The narrative of your brand storytelling and messaging builds an emotional connection with customers and clients — and should not be overlooked. This is a powerful marketing tool you can use to differentiate your brand from your competition, and so much more. Once upon a time can grow a brand from a garage band to a full symphonic orchestra. From a video on a phone to a full-fledged blockbuster movie, and happily ever after.

Strengthening Brands Through Storytelling

Recently, two new clients reached out to us to strengthen and grow their brands. These two leaders — one a mid-sized manufacturer and the other a non-profit founder — realized their vision and mission weren’t being articulated strong enough. Their narratives were powerful, but were not being communicated in the most impactful way both internally and externally.

And these business leaders knew Front Porch Marketing would activate their superpowers to propel their brands to realize business results. These results included internal alignment, engagement, increased brand awareness and increased revenues.

Over the holidays, I was reminded of the power of storytelling by watching movies and listening to music.

Storytelling Connects Us Using Music and Movies

Courtesy of my daughter’s prompting, she and I enjoyed watching movies and listened to great music over the holidays, among other things. These experiences always remind me of the power of brand storytelling. And the success so many brands have had by doing it well.

Memorable Storytelling From Past to Present

“Let’s go to the movies, Annie,” to quote the great Daddy Warbucks. Growing up, my parents took me to musicals at The Muny and The Fabulous Fox in St. Louis, Missouri. One of the many shows I saw was Annie. My middle name before I got married was Ann. My mom thought it was cute to call me Annie any chance she could.

Wicked … the movie vs. the musical? From an early age, I was hooked on The Wizard of Oz. It could have been the ruby slippers. Who doesn’t love a good shoe? I cast myself in the garage version of The Wizard of Oz. I still can recall most of Dorothy Gale’s lines. But I had no idea what happened before Dorothy followed the yellow brick road. Whoa, there was a lot. And thanks to Wicked the musical I know the story behind the story. It was genius storytelling.

And, then came the movie this year. And it was only part one. Sign me up for part two right now. And kudos to all things Wicked the movie. The actors, the sets, the music. All of it.

Stories I’ll Remember From This Year

Red One, I thought it was brilliant. Who doesn’t want the Rock and that Captain America to save Christmas? An E.L.F. — Extremely Large and Formidable — operative joining with the world’s most accomplished tracker. As well as all the other special forces for the tooth fairy and other mystical creatures. To quote Jimmy Fallon, “Come on, bud.” So good.

And, the explanation of the North Pole? “Beam me up, Scotty.” The North Pole is a much cooler place than I ever imagined — such imaginative storytelling in this movie. The portals in the toy shop! I told Audrey I was going to start working at one. She didn’t think that was a good idea. And as far as Santa’s reindeer go, this is the only movie that I can recall that portrayed them so well. They are true forces of nature. That movie was a master class in storytelling!

Oh, and of course, Taylor Swift was a highlight of our holiday experience this year, again due to my daughter. She brought Taylor’s music back into my life. Also, thanks to my sweet girl, we have a forever memory of attending The Eras Tour in Miami, Florida. Um, excuse me for this but, “It was rare. I was there. I remember it.”

Telling The Right Story Endears Audiences

Taylor Swift is the GOAT of storytelling. She somehow connects with both an 11-year-old and a, cough, 50- something adult, in similar and different ways. Long live her words, music, talents, vision, inspiration and engagement. She is the epitome of bold, memorable storytelling.

If you are in doubt, listen to The Tortured Poets Department, which much to my daughter’s chagrin I sometimes call The Tortured Poets Society, because of my age (Dead Poets Society). I am sure the great Taylor Swift knows the magic of this movie, and realizes the impact that it had on a generation.

Waxing lyrical about brand storytelling and messaging through the lens of my holiday happenings seems like a great way to start the year on a positive note. I hope this idea of storytelling resonates with you too. If so, let us know. Or, share it with a business or nonprofit leader you know who wants to grow their businesses beyond a garage band.

Collaboration is inevitable, whether in our careers, schooling or social life. This past semester I have worked to find balance between my schooling and work. Through this, I’ve gained valuable insight into how brainstorming, critiques and suggestions are all necessary to reach meaningful results.  

