Aesthetically Speaking

Welcome back to another episode of Aesthetically Speaking! In today's episode, we dive deep into the world of gendered design and branding. From discussing personal experiences with gendered toys as children to analyzing the branding strategies of iconic companies, we explore the nuances of masculinity and femininity in design. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the impact of gender on aesthetics, the importance of targeting specific audiences, and the evolving landscape of gender representation in advertising and media. Plus, stick around till the end for an exciting giveaway announcement as we wrap up the first season of Aesthetically Speaking! In this episode Rebecca & Abby share: Our personal experiences of how we viewed gender in things such as toys Our examples of masculine branding  Our feminine branding examples How to brand for gender-neutral and targeted branding The shifts in gender stereotypes and representation Characteristics of masculine vs feminine brands   Visit the show notes for this episode: Ep. 29 | Masculine vs Feminine Design -- What to Use and When   Work with Rebecca: Brand + Website Design Personal Brand Mastery Brand in a Day Creative Partnership | Done-for-you Strategy + Design Client Case Studies   Connect with Rebecca: Follow on Instagram @rebeccapetersonstudio Website - rebeccapetersonstudio.com Aesthetically Speaking IG - @aestheticallyspeakingpodcast

There seems to be something that every single business owner wants more of, and that is clients. And you wanna know what Rebecca does not stress about in her business? Clients.  In this episode of Aesthetically Speaking, Rebecca shares her experiences and insights on how to attract and maintain high-paying clients through effective branding habits. She recounts some client horror stories and explains how she has learned from those experiences to improve her client management skills. Rebecca also reveals her step-by-step process for working with clients, from initial consultation to website launch.  Don't miss this episode filled with valuable tips and strategies for gaining more clients and building successful client relationships. Plus, learn about Rebecca's Personal Brand Mastery program and how you can join for 2024.  In this episode Rebecca shares: A few of my worst client stories that helped me get to where I am today The reasons every business owner should be a client relationship manager The five branding habits for gaining clients The checklist I follow every so often to keep my brand fresh and unique How to upgrade your self-image, and the process I take my clients through   Visit the show notes for this episode: Ep. 28 | 5 Branding Habits That Will Help You Gain More Clients   Work with Rebecca: Brand + Website Design Personal Brand Mastery Brand in a Day Creative Partnership | Done-for-you Strategy + Design Client Case Studies   Connect with Rebecca: Follow on Instagram @rebeccapetersonstudio Website - rebeccapetersonstudio.com Aesthetically Speaking IG - @aestheticallyspeakingpodcast

Have you ever found yourself saying, "I want to look legit"? This episode explores the underlying fears and desires that lead us to seek legitimacy through branding. I firmly believe that branding is more than just design or a logo; it's the intersection of how we perceive ourselves and how others see us. I challenge the assumptions about branding and emphasize the importance of discovery, coaching, strategy, and high-level design in creating a solid brand strategy. Tune in to learn how my unique approach to branding can help you achieve that much-desired legitimacy and stand out from the crowd.   In this episode Rebecca shares: 3 assumptions about branding The importance of branding The process of branding The importance of design in branding The benefits of working with Rebecca Peterson Studio Visit the show notes for this episode: Ep. 27 | How Branding Can Make Your Business More Legit   Episodes mentioned: Ep. 19 | H is for: How Branding Works, The Science, Psychology, and Artistry of Creating an Effective Brand   Work with Rebecca: Brand + Website Design Personal Brand Mastery Brand in a Day Creative Partnership | Done-for-you Strategy + Design Client Case Studies   Connect with Rebecca: Follow on Instagram @rebeccapetersonstudio Website - rebeccapetersonstudio.com Aesthetically Speaking IG - @aestheticallyspeakingpodcast

