Design/ Branding and what it is…(and isn’t)

An invitation to Substack Essence...

​This post is (Part of) ​YOUR Substack; a beautifully curated magazine.

My expansive teaching space for founding members here at Sparkle on Substack!

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To become a founding member, go to this post and upgrade your membership.

Founding membership group calls available are June and December ‘24 and you also get your Sparkle audit at a time of your choosing in the New Year.

Photo by Karly Santiago on Unsplash

Branding and what it is…(and isn’t) 

Hi all,

Let’s get into it.

To me, branding is far more than choosing or commissioning a logo. 

It’s creating and curating a feeling when readers arrive.  

I chose to work with Lauren on this part of your Substack exploration project as I adore her work. 

It’s so full of soul and storytelling and that stuff is seductive to our readers whether we consciously give it space or not. 

It can also turn them off (think; immature, not professional, scrappy, not considered…)

Do you see that?  Have you seen that? What do you want for yourself here?

Or perhaps branding washes over you? You don’t care so much about it?  

Either way we are going to give it some attention together in the spirit of curation! I’ll keep it fun and full of ease I promise!

So let’s consciously give it space… together?  

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I am NO branding expert so I’ll be following these steps with you.

I know my brand colours and pink and gold. My intention is to have you feel held, safe and connected to nature here. The rest I am going to figure out with you as we wander this beautiful path of planning Your Substack Magazine 2024.   

Lauren has created some prompts for you and the deadline for filling in this questionnaire is beginning of March ‘24 so you have some time…  

Answers might come naturally to you. 

It might take some thinking about….

Enjoy!

Claire (and Lauren)

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The Heart Work Studio

Please make a copy of this in your own space (google doc, substack, email)

and answer the questions as you feel called to… 

It is such an honour to be by your side as you bring your Substack Essence to life.

The word ‘Branding’ can often put us into a spin - and I want to reassure you that this process can be extremely nourishing, heart-centred and dare I say it… simple.

I use the word Branding because it is recognisable, but what I am really talking about is creating a visual identity that represents the essence of your creations here on Substack - and most importantly provides your readers and community with a feeling when they read and receive your work. 

The most important piece of creating this visual identity is the foundational work of really understanding and anchoring to the essence, and that is why this questionnaire is vital. It is the first thing I do with all of my design clients, and I hope that you will find it insightful to explore. 

Set your space

I invite you to truly make this process sacred - preparing your space and weaving in any ritual elements or practices that support you in dropping into your heart so that the words can flow freely and expressively. 

Some answers might feel easy, some might feel challenging - if you find yourself overthinking or over analysing in the mind, then step away, move, breathe, dance… and return to it with fresh eyes. 

Take your time, there is no need to rush.  Let the words flow, and then return and refine.

Photo by Keila Hötzel on Unsplash

These are some of the practical elements of your branding. 

1. What is the name of your Substack?

2. Do you have any additional sub headings that you will be using, such as Section titles or Categories that you want to be incorporated into the branding process? 

3. In one sentence, how would you describe your Substack?

4. Do you have any specific themed pieces, or regular features that you will be including on your Substack? 

5. Do you have offerings beyond Substack (i.e. on a separate website or other online space) that you wish to streamline with your Substack Essence?

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The next layer is the heart & soul of your Substack…

This part of the questionnaire is for you to really connect with the deeper purpose of your Substack. 

This is a co-creative experience with your Substack Essence. Consider yourself as merely a vessel to bring this work earth side. 

Sometimes taking your thinking mind out of the process for a little bit can allow a free flow channel to the heart and soul of the creation itself so consider your Substack as it’s own transmission and see what comes through.