Growing up, I had a difficult time taking suggestions or criticism of my work. I was quite a perfectionist in that I couldn’t help but feel that any critiques were slightly personal. Yet, as I’ve grown creatively and gotten to work with other talented creatives, I’ve shifted my perspective on collaboration. My mindset has changed from previously becoming discouraged to now feeling motivated to improve. Here are some tips that have stuck with me that I keep in mind during any project I work on.  

Tip 1: Critiques are not a Criticism of your Creativity 

In my graphic design course, my work is regularly displayed to the class for my classmates to comment on. Going into my first critique session, I was terrified for my work to be perceived by others. But after listening to the critiques and making the changes to my work, I’m able to see both aesthetic and practical improvements. This has shown me that critiques should not undermine your creativity. Ultimately, you’ve already done the work that becomes the base for any critiques you may receive. You were able to create something worth discussing and that people want to see grow to its best potential. No project is perfect from the jump, and sometimes it takes multiple sets of eyes to notice things you haven’t.  

Tip 2: Don’t Hold Back Ideas  

Growing up, I tended to hold back my ideas unless I felt confident that they would impact the conversation at hand. I became hard on myself when it came to brainstorming, often thinking that if I shared an idea people didn’t use, it was a waste of time. Recently, I’ve come to learn how harsh I was on myself and now understand the value of sharing any relevant ideas that come to mind. You never know whether your idea will have that big impact unless it’s shared, and if it doesn’t, that’s ok! Most of the time, our ideas become catalysts for others to expand their thought process. Great solutions are discovered from bouncing ideas off of one another.  

Tip 3: Push Yourself to Think Past the Safe Choice 

The most important thing to ask yourself when working on a project is if the work is a good reflection of your company. This requires you to consider your audiences and stakeholders, recognizing what they want from your business and prioritizing that. By fully understanding your audience, you can experiment creatively with your messaging. Although it’s important to stick to a cohesive brand voice, don’t be afraid of creating content outside your norm. This could mean hopping onto current trends or trying out a new advertising campaign; regardless, audiences want to see fresh, entertaining content. This is another area in which conversation is key. Speaking with others and gathering multiple opinions is the best way to grow creatively without straying away from your brand image. 

Collaboration is the backbone of the creative process. With each critique or suggestion, we learn more about our craft and improve our skills. It’s important to trust those around you, for that trust fosters innovation and can motivate groups to work towards a common goal. So, don’t be afraid to speak your mind, ask questions and learn from others — you never know which ideas will spark successful content. 

Small business owners pour their hearts into their businesses, so it’s no surprise that branding and messaging often feel deeply personal. But here’s the truth: effective marketing isn’t about what you like — it’s about what resonates with your audience. A message that caters to your audience’s needs, desires, and emotions is what drives connection, loyalty, and sales.

Yet, business owners sometimes unintentionally center their messaging on themselves or their products, missing opportunities to truly engage with their target audience. Shifting focus to your audience helps avoid two common pitfalls: talking too much about yourself and focusing solely on the product.

Why Audience-Centric Messaging Matters

Think about your favorite brands. Do you love them because they talk about how great they are? Or do you love them because they speak directly to your needs, solve your problems, or make you feel something?

Great messaging connects with people by addressing their emotions, solving their pain points, or helping them imagine a better future. It says, “We see you, and we’re here for you.” For small businesses, this means stepping back and crafting a message that puts your customers in the spotlight — not you or your product.

When you shift your perspective this way, your messaging becomes more relatable and impactful, fostering stronger relationships with your audience.

Pitfall 1: Talking Too Much About Yourself

It’s natural to feel proud of your accomplishments as a business owner. Maybe you’ve built something from the ground up, developed expertise in your field, or created a product you truly love. But when your messaging focuses too heavily on you, it can alienate your audience.

Statements like:

• “We’re the best in the business.”
• “Our founder has 20 years of experience.”
• “I wanted to create something that reflected my vision.”

…don’t tell your audience what’s in it for them. Instead, shift the focus with language like:

• “You deserve the best service, and we deliver it.”
• “You’ll benefit from two decades of expertise, ensuring a seamless experience.”
• “This product was designed with your needs in mind, to make your life easier.”

This doesn’t mean you should erase yourself from your brand entirely. Your story can add authenticity and personality, but it should always serve the audience. For example, share your “why” in a way that connects with their values:

• “As a busy parent, I know how hard it can be to find safe, eco-friendly toys. That’s why I created this line — to give families like yours peace of mind.”

