Welcome back! Today in The Lounge we’ve got another special episode recorded from Las Vegas Market at SunPan Modern Home: “Your Style, Your Brand,” a live forum on cultivating and how that plays into your success as a designer! For this discussion, Nick got together with designers Shayla Copas and Kelli Ellis as well as Aaron Perkins, an image consultant at Face Your Day Salon, and photographer Kristen Mayfield.
Image matters, and Kristen and Aaron give great tips for headshots and image cultivation. Do background research on your photographer or image consultant to make sure that they look professional and have a style that fits yours. Headshots are critical. Kristen says it’s a safe bet to go for a classic and professional look.
Be Recognizable, Get Recognized.
Kelli talks about the transition from her old to new look, and how that look became a brand on HGTV. She says that no one would remember what she looked like until she chopped her long, brown hair off and donned the glasses and red lipstick. The lesson: look recognizable, and be recognized. Then you’re one step closer to working with other designers, clients, manufacturers and brands. Similarly, Shayla’s done so as well with her “Southern glam” look. “If it flairs, I’m in it,” she says — she’s all about pearls and vivid colors. You can’t miss her at market!
And a bit of digital marketing: the minute you have a social media profile, you are marketing not only your business but yourself! Get yourself out there, and make sure that people have an image that comes to mind when they think of you. All of your social media content must be “on brand,” reflecting who you are and what makes you tick. If you’re struggling to find a brand, ask other people! Your friends and family know what makes you authentic, and they can help you communicate that to others.
More advice:
- Take head shots at least once a year.
- Don’t cheat with Photoshop. Make your photos look like you!
- Style tips from Aaron: wear clothes that fit. Don’t be afraid to layer, and don’t be afraid of color
Chaise Lounge Updates
We’ve been nominated for the International Podcast Awards in the People’s Choice and Business Categories! If you’ve voted for us, you may be nominated to cast a final vote for us. Stay tuned — voting ends September 15th.
Wrap Up
If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!