In this episode we delve into the fascinating world of logos. We discuss everything from the importance of a well-crafted logo for brand identity and recognition, to the principles and strategies behind an effective logo design. This episode provides valuable insights for aspiring designers and entrepreneurs. Tune in as we dissect famous logos, highlight design faux pas, and uncover the key elements of a memorable and impactful logo.    In this episode Rebecca & Abby share: The importance of understanding branding principles The role of a logo Difference between a logo and an icon (think Nike’s swoosh, and Apple) The five criteria for an effective logo Rebecca provides her expert opinion on several logos Abby has chosen for her The process in which Rebecca uses to create client logos   Visit the show notes for this episode: Ep. 26 | L is for: Logos   Work with Rebecca: Brand + Website Design Personal Brand Mastery Brand in a Day Creative Partnership | Done-for-you Strategy + Design Client Case Studies   Connect with Rebecca: Follow on Instagram @rebeccapetersonstudio Website - rebeccapetersonstudio.com Aesthetically Speaking IG - @aestheticallyspeakingpodcast

Are you one to follow the up and coming trends? Whether that be in business, fashion, or social media, today's episode explores the ever-changing landscape of trends and how they impact businesses and brands. From discussing the evolution of design styles to questioning the consequences of being your own brand. Join us as we dissect Weight Watchers' logo, debate the need for skeuomorphism, and explore the power and pitfalls of following trends.  In this episode Rebecca & Abby share: What is considered a trend and what makes something timeless Whether certain logos, images, designs are considered trendy How trends can affect your brand and/or business How businesses have kept up with trends, such as Coca-Cola and Old Navy Businesses that have not kept up with trends and how it affects their business   Visit the show notes for this episode: Ep. 25 | K is for: Keeping Up with Trends in Business and Branding   Work with Rebecca: Brand + Website Design Personal Brand Mastery Brand in a Day Creative Partnership | Done-for-you Strategy + Design Client Case Studies   Connect with Rebecca: Follow on Instagram @rebeccapetersonstudio Website - rebeccapetersonstudio.com Aesthetically Speaking IG - @aestheticallyspeakingpodcast

Have you ever wondered what it looks like for an established business to go through the process of rebranding? Today, you're gonna find out. I have with me as a guest my close friend, business coach and marketing expert, Melissa Rogers. She has been in the online business space for a long time and has seen many evolutions and she's here to talk to us about the evolution in her own business over the last year in transitioning from the Self-Made Mama to a more personal brand, Melissa Rogers. We're going to talk through the logistics, the technical stuff, the decisions that she had to make, as well as the visual details, what design challenges she faced, and choices she made to elevate her brand and her ideal client.  In this episode Rebecca & Melissa share: Melissa’s approach to coaching and marketing The difference between coaching and consulting The evolution of Melissa’s brand the rebranding process Melissa’s experience and inspirations to overcome challenges   Visit the show notes for this episode: The Rebrand of Self-Made Mama with Marketing Consultant, Melissa Rodgers   Connect with Melissa:  Instagram - @itsmelissarodgers Website - theselfmademama.com   Work with Rebecca: Brand + Website Design Personal Brand Mastery Brand in a Day Creative Partnership | Done-for-you Strategy + Design Client Case Studies   Connect with Rebecca: Follow on Instagram @rebeccapetersonstudio Website - rebeccapetersonstudio.com Aesthetically Speaking IG - @aestheticallyspeakingpodcast

In this episode of Aesthetically Speaking, Rebecca and Abby discuss bringing Abby's legal brand to life. They explore design concepts, color palettes, and creative ideas while emphasizing the importance of feedback and collaboration. Listen in as Abby gets to see her brand for the first time!!  In this episode Rebecca & Abby share: The objectives for Abby’s brand: Not Legal Advice What the brand Not Legal Advice IS What the brand Not Legal Advice IS NOT Rebecca’s creative application to coming up with Abby’s brand design Abby’s honest reaction to her brand design for Not Legal Advice   Visit the show notes to see the final brand design: Ep. 23 | Branding Challenge - Not Legal Advice - Abby's Informational Legal Brand   Work with Rebecca: Brand + Website Design Personal Brand Mastery Brand in a Day Creative Partnership | Done-for-you Strategy + Design Client Case Studies   Connect with Rebecca: Follow on Instagram @rebeccapetersonstudio Website - rebeccapetersonstudio.com Aesthetically Speaking IG - @aestheticallyspeakingpodcast

