MUSINGS AND EDU-MACATION!

This is no ordinary blog, but rather the aim is to bridge the gap between designers and business owners on branding, illustration, and other biz topics.

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What in the Guacamole is Brand Archetypes?
Branding, Visuals, Business Tips, Process Alysha Anema | Anema Designs Branding, Visuals, Business Tips, Process Alysha Anema | Anema Designs

What in the Guacamole is Brand Archetypes?

Just like people, business brands have personalities—and yes, they can change too. In the wild world of marketing and branding, brands use archetypes as one of the ways to shape how their audience sees them.

Think of archetypes as the secret sauce that ensures your audience "feels" your brand’s vibe in a consistent way. But here’s the kicker: sometimes, your business might need to switch up its brand archetype as it grows.

Maybe, your brand started off as the Magician, you’re all about change, magic, and pushing people in the right direction. But as you’ve evolved, maybe you’re leaning more into your inner Badass, challenging the status quo and turning heads. Or perhaps you've embraced your wisdom, and now your brand’s giving off some serious Sage vibes.

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PART TWO: 7-12 most common mistakes in brand identity design with tips on how to fix it!
Branding, Visuals, Business Tips, Process Alysha Anema | Anema Designs Branding, Visuals, Business Tips, Process Alysha Anema | Anema Designs

PART TWO: 7-12 most common mistakes in brand identity design with tips on how to fix it!

This is part two of the common mistakes in brand identity and some useful tips on how to overcome it. Having a brand identity is crucial for communication, yet its existence doesn't guarantee effectiveness. Numerous large or small factors, from poor design choices to illegible text, hindering the development of a coherent and affective brand identity. Such oversights, intentional or not, can result in your brand identity not resonating with people.

Here we have compiled the last 6 common brand identity design issues as part of a list of 12 most common which you can view in the other blog post. There are some useful tips on how to upgrade your identity, differentiate your brand and connect with your people

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PART ONE: 1-6 most common mistakes in brand identity design with tips on how to fix it!
Branding, Visuals, Business Tips, Process Alysha Anema | Anema Designs Branding, Visuals, Business Tips, Process Alysha Anema | Anema Designs

PART ONE: 1-6 most common mistakes in brand identity design with tips on how to fix it!

Having a brand identity is crucial for communication, yet its existence doesn't guarantee effectiveness. Numerous large or small factors, from poor design choices to illegible text, hindering the development of a coherent and affective brand identity. Such oversights, intentional or not, can result in your brand identity not resonating with people.

Here we have compiled a list of common brand identity design issues, along with some useful tips on how to upgrade your identity, differentiate your brand and connect with your people.

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The Integral Role of Stylescapes
Branding, Visuals, Business Tips, Process Alysha Anema | Anema Designs Branding, Visuals, Business Tips, Process Alysha Anema | Anema Designs

The Integral Role of Stylescapes

Have you ever struggled with clearly communicating what you wanted or thought you knew what you wanted, only to realise it wasn't the right fit? Have you ever experienced thoughts like, 'This isn't what I pictured'? Maybe you had to explain your 'vision' to someone and ended up sounding like you were speaking gibberish, or it wasn't translated effectively, resulting in a visual misalignment.

Explore why we've incorporated stylescapes into our branding, design, and illustration process. Uncover how this strategic approach can profoundly affect and simplify your business. Stylescapes are a vital piece of our creative process, and we love the collaborative and communicative approach they bring.

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The world of colour: the origins and human behaviour behind colour.
Branding, Copywriting, Visuals, Business Tips Alysha Anema | Anema Designs Branding, Copywriting, Visuals, Business Tips Alysha Anema | Anema Designs

The world of colour: the origins and human behaviour behind colour.

In the words of J.M.W. Turner, circa 1818, "Light is therefore colour, and shadow the privation of it." These words carry profound meaning, emphasising the essential role that colour plays in our perception of the world. From the fluorescent hues of hi-vis jackets to the iconic logos of beloved brands and even the eye colour of our loved ones, colour surrounds us. But how do we truly perceive these vibrant shades and hues?

Remarkably, approximately 4.5% of the world's population experiences colour blindness or deficiency due to flaws in their cone cells.