Pitfall 2: Focusing Messaging Solely on the Product

The second common misstep is centering your message entirely on the features of your product or service. While features are important, they’re not the primary reason people buy something. They buy based on how the product makes them feel or because of the problem it solves.

Let’s say you own a coffee shop. Instead of simply advertising:

• “We serve organic, fair-trade coffee roasted in-house.”

Focus on what that means for the customer:

• “Start your morning with a cup of coffee you can feel good about—delicious, sustainable, and crafted just for you.”

Or, if you’re promoting a skincare line, shift from:

• “Our moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid and SPF 30.”

To:

• “Feel confident in your skin all day long with hydration that lasts and sun protection you can trust.”

The key is to connect features with benefits. Features tell what the product does; benefits explain why that matters to your audience.

How to Shift Your Messaging Focus

1. Start with Empathy: What are your audience’s pain points, goals, and values? Make these the foundation of your messaging.
2. Use “You” Language: Speak directly to your audience. Replace “We” and “I” with “You” wherever possible.
3. Test Your Messaging: When reviewing your messaging, ask yourself, Would my target customer care about this? If the answer is no, refocus on what matters to them.

Build a Connection, Not a Lecture

Your brand’s messaging isn’t for you — it’s for your audience. By shifting your focus from self-promotion and product features to addressing your audience’s needs and emotions, you can create marketing that truly resonates. Remember: it’s not about telling your story; it’s about how your story fits into theirs. When you prioritize their perspective, you’re not just selling — you’re building a relationship that lasts.

During my senior fall semester at the University of Arkansas, I am taking courses that challenge my creative thinking. One of my courses, Creative Strategy, focuses entirely on developing an advertising strategy for a client of our choice. After defining target audiences and brainstorming strategic approaches, we reached the central reason for the course: writing our creative strategy statement.  

What is a creative strategy statement? 

This statement defines the purpose of a campaign and identifies how advertising and marketing efforts will benefit target consumers. Each aspect of a campaign should consider how it can bring value to its audience, and this strategy statement helps make ideas more tangible and attainable.  

How should you prepare to write one? 

Before writing this statement, the campaign team needs to have conducted the necessary research. The creative strategy statement is a great tool to guide advertising strategy and development, so it’s important to properly prepare to write it. This means taking time to define key elements of the campaign, which can be done by: 

• Customer research: Who are your current and potential consumers? What can you learn from their behaviors that may dictate how this new campaign appeals to an audience? 
• SWOT analysis: A SWOT analysis is a classic method for analyzing your brand – and for good reason. Writing out the benefits and challenges that your brand faces compared to competitors can help you discover innovative ways to meet consumer needs. 
• Current advertising approaches: Looking at and dissecting current advertising can reveal a lot about what works and what doesn’t. From analytics to behavioral reactions, there are multiple ways that a brand can strengthen its advertising presence. Then, the brand can become more distinguishable by ditching what’s not working and enhancing what is. 

What should it include? 

These statements should be succinct, only using a few sentences to provide relevant information. Developing these statements may look different depending on the client or the campaign, but important details include: 

• A description of the target market: Who do you want to reach, and what characteristics are necessary to consider when developing material? 
• Benefits offered: Why should your target audience pay attention to this campaign? What value can they get out of it that incentivizes action?  
• Customer need addressed: Offering benefits is only important if they directly and positively impact the consumer. What need does the target market have that the campaign can satisfy? 

What does this statement mean for the campaign? 

The information provided in this statement connects the strategic with the creative. Writing out the necessary details provides the parameters that advertising and marketing materials need to guide them. This statement can also help a team ensure they have thoroughly and accurately identified the target market, selling argument and tone of the campaign.  

As I enter the second half of my fall semester, the course is shifting to the development of creative work. From magazine ads to a digital ad series, my work from now on will be guided by the creative strategy statement. By combining research and recognizing the needs to be addressed, the statement is a great tool to ensure campaign materials are cohesive and on strategy.  

A brand’s visual identity is more than a logo or color palette —  it’s the visual representation your business’s values, mission, and personality. For small businesses and non-profits, a well-crafted identity builds recognition and trust. However, as these organizations grow and evolve, branding may need to change to reflect new goals, audiences, or offerings.

