Building your Brand

Today on the podcast, I'm chatting with Ange Lyons, a brand and marketing graphic designer with 12 years of freelancing experience. I've follow Ange for years and recently met her at a networking event so I knew it was the perfect topic to talk to her about.  Ange is known for her excellent networking skills and community involvement and in this episode, she shares really insightful tips on authentic networking, the benefits of being part of communities, and advice on overcoming the common dread associated with networking.  We discuss in-person versus online networking, budgeting for networking, and the impact of networking on business growth and personal confidence. Ange also highlights some of her favourite (and least favourite!) networking experiences. Episode highlights:  04:20 The Reality of Networking Events 07:48 The Benefits of Networking for Business Growth 12:17 In-Person vs. Online Networking 21:58 Maximizing Networking Benefits Thanks to Studio Cotton for sponsoring this episode. Don't forget to check out Ange online and follow her on Instagram! If you'd like to have a chat come find me on Instagram. Can't wait to connect with you. This episode was written and produced by me and edited by Lucy Lucraft. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!   

Have you ever wondered who does the design work for the fictional worlds that we see in films or TV programs? You know, the old fashioned letters, or a historical telegram, or maybe a brand for a business, or packaging for products. Today on the podcast it is such a treat for me to chat to Annie Atkins. Annie is a designer and prop maker for film and television, and she is particularly known for her work on various Wes Anderson films, including the Grand Budapest Hotel. We chat about how Annie struggled creating brands when she worked for an advertising agency, but how she got good at it when designing fictional brands for film. We talk about how she has diversified her income, the things that went wrong in her work, and the Reddit threads dedicated to that, and also how Annie Annie had planned to give up her career in graphic design, but then almost accidentally stumbled across this area of design that she loves. I had so much fun chatting to Annie, and I think you're really going to enjoy this episode, but I would love to hear what you think, so come and find me on Instagram, I'm always there at @LizMMosley, or I recently have started an Instagram for the podcast, which is @buildingyourbrandpodcast. So come and let me know on either of those, what you thought of the episode, and I hope you enjoy it. Episode highlights: 02:50 Annie's Journey into Film Design 07:54 Challenges and Learning in Design 10:11 The Impact of AI on Design 19:17 Creating Fictional Brands for Film 23:56 Embracing Familiarity Over Originality in Film 25:13 Dealing with Criticism and Mistakes Thanks to Studio Cotton for sponsoring this episode. Don't forget to check out Annie online and follow her on Instagram! If you'd like to have a chat come find me on Instagram. Can't wait to connect with you. This episode was written and produced by me and edited by Lucy Lucraft. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

I've talked before about creativity and the importance of experimenting in your business, and it's something I've prioritised in my own work. So today's episode with illustrator and creative explorer Ben Tallon is a real treat as we dive into the multifaceted nature of creativity. We explore how creativity isn't limited to traditional artistic endeavors and Ben shares his journey of 16 years as a freelance illustrator and his passion for creativity in various forms, from setting up music companies to podcasting. We also talked about the importance of creativity in daily activities, how adversity can spur creative growth, and the potential impact of AI on the creative industry. If you want practical tips on how to nurture your creative spirit in everyday life, you'll love this episode. Episode highlights:  04:05 Defining Creativity Beyond Artistry 06:21 The Role of Creativity in Problem Solving  21:21 Reconnecting with Childlike Imagination  29:32 Balancing Work and Play  Thanks to Studio Cotton for sponsoring this episode. Don't forget to check out Ben online and follow him on Instagram! If you'd like to have a chat come find me on Instagram. Can't wait to connect with you. This episode was written and produced by me and edited by Lucy Lucraft. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!   