Welcome back to another episode of Aesthetically Speaking, where we dive deep into the world of design, branding, and creativity. In today's episode, we have a special treat for you as Rebecca, a talented brand strategist and creative director, shares her captivating journey to becoming a leading industry expert.  Listen as Rebecca shares her childhood influences, early experiences in design, and the pivotal moments that shaped her entrepreneurial path.  Discover how her passion for aesthetics and organization paved the way for her success, and how she navigated the challenges of freelancing and growing her own business.  In this episode Rebecca shares: How her childhood shaped who she is today Her background leading up to becoming a high-end designer Getting started in the freelancing space How her business has evolved over the years The value she provides to her clients Where Rebecca Peterson Studio is heading   Visit the show notes for this episode: Ep. 22 | My Journey to Become an Industry-Leading Brand Strategist and Creative Director   Work with Rebecca: Brand + Website Design Personal Brand Mastery Brand in a Day Creative Partnership | Done-for-you Strategy + Design   Connect with Rebecca: Follow on Instagram @rebeccapetersonstudio Website - rebeccapetersonstudio.com Aesthetically Speaking IG - @aestheticallyspeakingpodcast

If you’ve been in business for any length of time, you’ve probably heard of the concept of an ideal client or an ideal client avatar. But how do you actually use your ideal client to grow your business? In this episode of Aesthetically Speaking, we dive deep into the topic of ideal clients and how to elevate them to attract higher clientele and raise your prices.   In this episode Rebecca & Abby share: Understanding the importance of going deeper into the problems and desires of your ideal clients. Examples of clients who found success by targeting specific clients with unique needs. The significance of tailoring your services to match the sophisticated problems of your target audience. The approach of "creating clients" by understanding the needs of your current audience and creating an elevated experience. Visit the show notes for this episode: Ep. 21 | I is for: Who is Your Ideal Client? Connect with Rebecca: Follow on Instagram @rebeccapetersonstudio Website - rebeccapetersonstudio.com Aesthetically Speaking IG - @aestheticallyspeakingpodcast

Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of a branding session? This is a never heard before episode with Rebecca having a live branding session with sister, lawyer, and co-host, Abby. For each of Rebecca’s clients, before she can begin working on their brand, she sits down with them during a branding session. This is where she asks questions, and gets all of the information needed to understand what they are hoping to accomplish with their brand, who they are, and come up with a brand that works for them and their businesses. So join in on the conversation as Rebecca takes Abby through a branding session to get all of the questions answered to design a brand for her as a lawyer. In this episode Rebecca & Abby share: The questions that Rebecca walks her clients through during a branding session Abby shares what she is hoping to gain from her new brand The steps in identifying who Abby’s ideal client really is Rebecca shares the four key things she focuses on when creating effective brands   Visit the show notes for this episode: Ep. 20 | Abby's Branding Session    Connect with Rebecca: Follow on Instagram @rebeccapetersonstudio Website - rebeccapetersonstudio.com Aesthetically Speaking IG - @aestheticallyspeakingpodcast

 Welcome back to another episode of Aesthetically Speaking! In this episode, titled "H is for: How Branding Works, The Science, Psychology, and Artistry of Creating an Effective Brand," we dive into the fascinating world of branding and its multifaceted nature.   Branding is not just about visual elements like colors and fonts, but also about psychology, strategy, and aligning perception with reality. Today, we'll be expanding on the key takeaways from the episode and exploring the art and science of creating an effective brand identity.   In this episode Rebecca & Abby share: Branding creates meaning and increases real value. The way our eyes perceive light, even single photons. How each person has a different perception of images…hear the way we both have a different view on the same image How perception varies based on cultural context. The way brands evolve over time, including color associations. How branding is aligning perception with reality. The 3 ways I gain knowledge of a client’s brand perception: questionnaire, strategy session, Pinterest board. Psychology-driven decisions lead to successful branding.    Visit the show notes for this episode: Ep. 19 | H is for: How Branding Works, The Science, Psychology, and Artistry of Creating an Effective Brand   Resources Mentioned: Informationisbeautiful.net   Connect with Rebecca: Follow on Instagram @rebeccapetersonstudio Website - rebeccapetersonstudio.com Aesthetically Speaking IG - @aestheticallyspeakingpodcast

