Three Steps to Successfully Tackling a Branding Makeover

When I started PaperLark Studio back in 2012, I offered mainly baby shower and kids' birthday party invitations. Up until recently, my logo reflected this with a child-like, fun font with my yellow bird perched atop the letters. Here's an example:

Logo circa late 2013 - early 2014

Last year, I began introducing more products that strayed away from my original child-centered focus. I expanded beyond only paper products to include fabric goods. My business was growing exactly like I had wanted it to and I quickly realized I was outgrowing my logo {and subsequent branding} as well. 

One of the many goals I had this year was introduce a more "grown up" logo and brand to better fit my new customer base and style. I'm still in the {slow} process of converting everything over, but I'd like to think I have a pretty solid start going now. For those of you who are developing a logo and brand or for those who are in the same boat as I was, here's a run down of how I tackled my major brand makeover!

IDENTIFY ELEMENTS CENTRAL TO YOUR BRAND. Because I have some loyal customers and social media followers, I didn't want to go a totally new direction to the point where they wouldn't recognize the logo or business. Strong brands have elements that immediately pop into your head when you hear them - like logo shape, color, wording, etc. 

For a prime example, look at this graphic of the evolution of the Coca-Cola logo over the span of their operation. The key elements they pulled out and have consistently used are the fancy font and trademark red. You want to do the same with your new logo and branding. 

Courtesy of Logo-Kid.com

For PaperLark Studio, I pulled out my bird graphic and a couple of the original colors which you'll be able to see on my brand board below. These elements are what I considered central to my brand. 

CONCENTRATE ON YOUR BRAND AND CREATE LOGOS. As my business has grown, so have my core business values and style. Because I've done a pretty significant shift toward hand lettered designs, I decided a hand lettered font would be good fit to convey what my business was all about. I also hunting for a logo design that was a little more grown up, but still fun. Without further adieu, here is PaperLark Studio's new logo:

I'm pretty much in love with it and I should be as much as I stressed over it. Ha! It's grown up, but still a little whimsical while paying homage to element of the old.

CREATE A BRAND BOARD. I'm still in the process of creating my brand board, but I have pretty solid basics here I thought I'd share. 

Why create a brand board? I don't know about you, but my creative brain can sometimes run array when I think I have a stroke of genius. Brand boards help creative brains like mine focus on a brand's core values and personality at one glance. If my stroke of genius doesn't fit into the board, it goes to the recycle bin. 

However, do not confuse your brand board with a style guide. The difference? A style guide is instructions on how to use your brand elements within your business. Brand boards just display all the elements of your brand. 

If you'd like to learn further about how to create a brand board, I recommend this excellent post by Elembee which you can find here.

What tips do you have for tackling a brand overhaul?

Lessons I've Learned From Owning My Own Business

In July, PaperLark Studio will be celebrating its three year anniversary. While I was putting my plans down on paper for this year, I started listing some of the lessons I've learned over the past few years in running my own business.

Most of these lessons were learned the hard way or through lots of trial and error. If you have your own business, I'm sure you'll be able to relate to many of them and perhaps even get a chuckle out of some. If you are planning to start your own business, I hope these will help you start your journey on smoother waters. After all, knowledge is power, right?

IT TAKES A VILLAGE. The title of this post is misleading. I may be the one who "owns" my business according to my federal tax return and my business license, but PaperLark Studio is far from a one-woman show. From giving input on new designs to helping man the booth at craft shows, my family are the silent partners in the business and keep me grounded. Plus, they're pretty brutally honest when I have a sucky idea. Ha! Without my "village," PaperLark Studio would be ten steps behind what it is today.

BRANDING IS EVERYTHING. Learn it. Breathe it. Live it. I have learned so much about what branding is and why it is important. For me, branding has been one of the most challenging {and intimidating} things to learn and incorporate into my business. Over the years, my branding has evolved significantly and I'm just now really starting to feel comfortable with it. Once I figured out my core values and my market niche, my brand fell into place. I still devour branding tips when I run across them.