In this episode of the podcast, I'm joined by Laura Jane Barnes, a creative business strategist with a passion for Instagram. Laura shares her journey from a fine art portraiture artist to corporate and eventually to her current role where she helps businesses grow sustainably on Instagram. We chat about her viral song, 'It costs that much 'cos it takes me f@@king hours!' and creating engaging content. Laura shared her tips for revitalizing your love for creating content, the importance of foundational marketing skills, and how to stand out in a saturated market. We also explore her experiment with a secret business to prove that it's possible to grow from scratch without leveraging an existing audience.  This chat is packed with inspiration and practical advice for all you small business owner's looking to fall back in love with Instagram! Episode highlights:  09:42 Adapting to Social Media Changes 12:46 Engagement and Content Creation Strategies 25:52 Mastering the Art of Hook 29:57 Going Viral: The Ups and Downs Thanks to Studio Cotton for sponsoring this episode. Don't forget to check out Laura online and follow her on Instagram! If you'd like to have a chat come find me on Instagram. Can't wait to connect with you. This episode was written and produced by me and edited by Lucy Lucraft. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!   

Okay, I haven't talked about it for a while so you might've forgotten (!) but remember that time I went viral on TikTok? Well since then I've been woefully absent on the app so I thought it was finally time to focus on it and there's no better way to do that than dedicating an episode of Building Your Brand to it!  So in today's episode I chat with personal branding and Boudoir photographer & TikToker Tigz Rice who grew her following to 100k in less than a year! We discuss their experiences going viral and some of the challenges maintaining a presence on the platform.  Along the way we covered strategies for content creation and growth on social medi and leveraging different platforms for brand success.  If you think TikTok isn't for you, this episode will change your mind!  Episode highlights: 06:12 Tigz's TikTok Success Story: From Lurker to Influencer 11:36 Content Strategy and the Impact of Virality on Business 19:21 The Debate on Faceless Branding: Authenticity vs. Anonymity 25:14 Building Confidence for the Camera 27:41 Exploring Self-Photography and Virtual Shoots 30:16 The Importance of Posing and Photographer Relationships 35:45 Outsourcing and Managing Social Media 39:22 Navigating Platform Uncertainty and Embracing Owned Spaces 41:09 Diving into TikTok: Strategies and Community Building Thanks to Studio Cotton for sponsoring this episode. Don't forget to check out Tigz online and follow her on TikTok If you'd like to have a chat come find me on Instagram. Can't wait to connect with you. This episode was written and produced by me and edited by Lucy Lucraft. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!   

I don't even need to ask if you've ever felt overwhelmed in your busiuness because I am 99% sure we ALL have. You might even be feeling, like me, a little bit overwhelmed right now. If so, today's guest Louise Miller, a Productivity Mentor and the host of The Unfrazzled Podcast, is here to soothe your worries and empower you to feel less frazzled.  I loved hearing Louise's practical takes on dealing with tasks, setting clear goals and creating space for rest and mental space to foster creativity. We also talked about how to say 'no' which is something we all need to do more! Mentioned in the episode: The Progress Cycle: A Framework for Growth How to find joy when times are tough with Sophie Cliff (podcast episode) From frantic and frazzled to focus and flow - an intervention Make It Happen Club Episode highlights:  02:43 Identifying and Tackling the Root Causes of Overwhelm 12:13 Finding Your Business Rhythm and Embracing Rest 23:52 Creating Space for Decision-Makin 26:56 The Fear of Failure and Embracing Experimentation 32:13 Mastering the Art of Saying No 32:53 The Progress Cycle: A Framework for Growth Don't forget to check out Louise online and follow her on LinkedIn! If you'd like to have a chat come find me on Instagram. Can't wait to connect with you. This episode was written and produced by me and edited by Lucy Lucraft. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! 

I had a bit of a lightbulb moment the other day when I realised that I've never dedicated zand podcast episode to packaging design, despite the fact it's SUCH a big part of branding design.  That's why I spoke to today's guest, packaging designer Beatrice Menis. Beatrice's enthusiasm for packaging design oozes out of her and you can just tell that she absolutely loves it. Today's chat was so great, and her tips are so applicable to service based businesses too. I loved chatting to Beatrice and I really hope you enjoy the episode as well. Referenced in the episode:  Reddit thread about packaging Nikki Supply Co Hannah Isted  Liquid Death Business Class course Tropicana packaging failure Beatrice's Back of Pack Skillshare class Beatrice's Pinterest board for Back of Pack Episode highlights:  07:03 The Impact of Packaging Design on Businesses 13:01 Common Mistakes in Packaging Design 27:09 Creative Packaging Ideas for Small Businesses 29:23 Applying Packaging Principles to Service-Based Businesses Don't forget to check out Beatrice online and follow her on Instagram! If you'd like to have a chat come find me on Instagram. Can't wait to connect with you. This episode was written and produced by me and edited by Lucy Lucraft. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!   