This episode is taking you behind the scenes of Aesthetically Speaking to answer some questions that we get about the podcast, so we thought that we would talk about that in an episode. We want to show that we are listening to you, and want to provide you with the answers. We always tell people that we want feedback, so this episode will answer some of those questions such as: how this podcast came to life, from how Rebecca spent a year trying to figure out the best way to go about it, to realizing Abby was the perfect co-host.   In this episode Rebecca & Abby share: How we become to be podcast co-hosts The pre-recording rituals that we both have How to choose target audience How do you find your ideal clients/customers? How finding clients differs from someone in the online space like Rebecca vs Abby who is a lawyer Our views on “lifestyle marketing”   Visit the show notes for this episode: Ep. 18 | Behind the Scenes - Podcast Q&A with Abby and Rebecca    Connect with Rebecca: Follow on Instagram @rebeccapetersonstudio Website - rebeccapetersonstudio.com Aesthetically Speaking IG - @aestheticallyspeakingpodcast

In today's episode, we take on a unique branding challenge for our sister-in-law, Marianne's, sunless tanning business, Custom Sun.  Marianne wants her brand to stand out and exude sophistication, drawing inspiration from sunset colors and a desire for a safe customer experience.  I discuss my process of creating a visually stunning logo lockup and explore various design treatments. This design showcases the importance of color palettes and creating brands that are both unique and memorable.  Stay tuned to the end as we provide an update to our very first branding challenge with our brother, Andrew, and how he is using the brand today, along with creating a website. In this episode Rebecca & Abby share: The process of creating a visually cohesive and elevated brand for Marianne's sunless tanning business, Custom Sun. The importance of choosing the right color palette and visual treatments to represent a brand's identity and message effectively. Rebecca’s responsibility as a designer to help clients grow into their brands and embody the qualities that were envisioned from the beginning. An update to the very first branding challenge of our brother, Andrew, and how he is now using her brand.   Visit the show notes for this episode: Ep. 17 | Branding Challenge - Marianne's Sunless Tanning Business, Custom Sun   Related Episode: Ep. 2 | Branding Challenge: Branding for Our Brother, Andrew   Connect with Rebecca: Follow on Instagram @rebeccapetersonstudio Website - rebeccapetersonstudio.com Aesthetically Speaking IG - @aestheticallyspeakingpodcast

In this episode, we have our very first guest joining us. Suzie Clark, the founder of the Female Leadership Collective, provides her knowledge of the world of sales and branding.  Suzie, who comes from a corporate background, shares her journey from quitting her job to embarking on a transformative adventure in Bali. Along the way, she discovered her passion for helping women break free from traditional careers and launch their own businesses.  From freelancing to ecommerce ventures, Suzie has experienced the highs and lows of entrepreneurship firsthand. Tune in as she reveals valuable insights about authentic communication, overcoming doubts, and the power of collaborative communities. In this episode we share: Top tips for women who struggle with sales The first things you should do if you’re in corporate and want to start a business Why taking yourself out of your environment and going to inspiring places like Bali will turbocharge your growth and success How Suzie thinks about the Female Leadership Collective brand and how community and the “collective” is integral to that The evolution of Female Leadership Collective and her business before FLC Visit the show notes for this episode: Ep. 16 | Sales & Branding | Guest Interview with Suzie Clark of the Female Leadership Collective Connect with Suzie:  Instagram @femaleleadershipcollective Website - femaleleadershipcollective.com Connect with Rebecca: Follow on Instagram @rebeccapetersonstudio Website - rebeccapetersonstudio.com Aesthetically Speaking IG - @aestheticallyspeakingpodcast