DON'T COMPARE YOUR BEGINNING TO SOMEONE ELSE'S MIDDLE. There is a difference between comparing and admiring. Don't get the two confused! It's easy to beat yourself up when you compare your starter shop to someone who has a couple years in the game under their belt. Just remember: They started somewhere too just like you.

PASSION ISN'T ENOUGH. Sounds harsh, but it's the truth. Unfortunately, there is much more yucky, no-fun tasks to running a successful business than just creating and making all day. {If only, right?} While passion certainly keeps you going on the rough days, you'll spend most of your day doing tedious tasks like tracking dollars, strategizing your next marketing move or filling orders. After all, you can't just wait around and expect it all to fall into place. Your dreams won't work unless you do!

COMPETITION IS A LIE. When your products/services are original and one-of-a-kind, you'll have no competition. Sure! There are thousands of talented graphic designers and hand letterers out there, but my aesthetic and style is mine. If you look around in any industry, you'll notice that the industry leaders are not the industry followers. The moral of this lesson? Be original always.

ALWAYS CARRY BUSINESS CARDS. Since most of my business is conducted on the computer, I sometimes forget about the face-to-face potential aspect of business. I'm a little embarrassed to admit it took me several times of being caught without a business card to learn this lesson. I'm sure I've missed some prime business opportunities because of it. One of my most loyal customers I met in town. Thankfully, I was able to hand her a business card on the spot and she made her first purchase the next day.

Are you a business owner or blogger? What lessons have you learned through the years?

The Differences Between Typography + Calligraphy + Hand Lettering

Since diving into the hand lettering world, I've noticed there's lots of confusion as to the difference between it, calligraphy and typography. It's easy to see where the confusion comes in because when you search on Etsy for typography, you'll see a combination of all three. A lot of people use the terms interchangeably. However, all three are completely different mediums and require their own respective skill set, tools, and execution. 

Here's a quick rundown of the differences and how you can spot them. 

TYPOGRAPHY

Typography is the art of setting type using mainly pre-made fonts. Typography goes hand-in-hand with graphic design. When I started PaperLark Studio back in the day, this was the only style I used to create prints and cards. I still use it and a prime example would be my SouthMouth cards which you can find in my shop here.

CALLIGRAPHY

Calligraphy is writing the word. Much of hand lettering work looks like calligraphy, but each has an entirely different style of application and execution. Calligraphy is the art of perfecting a few different style of script. You use these styles over and over, developing a muscle memory for them. Becoming a proficient calligrapher takes years upon years of practice. {Something I wish I had the patience for, but alas I do not.}

An example of calligraphy is this addressed envelope by Mint Tea Calligraphy.

HAND LETTERING

Hand lettering is drawing the word and is most commonly confused with calligraphy. Lettering incorporates all kinds of styles and offers a little more freedom than the perfection of calligraphy or being restricted to a pre-made font like typography. This is probably why it has become my favorite medium. It allows for experimentation and there's no strict rules. {There are some basic guideline you should try to stick to, but that's for another post.}

Here's an example of a hand lettered print you can find in my shop here. I bet you'd never guess that I live in Georgia, huh? Ha!

WHY HAND LETTERING IS MY FAVORITE.

Besides the freedom and flexibility I talked about above, I love how organic hand lettering feels. Hand lettering is unique to each letterer. You just can't get that warm feel with a pre-made typeface. 

There you have it, folks! Time for a pop quiz. Just kidding! If you're interested in exploring the world of hand lettering, you should stick around because I have a few "How-To" posts in the works. 

Be sure you don't miss a thing and follow along:

 

Until next time!
Miranda

 

Etsy Find Friday: Apple White Handmade

In this day and age, I think many view sewing as their grandmother's hobby. So, when I stumble upon a sewer who brings the skill into modern times, I get downright giddy. Dana of Apple White Handmade nails this with her use of modern designs in fabric and style.

Her mother taught her how to sew when she was five years old. From there, her dream for owning her own creative business grew. When she faced a "now or never" moment, she jumped in. 

All Apple White Handmade items are designed, cut and sewn by Dana who is inspired by people using their natural talents. 