We are often told that scaling our business is a goal we should all aspire to. But growing a large team, or an agency isn't the only way to achieve your goals as freelance content and SEO strategist Beth Gladstone explains in our chat.  We chatted about Beth's journey of accepting the freelancer identity amidst societal pressures to scale up and the realisation that success can be achieved while actively scaling down. Beth shares her insights from her marketing career, discussing the transition from being wary of the 'freelancer' label to embracing it as a source of pride and success and we delve into how freelancers can still grow as a company of one. It's a really interesting perspective and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!  Referenced in the episode:  Company of One by Paul Jarvis Scaling your business from solopreneur to agency with Kristy Campbell Episode highlights: 01:39 Navigating Identity and Labels in Freelancing 03:38 The Freelancer's Advantage: Personal Touch and Value 10:17 (ADVERT) Marketing Magic: Leveraging AI for Business Growth 11:33 Redefining Success and Scaling as a Freelancer 15:49 Lean Business Strategies: Efficiency Over Expansion 23:26 Marketing Yourself as a Company of One 25:33 The Power of Personal Branding and Authentic Marketing 35:14 Defining Success on Your Own Terms Thanks to Marketing Magic for sponsoring this episode. Don't forget follow Beth on Instagram! If you'd like to have a chat come find me on Instagram. Can't wait to connect with you. This episode was written and produced by me and edited by Lucy Lucraft. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!   

Today's episode is a chat with business and mindset coach Nicola Charlotte who generously shared her strategies for buidling freedeom and flexibility into your business by attracting  dream clients, restructuring businesses for passive income, and diversifying income streams. Nicola shared her insight on building a business that supports a desired lifestyle without compromising freedom, the importance of personal branding and storytelling in attracting clients, and practical tips for creating content that builds credibility and nurtures relationships organically. We also chatted about the challenge of passive programs, the implications of AI and personal touch in standing out. Nicola also provided some really practical advice on planning and executing the development of new income stream which was so helpful. Grab a cuppa and dive in..... Episode highlights:  05:54 Finding the dream client 12:04 How to share yourself authentically without sharing all of yourself  24:26 Is passive income really 'passive'? 30:37 How niching down helps your business   Thanks to Marketing Magic for sponsoring this episode. Don't forget to check out Nicola's podcast and follow her on Instagram! If you'd like to have a chat come find me on Instagram. Can't wait to connect with you. This episode was written and produced by me and edited by Lucy Lucraft. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!     

Despite visual branding being my bread and butter, I've rarely talked about it onb the podcast. So I've rectified that with this juicy chat with designer and educator  Hannah Bacon. We dive deep into the definition of branding: Hannah shares her unique perspective on branding as a business's 'clothes' and the significance of consistency in visual elements to avoid customer confusion and strengthen brand recognition. As ever, I manage to stumble upon another juicy challenge (!) so grab a coffee and jump into our chat. Episode highlights:  03:35 The Importance of Branding for Small Businesses 10:32 When to Invest in Branding: Insights for Startups  21:22 Common Mistakes in Visual Branding and How to Avoid Them 25:53 Embracing Your Unique Aesthetic in Design 28:38 The Challenge of Maintaining Brand Consistency 37:26 Exploring Creativity with Two-Hour Branding Challenges  Thanks to Marketing Magic for sponsoring this episode. Don't forget to check out Hannah online and follow her on Instagram! If you'd like to have a chat come find me on Instagram. Can't wait to connect with you. This episode was written and produced by me and edited by Lucy Lucraft. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!