This week we are on the letter “G” in the alphabet which is for government branding. Before you skip this episode, let us justify why we think this is going to be relevant and interesting because we're thinking not just of the government, but public use, standardization, all of the things that go into something being for “everybody.”  In this episode we discuss everything from real-life examples, such as confusing signage for a youth mentorship program and a well-executed branding for an old junkyard. To the challenges of designing presentations for the legal field, where complex information needs to be made accessible while maintaining credibility, the power of symbols, colors, and standardized design systems, as well as the importance of aligning brand messaging with the values and audience of a particular brand. Overall, this episode showcases the fascinating intersection of design, strategy, and communication in government initiatives, public figures, and transportation signs, illustrating how visuals can shape our understanding and engagement with the world around us.   In this episode Rebecca & Abby share: Design choices playing a crucial role in government initiatives, public figures, and transportation signs Design choices (good and bad), including symbol selection and typography The value of standardization and sticking to your brand values Standardization in signage, such as using consistent colors and symbols   Visit the show notes for this episode: Ep. 15 | G is for Government - The Strategy and Design behind Govt Initiatives, Public Figures, and Transportation Signs   Connect with Rebecca: Follow on Instagram @rebeccapetersonstudio Website - rebeccapetersonstudio.com Aesthetically Speaking IG - @aestheticallyspeakingpodcast

Before we get into this week’s brand challenge, let’s talk about what is new in the world, the new app, Threads. We wanted to talk about how we feel about it, the branding, and the overall functionality of this newly talked about app versus how it compares to Twitter, Instagram, and any other social media app. As for the branding challenge in this episode, we discuss the unique brand for our brother, Jonathan. Not only is Jonathan a CPA and tax advisor, he is a perfectionist and all around a good guy. With his sporty and creative personality in mind, an ordinary accountant brand would not do. We dive into how his brand came to be. Knowing his preferred brands, typical wardrobe, love for sports and fluency in Japanese, all helped in putting this brand together.  After creating this brand for Jonathan, I am not sure how I will be able to top this in further branding challenges.   In this episode Rebecca & Abby share: Our thoughts on the new app Threads How Jonathanl’s love for sports and his creativity is reflected in his brand How to incorporate a mascot into a brand Using the stereotype of an accountant to capture what the brand should not be   Take a look at the branding from this episode: Ep. 14 | Branding Challenge - Jonathan, CPA, Tax Advisor, Perfectionist, and All Around Good Guy   Related Episodes/Blog Posts: Ep. 2 | Branding Challenge: Branding for Our Brother, Andrew Ep. 4 | Branding Challenge: Branding Our Sister, Caroline Ep. 6 | Branding Challenge: Branding for Our Sister Eliza, a Journalist & Educator Ep. 9 | Branding Challenge: Branding Rebecca's Husband, Cob   Connect with Rebecca: Follow on Instagram @rebeccapetersonstudio Website - rebeccapetersonstudio.com Aesthetically Speaking IG - @aestheticallyspeakingpodcast

In this episode, we explore the world of food branding and design. We discuss the power of aesthetics in buying, selling, and consuming food products, sharing personal anecdotes about recent dining experiences. From determining target audiences to the techniques of food photography, we cover it all. Join us as we dive into the importance of brand recognition, potential branding mistakes, and the value of maintaining a unique style as a creator. In this episode Rebecca & Abby share: The aesthetics of food photography, restaurant branding, and packaging design Personal experiences and anecdotes related to dining out at different types of restaurants The importance of authenticity and creating a unique brand identity for restaurants Food quality versus overall atmosphere and experience Rebecca’s restaurant faux pas Abby shares her expertise on how copyright laws work when it comes to recipes   Visit the show notes for this episode: Episode 13 - F is for Food: The Aesthetics of Food Photography, Restaurant Branding, Packaging Design, and More!   Connect with Rebecca: Follow on Instagram @rebeccapetersonstudio Website - rebeccapetersonstudio.com Aesthetically Speaking IG - @aestheticallyspeakingpodcast