I think her tooth fairy pillows are my favorite item. These pillows were inspired from a drawing her daughter drew a while back. I love their design and the modern fabrics she uses to create them. Even with the modern fabrics, there's just something about them that screams vintage as well. 

What's your favorite Apple White Handmade item?

Miranda

Free Printable Holiday Gift Tags //// BLACK Friday

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am so grateful for each and every one of you! Thank you for hanging out in my little piece of the blogosphere. Thank you for supporting PaperLark Studio. Thank you for allowing me through that support to be able to live my dream every day and provide for my family!

To show just a smidgen of my gratitude, I thought I'd share three gift tags with a few of my holiday designs on them for you to use this holiday season. I printed my tags on kraft paper, but you can certainly use whatever card stock you prefer!

Starting today, for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, I am offering free gift wrapping* and free shipping on all orders. {Say what?!} Just use the coupon code XMAS14 at checkout! 

Once you receive your wrapped order, just print one of these tags out to finish off your gift. Of course, I'd love to see any and all pictures, so use the hashtag #paperlarkstudio. I just might share it!

Now, go take a much deserved nap. I'll take care of the gift wrapping!
Miranda

*Free gift wrapping is not included on invitations or photo greeting cards.

Tuesday's Top Three

With Black Friday almost upon us, I thought I'd highlight my top three favorite PaperLark products. I'll share why I picked them and give you a little insight as to how they were made. {Be sure to check out my Black Friday-Cyber Monday coupon code at the bottom!}

1 /// These Are a Few of My Favorite Things Pack of Five Notecards, $8+ - Growing up, this was one of my favorite Christmas songs. I started working on my Holiday 2014 line back in September. Of course, I was listening to Christmas music when this song came on and I started doodling. Ta-da! This is what resulted. It's one of my favorites simply because I impressed myself with it. It was my first attempt at a free-handed, illustrated card and I love how it came out. 

2 /// Georgia on My Mind Tea Towel, $14 - This design started out as an art print that I only sold at craft shows. I'm loving the state pride trend that is so popular at the moment and this was my answer to it. Turns out most of my customers who stopped in at my booth loved it too! When I introduced my own line of tea towels earlier this year, I knew this design had to be included. It has spurred custom requests for other state tea towels like Florida, Alabama and Tennessee. Hopefully, in 2015, I'll be offering even more states! But until then, I'll keep beaming with my home state pride.

3 /// Well Butter My Biscuit Pack of Five Notecards, $8 - Of all those sassy Southern sayings in my South Mouth Collection, this one is my favorite. It makes me giggle every time I read it. It's also the card that gets the most reaction at craft shows. People always break out a laugh or a smile when they see it and always comment something along the lines of "my grandmother says that all the time." There's just something totally unique and just plain amusing about Southern sayings and I love being able to connect with others' experiences through a card. While I've sold my fair share of these with the state of Georgia on it, the great state of Texas is the second most requested. {But, I can put any state you'd prefer on there for a custom touch, of course.}

And yes! I will be having a Black Friday - Cyber Monday sale in the shop. Use the code XMAS14 to get FREE SHIPPING + FREE GIFT WRAPPING* on all purchases. 

Of course, feel free to use that coupon code to purchase any of my top three favorites or any items in my shop. In advance, thank you for buying handmade and supporting small business! You're awesome!

Miranda

*Free gift wrapping offer excludes printed invitations, holiday photo greeting cards, and/or announcements. 

Etsy Find Friday: The Best of Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving less than a week away, I thought it would be fun to switch up Etsy Friday a little. Instead of highlighting one shop, I have a collection of some stellar Thanksgiving-related goodness for you.

    

1 /// Give Thanks Sculpted Clay Pumpkins by Skyeart, $26 - Amy, the creator behind Skyeart, sculpted these adorable little pumpkins from polymer clay and stamped the text by hand from her home studio in Colorado. Wouldn't these be adorable to add to your Thanksgiving decor?!

