BY Alexandra LUNN
The first in our brand new community articles series
Alexandra has always been dedicated to creating meaningful designs. Her journey in the design world began while working at studios like Barnbrook and Metahaven where she worked on exhibition designs at institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Design Museum in London, as well as Tensta Konsthall in Sweden.
In 2017, she set up Alexandra Lunn Studio. Since then it’s grown to become the go-to place for purpose-driven brands looking to make their mark. Backed by a talented team of designers and creatives, Alexandra Lunn Studio focuses on producing bespoke, high-quality design work that helps clients stand out with something truly unique.
Building Purpose-Driven Brands: Insights from Alexandra Lunn Studio
Designing for small businesses often comes with the challenge of working within tight budgets. However, this does not mean compromising on quality or creativity. Alexandra shared some fantastic strategies with us for building strong brand identities without breaking the bank, and we’re happy to pass them on to you!
First off, it’s crucial to do the groundwork before briefing a designer with the visual aspects of your brand. Our free strategy guidebook is a great starting point—it helps you nail down who you are and what you’re all about. This foundation is key to business success, and once you have it, the rest of the branding process will feel much smoother as you’ve nailed down the basics.
Moodboarding is another essential step. Gather key words and elements that represent your brand and use collage techniques or platforms like Pinterest to create mood boards. These visual collections will guide your brand identity and help you or a designer tell your story effectively.
Mastering Design on a Budget
When it comes to design, focus on the essentials: a memorable logo, a cohesive colour palette, and distinct typography. These components form the backbone of a strong visual identity. If hiring a designer is out of reach right now, don’t worry—there are plenty of affordable or even free design tools online. Canva and Adobe Spark, for instance, offer robust features that can help you create professional-quality designs without the hefty price tag. And hey, if you need guidance on which tools to use, reach out for a free consultation.
Now, let’s talk about minimalism. Embracing a minimalist design not only cuts costs but also gives your brand a clean, timeless look. Prioritise simplicity and clarity to make sure your message comes through loud and clear. This approach can really help you stand out with something stunning, even on a budget.
In tough economic times, building and maintaining client relationships is more important than ever. Being transparent about project progress, potential challenges, and cost management builds trust. Offering flexible payment plans or phased project approaches can also help clients manage their budgets while still moving forward with their design needs. It shows you’re committed to working with them through thick and thin.
Adding extra value is another great strategy. Free consultations, market research, trend reports, and content creation tips can make clients see the broader benefits of your partnership. Educating clients about the importance of your work through workshops or webinars on design trends, branding strategies, and marketing techniques can empower them and solidify your relationship.
Elevating your brand
To attract and retain clients, new marketing techniques can be incredibly effective. Share behind-the-scenes content, client testimonials, and industry insights to build a community around your brand. Creating valuable content like blog posts, videos, and e-books that address common challenges faced by your audience can also draw in potential clients.
Lastly, consider partnering with other small businesses or complementary service providers for joint projects or promotions. This can expand your reach and introduce your services to new audiences, making it a win-win for everyone involved.
Building a strong brand on a budget is absolutely possible with the right approach and tools. By focusing on the basics, embracing minimalism, being transparent and flexible with clients, and using modern marketing techniques, you can create a memorable and effective brand identity that stands the test of time.
At Alexandra Lunn Studio, our mission is to support start-ups and purpose-led brands in making a lasting impact through exceptional design. By focusing on strong brand identities, building enduring client relationships, and leveraging innovative marketing techniques, we help our clients navigate economic challenges and achieve sustained growth. If you'd like to get an opinion on how you can get started with a rebrand, and what's included, take a look through our services and Our FAQ’s to discover what we can do for you
wANT TO KNOW MORE?
if you’d like to learn more from Alexandra, she has two interactive workshops coming up over the next few weeks with some fabulous guests.
DESIGN YOUR BRAND IDENTITY
This workshop is designed to help participants develop a strong and unique brand identity by exploring key elements such as mission, values, and visual aesthetics. Attendees will gain practical insights and strategies to build a cohesive brand that effectively resonates with their target audience and enhances their market presence.
→ BOOK HERE
TIME TO SHINE
Sophie Miller, who has extensive experience in digital marketing, will co-host a workshop with Alexandra on Sunday, 8th September. In this session, she will share invaluable tips and tricks related to digital marketing and will be available to answer questions live.
→ BOOK HERE
CREATE THE PERFECT PITCH DECK
Crafting a compelling pitch is essential before sending anything to an investor. On Sunday, 15th September ‘24, a workshop will be hosted on how to create an impactful pitch deck. The session will cover practical tips, including design principles, to help attendees create a deck that is likely to secure investment.
→ BOOK HERE
Additionally, a free, practical guide is available for download to empower your entrepreneurial journey. For more tips and tricks, subscribe to their newsletter and follow Alexandra on Instagram!