Open Swim Studio

When I started this project, I had a very different vision in mind for what the end result would be. It happens pretty often with my branding projects actually.

The branding process is so tailored and collaborative, so even if I have an idea, things usually take a different turn once I start talking to my clients. As I get to know the business, the person or people behind it, and their goals, my perspective changes. Then the strategy changes. And then the design changes. That's just how it goes.

This project was created in collaboration with my Instagram followers (instagram.com/openswimstudio) and inspired by Uncle Iroh from Avatar the Last Airbender. The end result is a combination of Uncle Iroh's character and the input and opinions from my Instagram community.

And that's part of the beauty of branding - as you go through the process, you add information and perspective. And if it goes right, it begins to live and breathe. It becomes its own.

So the best advice I can give if/when you're developing your branding is to go in with an open mind. Collaborate with your strategist/designer to build the best brand for you and your business, even if that means it's a little different from your personal aesthetic.

The goal is a brand that excites and delights the right people, and helps you to achieve your goals.

And if you're ready to build your brand into something bigger and better, let's talk. Book a call to get started: https://openswimstudio.com/links

Here's the thing some other brand designers won't tell you: branding isn't design! Sure, if your goal with branding is to get compliments on your business's "aesthetic," then design alone might be a good fit for you.

But if your goal is to build a better, stronger business, design alone isn't going to do it. But branding can, if it's done right.

Branding is meant to be a STRATEGY, and it includes design as one component of that strategy. And while design can make a huge impact on your business's success, that only happens when it's rooted in, and supported by, strategy!

Don't fall into the trap of investing in a design-only branding package just to keep up or look "legit." Invest in strategic branding that will actually help your business grow, stand out, attract the right clients, and lead to long-term success.

That's the investment that's going to have the real ROI. That's the investment that's going to last.

And if you're ready for branding and want to make the most of it, let's talk! I only develop branding that's going to make a real impact, and I'm only taking a few more projects through the rest of 2021, so book a call with me now to get started! ✨Link in bio✨

I get asked all the time how I came up with the name Open Swim Studio.

It didn't start out as a super deep thing if I'm being honest. It started with a random word generator that spit out the word "open". Then I started brainstorming and the two concepts that came to mind were "open swim" and "open studio."

These two ideas have a few things in common: they're both times when a space or resource is made available to everyone; during both times, people of different levels are able to exist in the same space; and everyone in those spaces is working on improving & growing in their own way.

These concepts represented a lot of things I wanted my business to be: a place for everyone to be who they are; ensuring there's no minimum requirement for business owners to be a part of the Open Swim community; and open access to support and resources that will help regular businesses and people to grow.

That's why I have project options for various types of businesses regardless of income level or "success" level.

We all start somewhere, and you're welcome to start here.

Shoot me a DM or book a call (link in bio!!!) so we can chat about what branding option is best for you and your business 🙌🏼

Some fun fall mood boards for your enjoyment 🔥

Content creation is usually pretty fun for me, but I haven’t been feeling it this week. So, I just decided to have some fun.

Let me know which is your favorite down in the comments!

✴︎ Also, books are open for the Overnight Brand for September and October - you can dm me or download the investment guide for more deets! ✴︎