2 /// Iced Pumpkin Cold Process Soap by Lippincott Soap Company, $6.50 - You have to read the description of how this sucker smells on its listing. Holy cow! I can almost smell it bringing Thanksgiving to my bathroom. Each soap is handmade and created in a kitchen in Pennsylvania. Every bar of soap is made by either cold or hot process using natural oils and butters. {Angela's Christmas soaps and goodies look equally divine too!}

3 /// Thanksgiving Gourmet Dog Treats by Nutty Mutt Bakery, $8 - Don't forget an extra special treat for your furry friends. The turkey legs are made from their wheat-free chicken recipe, dipped in a peanut butter coating and sprinkled with chopped peanuts. The pumpkin pie treat is made from a pumpkin cookie recipe and decorated with a yogurt coating. Every treat from Nutty Mutt Bakery is baked fresh from scratch in Greenfield, Indiana.

   

4 /// Thanksgiving Cards Box of 8 by August & Oak, $20 - Isn't this little guy cute? Of all the Thanksgiving cards I've seen this season {and I've seen a lot being in the stationery industry}, this illustrated card has been my favorite. My mailbox would be so happy to receive this card for Thanksgiving.

5 /// Gather Dish Towel by Nesta Home, $16.50 - Since I sold out of my limited edition Thanksgiving tea towels a couple of weeks ago, I thought I'd add in a towel that I really liked. I love this towel because its maker, Tandie, hand dyed it. I love extra special handmade touches like that. 

6 /// Pumpkin Garland by Wish Daisy, $29 - This would look so cute on my mantel! To create her pumpkin garland, Stacey used dried and dyed Putka pods. She also has some other adorable Thanksgiving/Fall items you should check out. 

What handmade goods are on your Thanksgiving want list?

Best, 

Miranda

Etsy Find Friday: Jane Foster

I literally just found this shop. Seriously! I stumbled across it Wednesday through an email from Etsy and instantly fell in love with it.

Photo by Jane Foster

Jane Foster creates soft toys, prints, pillows and pouches from her own Scandinavian influenced designs. She designs, screen prints and sews all from her studio in Devon, UK. Her love for Scandinavian design from the 50s and 60s shines through in all her products - my current favorite definitely being the Retro Santa.

She also has a Mr. and Mrs. Claus set! Isn't this too stinkin' cute?! She created these two to poke out of her daughter's Christmas stocking.

Not only would they make precious gifts for a kid, I think they'd be adorable to add to your Christmas decor. I know exactly where I'd put them in our house - on the bookshelf in our living room which is right beside our tree. 

Of course, she has some other non-Christmas cuties like these little foxes.

She was a featured Etsy seller a few years back. If you'd like to read more about the story behind her handmade shop, you can read her interview here. Also, be sure to check out her website! I'll be following her in the future when I need a little inspiration from a handmade business. It is pay day too. Perhaps, one of those little retro Santas will be finding a new home on my bookshelf!

Miranda

Freebie: Baby It's Cold Outside Art Print

This free printable is definitely inspired by the cold weather we are currently having. Tonight it is suppose to dip into the 20s! In Georgia, that never happens until January and it isn't even Thanksgiving yet! I will be spending my evening {and the next few from the looks of it} snuggled up close to a fire with a warm drink in my favorite mug.  

As winter creeps closer and closer, I hope this print will add some warmth to your home. I printed mine out and put it next to my Keurig. The printable is formatted as an 8x10, but you can print it as a 5x7 - just be sure to change your print settings!

I'd love to see a picture of how you used your free printable! Use the hashtag #paperlarkstudio or tag me in your post on any of the social media below.

Also, if you love anything "Baby, It's Cold Outside," be sure to check out my ever popular baby shower invitation with this theme in my shop.

Enjoy and stay warm!

Miranda

Tuesday's Top Three

Happy Tuesday!

Today, I thought I'd share three blogging/business posts that are currently rocking my world. Chances are that if a pin related to blogging or improving your handmade business rolls across my Pinterest feed, I'm going to click it. Sometimes, they are filled with the same run-of-the-mill dos and don'ts, but every now and them I run across a gem. These three below are gems!