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A World of Branding: What the Lewis Model Teaches Us About Empathetic Marketing
Branding Alysha Anema Branding Alysha Anema

A World of Branding: What the Lewis Model Teaches Us About Empathetic Marketing

Welcome back, adventurous readers! Staring at the intricate cultural tapestry of the world or your multicultural local community can feel a bit like juggling watermelons while balancing on a unicycle - quite the challenge, wouldn’t you agree? But hang on to your unicycles folks, because the Lewis Model is here to turn that challenge into a charming cha-cha!

Developed by maestro of linguistics Richard Lewis, the Lewis Model identifies different cultural communication and management styles across three main categories: Linear-Active, Multi-Active, and Reactive. The model can be used to understand how your branding will be communicated both in society and business on a global scale!

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Ever wondered what file types you should get from your designer?
Branding, Copywriting, Visuals, Business Tips Thuc Do | Fiction Agency Branding, Copywriting, Visuals, Business Tips Thuc Do | Fiction Agency

Ever wondered what file types you should get from your designer?

Have you ever eagerly sent your logo off for printing, only to have it rejected due to the wrong file format? Or maybe you've tried to make your logo bigger, only for it to turn into a pixelated mess?

Issues like these can be avoided with some foundational design education!

In this blog, we’ll break down what file types are and what they’re best used for, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. We’ve sprinkled in some pro tips too so read carefully to get the most out of your design work.

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Why and how to combine visuals + copy
Branding, Copywriting, Visuals, Business Tips Thuc Do | Fiction Agency Branding, Copywriting, Visuals, Business Tips Thuc Do | Fiction Agency

Why and how to combine visuals + copy

Imagine a world without creative design. Shock horror! I hear the screams now. What comes to mind? Is it would be just people talking to people - what?! Having word-of-mouth? Gift of the gab?

Let’s face it, creating a brand and brand awareness solely verbally, would be boring, right! I can just think about all those introverts saying nooooooo! Just like peanut butter and jelly, collateral design and marketing go hand in hand.

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These 8 beliefs about branding are holding your business back
Branding Thuc Do | Fiction Agency Branding Thuc Do | Fiction Agency

These 8 beliefs about branding are holding your business back

Debunking misconceptions, once and for all Ah, branding. One of those buzzwords that get thrown around but it can be tough to pin down exactly what it means. Even when you’ve started or are running your own business, chances are you’re still holding onto some misconceptions about branding that are keeping you from unlocking your business’ full potential.

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A quickstart guide to typography for brand communications
Branding Alysha Anema Branding Alysha Anema

A quickstart guide to typography for brand communications

Imagine a world without creative design. Shock horror! I hear the screams now. What comes to mind? Is it would be just people talking to people - what?! Having word-of-mouth? Gift of the gab?

Let’s face it, creating a brand and brand awareness solely verbally, would be boring, right! I can just think about all those introverts saying nooooooo! Just like peanut butter and jelly, collateral design and marketing go hand in hand.

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What’s in and what’s out in branding in 2023
Branding Thuc Do | Fiction Agency Branding Thuc Do | Fiction Agency

What’s in and what’s out in branding in 2023

Imagine a world without creative design. Shock horror! I hear the screams now. What comes to mind? Is it would be just people talking to people - what?! Having word-of-mouth? Gift of the gab?

Let’s face it, creating a brand and brand awareness solely verbally, would be boring, right! I can just think about all those introverts saying nooooooo! Just like peanut butter and jelly, collateral design and marketing go hand in hand.

Read More
The Sticky Brand
Branding Alysha Anema | Anema Designs Branding Alysha Anema | Anema Designs

The Sticky Brand

Imagine a world without creative design. Shock horror! I hear the screams now. What comes to mind? Is it would be just people talking to people - what?! Having word-of-mouth? Gift of the gab?

Let’s face it, creating a brand and brand awareness solely verbally, would be boring, right! I can just think about all those introverts saying nooooooo! Just like peanut butter and jelly, collateral design and marketing go hand in hand.

Read More
Top 8 creative podcasts that sparks my creativity.
Education Alysha Anema | Anema Designs Education Alysha Anema | Anema Designs

Top 8 creative podcasts that sparks my creativity.

As a freelancer sometimes working yourself can be a little quiet at times. For me it works really well to listen to other creatives, influencers, entrepreneurs and others! If you're ready to paint the ambient noise canvas with useful, entertaining, and educational content–listen to these 8 podcasts.

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