into a comment. If you wait too long to add hashtags you lose the added benefit of posting them. Below is an example of how I post my hashtags.

KateOGroup-Hashtags

7. Study Other People’s Feeds
Look through the feeds you find yourself drawn to and really think about why and then figure out how to apply it to your own feed.  These are 3 feeds I absolutely love! (Click on the image and visit their feeds in person and don’t forget to show them some love!)

[one-third-first]Stephanie-Gilbert-Instagram-Feed[/one-third-first][one-third]Whitv-Instagram-Feed[/one-third][one-third]Emily-Wells-Instagram-Feed[/one-third]

Can you tell I’m a fan of muted colors and lots of white?

8. Join a Challenge
Look around and see if there are any challenges starting or already underway that work with your brand. This will be a great way to gain exposure and connect with new people.

Have you tried any of these tips? Do you find them successful as you Instagram for your brand? Let me know what works best for you in the comments below.

Moodboard Monday: Homey

Whenever I’m brainstorming a new project, I like to start with a moodboard.  It really helps me to establish the direction and message for the upcoming design.  I haven’t meet with my clients yet, so I’m not sure this moodboard will be what I use going forward but still thought I’d share it incase it provide inspiration for someone else!

Homey_Moodboard

Through this moodboard I wanted to establish a “homey” feel with the opportunity for personal touches throughout the design.  This is the first step in a rebranding and website design.

Want to see even more sneak peeks of the projects I’m working on?

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