    

1 /// Streamline Your Process - Breanna Rose has become one of my favorite blogs as of late. She nails me on the head with her second tip about working your best hours. As I go into this week, I'm going to make a conscious effort to utilize my best hours and not force myself into that eight hour straight mindset. 

2 /// Freelance Finances - A quick, yet insightful post about how Jay Adores handles her finances working for herself. She's a former accountant so she has to know a little something about money, right? She suggests paying yourself twice a month just like a regular bi-weekly paycheck. After reading this, I've been re-evaluating how I'll be paying myself and my business in the future.

3 /// Free Printable Blog Post Organizer - Ya'll know I love a good organizing printable. This sophisticated blog post organizer from Art & Style has my heart fluttering. Not only is it designing beautifully, it's practical and functional.  

If you'd like to see more awesome posts on bloggings and business, be sure to check out my boards, The Etsy Shop and The Blogging World, on Pinterest.

Now it's your turn! Which blogs and/or posts about blogging and business have been helpful for you?

Etsy Find Friday + Slightly Unsightly Sale

Happy Friday!

I thought I would share one of my latest favorite Etsy finds - Juniper & Ivy! In their shop, Jacqueline and Ashleigh sell unique, whimsical earrings from sustainable wooden products.

Some of these laser-engraved earrings also feature characters and symbols you'll probably recognize {and undoubtably love}.

All earrings from Juniper & Ivy are made from real Alder or Maple wood that is sustainably sourced from the USA. The earrings are made with Titanium posts and are hypoallergenic and nickel-free. 

I also love following this shop on Instagram. It's not uncommon for them to post flash sales and you can score some earrings for a great price if you have fast fingers. I was lucky enough to snag a pair of Mickey Mouse earrings and a pair of Minnie Mouse earrings during a flash sale a couple weeks ago. I plan on using them as stuffing stuffers!

Also, just a heads up! It is time for PaperLark Studio's Slightly Unsightly Sale which only happens ONCE a year. Whether it's smudging, proofreading failures, misprints or just discontinuing a product, mistakes and change happen. Time for you to cash in on my slightly unsightly, perfectly imperfect products! Every item is sold as-is. These items have been marked down 40-50% off their regular price! Every item is perfectly functional, just a tad funky with a bit more character! Sale ends Monday, November 10th! It's only while supplies last so you better jump on it! {Check out the sale here}

Have a fabulous weekend ya'll!Miranda

Tutorial: DIY Display Riser

My last three craft shows of the year are rapidly approaching. This was my first year of throwing my hat into the craft show ring. Since starting in April, my booth display has been in constant evolution. I created my final display piece just in time for the holidays - a display riser for my cards.

Before, I had the cards laid out on the table. I learned very quickly that in order to draw customers into your booth you have to let your products be easily visible. To do that, I needed a display that gave my cards height. Solution? A display riser!

I decided to try my hand at constructing one myself so I could make it to suit my needs. Mostly, I wanted a riser that would hold my cards securely because you never know how the wind will treat you if you're selling outside. To combat that issue, I added elastic around three of my display's steps.

Here's how I made my display riser:

2 pieces of large foam core board

Hot glue gun & glue sticks

Box cutter

Tape measure

Pencil

Elastic {optional}

Kraft paper wrap {optional}

Step One. Create your riser sides. I measured 5 inches over and then 5 inches up, marking my stairs. Do this until you reach your desired height.

Step Two. Using your box cutter, cut out your sides. I used one sheet of my foam core board for the sides and used the second to create my stairs.

Step Three. Measure out your stairs every 5 inches on the second piece of foam core board and cut. 

Step Four. Let's assemble your risers. {If you'd like to wrap your riser like I did, now is when you'll want to wrap each piece individually.} Stand your side panels up using something to prop each up. Line your stairs up with your sides and glue to secure the stair to the side. Do this with each flat stair. 

Step Five. If you'd like to add the elastic as a securing mechanism, glue it tautly on your remaining stairs. Now, glue the vertical stairs onto your riser. 

There you have it! A DIY card display riser. For further instruction, I loosely followed this tutorial for reference.

Happy crafting!

Miranda