Studio Sulis

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The Studio Sulis Approach to Branding

An insight into how we build brands for creative professionals.

The Studio Sulis approach is about giving creative professional the tools and guidance they need to build a brand they can continue to grow with over time.

As a studio specialising in branding for Interior Designers, Architects, Garden Designers and Photographers, our role goes beyond creating beautiful logos and polished websites. We help our clients build brands that not only look stunning, but also communicate their unique expertise, attract their ideal clients and position them as leaders in their field.

In this article, we walk you through our design process. From the initial concept to the final execution, as well as how our approach is specifically tailored to creative businesses.

Why invest in branding?

Creative professionals face a unique set of challenges that often lead them to invest in branding. Many of our clients come to us because:

1) They’re attracting the wrong clients.

Their current brand doesn’t reflect their expertise or values, leading them to draw in clients who aren’t aligned with their vision or style.

2) They’re not standing out in a competitive market.

The creative field is highly competitive. Whether they’re Interior Designers, Architects, or Photographers, many struggle to differentiate themselves from others in their space.

3) Their visual identity is inconsistent or unprofessional.

A disjointed and outdated visual identity with mismatched logos, inconsistent fonts, or a cluttered website can send the wrong message and turn potential clients away.

4) They feel their brand doesn’t represent who they are anymore.

Creative professionals evolve, but their branding sometimes gets left behind becoming irrelevant. There brand becomes no longer as effective due to not reflecting their style, values, or the audience they’re trying to attract.

A well-crafted brand can solve these issues by creating a clear, cohesive identity that tells the world exactly who you are and what you stand for.

Step 1: The BrandLite package

Where it all begins

The process of building a brand can feel overwhelming for many creative professionals, especially those who are just starting or aren’t sure where to begin. That’s why we developed our introductory BrandLite Package. This allows our clients to learn about the branding process, what they need in terms of branding and how we work without any pressure or commitment.

The BrandLite Package includes:

A Brand Questionnaire

This helps us get a feel for your business, vision, as well as the challenges you’re facing. It’s the foundation for everything we do next.

1:1 Session

We’ll then have an in-depth discussion about your brand’s goals, ideal clients and design preferences. This is where we uncover the story behind the brand.

Brand Report

We will then send a document which will include an overview of everything we’ve discussed, two initial concepts with mood boards and mockups, as well as opportunities for growing your brand, a quote and payment plan options based on your budget and timeline.

The BrandLite Package gives you an idea of what you need to take your brand to the next level, whether it’s a complete overhaul or targeted improvements. It’s ideal for creative professionals at any stage—whether you’re launching a new business or have been going for a few years but feel your brand needs a refresh.

Step 2: The branding process

Once we’ve gone through the BrandLite Package, it’s time to put together a detailed plan. Whether you’re an Interior Designer, Architect, Garden Designer, or Photographer, our approach is tailored to your individual goals, target client and creative style.

Here’s an overview of what our design process look like:

1) Brand Strategy

We start by defining your mission, vision, values and target audience. This means identifying what makes your work unique.

For instance, an Interior Designer might have a bold decorative style, while a Garden Designer may want to be known for sustainability. Understanding these differentiators helps guide the rest of the branding process.

2) Visual Identity

This is where we bring the strategy to life through design. We create a logo suite, select fonts and develop a colour palette that reflects your brand personality.

For example, Architects often need a clean, minimal aesthetic, while Photographers may prefer something more artistic and expressive. Consistency is key to ensuring that the brand is immediately recognisable across all touchpoints.

3) Website Design

A well-designed website is crucial for creative professionals. We offer both custom website design and more affordable website templates, depending on your budget.

A Photographer might need a portfolio-heavy site to showcase their projects, while an Interior Designer could benefit from case studies and a blog to share their process. Every website is tailored to highlight your work so it’s easy for potential clients to explore your services.

4) Printed Stationery and Social Media Assets

We help create business cards, brochures and stationery that align with your visual identity. Additionally, we develop social media templates and assets to ensure that your online presence is as cohesive as your offline materials.

How we tailor our approach to fit different needs

We understand that not all creative professionals have the same budget, timeline, or goals, but we do believe that everyone should have access to quality branding, regardless of their financial constraints. That’s why we offer a range of packages to fit different needs:

Fixed-price packages

For businesses with smaller budgets, we offer fixed-price packages that provide essential branding elements at an affordable cost. This is ideal for startups or individuals who need to get up and running quickly without compromising on quality.

Website templates

For those who don’t need a fully custom website, we offer beautifully designed website templates. These are a more budget-friendly option but can still be customised to reflect your unique brand.

Bespoke packages

For those who are looking for a customised package and timeline, we offer full-service branding packages. This includes everything from brand strategy and visual identity to printed materials and social media assets.

Final Note

Branding is a powerful tool for creative professionals. It helps you attract the right clients, stand out in a competitive industry and elevate your business to new heights.

Our process is designed to be tailored to each client’s specific goals. This includes after working together. Once we’ve completed the design process and the brand is ready to launch, we don’t just hand over the files and say goodbye.

During the design process we ensure that you understand how to implement and maintain brand consistency across all platforms. We also provide ongoing support, whether you need additional printed stationery, updates to your website, or help managing your brand.

If you’re ready to take the first step, the BrandLite Package is the perfect place to start. No pressure, just a clear pathway to building the brand your business deserves.