After working with over 100 clients, Rebecca has realized that they are all worried about the same things when it comes to branding. In this solo episode, she discusses five fears most business owners have about building a brand.  Rebecca shares her unique approach to branding and how she helps her clients create a brand that truly reflects their personality and values while strategically elevating their ideal customer. Her thorough brand building process, which involves private consulting and education, is designed to provide clients with the tools and guidance they need to create and expand their brand. In this episode Rebecca shares: Creating a cohesive brand image requires careful strategy and design choices that can help position a business as a go-to expert in its niche. Investing in branding early on in a business can be beneficial. Developing a strong brand message involves listening to clients, identifying common themes and patterns, and crafting messaging that conveys a particular feeling or emotion. There are different design options to communicate a brand's character, tone, and values, whether it's a more classic or playful look. Styling and creative direction can convey personality and values both in-office and on-camera.   Visit the show notes for this episode: Ep. 12 | You’re Wrong About . . . What It Really Means to Work with Rebecca Peterson Studio   Previous Episodes/Blog Posts: Ep. 9 | Branding Challenge: Branding Rebecca's Husband, Cob Ep. 10 | E is for: The Enneagram PART ONE Ep. 11 | E is for: The Enneagram PART TWO Connect with Rebecca: Follow on Instagram @rebeccapetersonstudio Website - rebeccapetersonstudio.com Aesthetically Speaking IG - @aestheticallyspeakingpodcast

Last week we introduced the enneagram which can teach you a lot about yourself.  In this episode of Aesthetically Speaking, we continue with part two of the Enneagram series and give insights into Enneagram types five through nine..  We covered types 1-4 in episode 10, and in this episode, we walk through enneagram types 5-9 which are:  type 5, the investigator or observer; type 6, the loyalist or skeptic; type 7: the enthusiast; type 8, the challenger; and type 9, the peacemaker.  For each type, Abby shares her knowledge of each enneagram type, and Rebecca gives some brand strategy advice to match the motivation of each of the types. We also identify brands that share the same core desires.  In this episode Rebecca & Abby also share: Abby shares the way she identifies as a type 5 and how she feels it relates to her career as a lawyer Who type 5s tend to gravitate toward in a friendship Common misconceptions of a certain enneagram type Branding designs for each of the enneagram types Identifying as a type 9 and Rebecca’s views on Minky Couture Strengths and weaknesses of each enneagram type, and how this knowledge can help you market your business Well-known brands that fit each type   Resources: The Enneagram Institute @yourenneagramcoach All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel by Anthony Doerr The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power by Shoshana Zuboff   Related Episodes/Blog Posts: Ep. 3 | A is for: Analyzing My Favorite Brands Ep. 5 | B is for: Branding for Babies Ep. 7 | C is for: Color Branding Ep. 8 | D is for: Doll - Branding The American Girl Ep. 10 | E is for: The Enneagram PART ONE Connect with Rebecca: Follow on Instagram @rebeccapetersonstudio Website - rebeccapetersonstudio.com Aesthetically Speaking IG - @aestheticallyspeakingpodcast

How can the enneagram be used to not only learn more about you and how you perceive things, but how you can use it in your business. In episode 10 of Aesthetically Speaking, we dive into the Enneagram personality typing system, which is desire-based and focuses on core motivations rather than behavior.  As we talk about the first four types of the enneagram, Abby walks us through what each type means as Rebecca gives her expert design advice on how she would incorporate that into a brand. Also giving examples of some well-known brands that fit into each enneagram type. This episode will cover type 1: the reformer; type two: the "helper;" type three: the "achiever;" and type four: which is described as sensitive, creative, and internally focused.   In this episode Rebecca & Abby share: What the enneagram is The enneagram type that resonates with each of us most A brief description of what each enneagram type stands for Abby helps Rebecca sort through which type she may really be How you can use your enneagram type to know how to market your business Well known brands that fit each type   Resources: The Enneagram Institute   Related Episodes/Blog Posts: Ep. 3 | A is for: Analyzing My Favorite Brands Ep. 5 | B is for: Branding for Babies Ep. 7 | C is for: Color Branding Ep. 8 | D is for: Doll - Branding The American Girl Connect with Rebecca: Follow on Instagram @rebeccapetersonstudio Website - rebeccapetersonstudio.com Aesthetically Speaking IG - @aestheticallyspeakingpodcast