Why Evolve Your Visual Identity?

The decision to update or overhaul a visual identity often stems from growth or change. Here are key reasons a brand might evolve:

1. Business Expansion: As businesses introduce new services or products, their branding may no longer reflect the full scope of their offerings.
2. Shifting Target Audience: As the organization grows, its audience may broaden, requiring visuals that appeal to a wider or different demographic.
3. Modernization: Visual trends change over time, and keeping a brand fresh ensures it remains relevant.
4. Increased Professionalism: Many small businesses and non-profits start with DIY branding. As they mature, a polished identity can better reflect their level of professionalism, and dial up the credibility.

Key Elements of a Visual Identity

When evolving a brand’s visual identity, several components come into play:

1. Logo

The logo is the anchor of a brand’s visual identity. A redesign might simplify or modernize it while maintaining familiar elements for consistency. Updating or streamlining symbols can make a logo more versatile and contemporary.

2. Color Palette

Color evokes emotion and conveys values. Refreshing a brand’s color palette can help better align it with the organization’s current mission. Updating colors to align with trends can also modernize a brand’s visual identity.

3. Typography

Fonts communicate personality and tone. As businesses mature, they may shift from playful fonts to more professional ones. Introducing new fonts or pairing complementary styles can enhance both readability and brand perception.

4. Imagery and Graphics

Visuals, such as icons and patterns, help communicate the brand’s personality. Evolving these elements to align with the brand’s current focus ensures a cohesive look. For instance, non-profits may shift from abstract graphics to real-world photography as they grow their impact.

The Visual Identity Refresh vs. Rebrand

When evolving a visual identity, it’s important to determine whether your organization needs a refresh or a full rebrand. A refresh updates key elements (like colors or fonts) while keeping the core identity intact. This option is ideal for businesses looking to modernize without losing recognition. A rebrand is a complete overhaul, suitable for organizations undergoing significant shifts in their focus or mission.

Impact of a Refreshed Visual Identity

A refreshed visual identity signals growth and professionalism. It can attract new customers or supporters and keep your existing audience engaged. Modernizing your brand positions you as adaptable and forward-thinking, creating stronger emotional connections with your audience. Evolving with purpose is the goal.

For small businesses and non-profits, evolving a brand’s visual identity is about aligning with new goals and audiences. Thoughtful updates can amplify your message, improve recognition, and ultimately lead to greater success. Whether you’re expanding your business or growing your non-profit’s impact, evolving your visual identity ensures you stay relevant and resonate with the people you serve.

In marketing, innovation in creativity is crucial; but can you measure creativity? How do you know if a logo, ad, website, or campaign is truly successful? Is it just about likes, shares, and clicks, or is there something else we should be measuring? Success and impact can be interpreted in many different ways depending on the goals of the creative.

Defining Success: Start with Clear Goals

Before you establish KPIs (key performance indicators), the most important question to ask is:

“What does success look like for THIS creative project?”

This question should be at the heart of any creative brief. Without a clear definition of success upfront, it’s impossible to measure the effectiveness when you measure creativity.

For some clients, success might mean brand awareness. For others, it could be about changing consumer behavior. Creative work designed to boost sales will have different measures of success compared to one focused on building a brand. Defining goals early on ensures the creative team can craft work that aligns with the client’s expectations and makes measuring success straightforward.

Measure Creativity for Excellence and Business Results

Creatives naturally focus on the artistry behind the work — how visually compelling, emotionally resonant, or innovative it is. And while creativity is essential, it’s important to balance artistic excellence with business objectives. After all, the goal is to create work that not only looks amazing and speaks in brand voice, but also delivers results like lead generation and sales.

Key Metrics for Measuring Creativity Success

Here are some of the key KPIs to look at when measuring creativity:

Brand Awareness Metrics

Impressions and Reach: This tells us how many people saw to the creative. It is important for brand awareness projects, where the goal is to get the brand in front of as many eyes as possible.

Brand Lift Studies: These studies measure the increase in awareness or perception of a brand after exposure to a campaign. They are valuable tools for understanding how well a campaign has boosted brand recognition.

Engagement Metrics

Clicks, Likes, Shares, and Comments: While these metrics are often the most visible, they shouldn’t be the only indicators of success. High engagement shows that the audience is interacting with the content, but it’s important to dig deeper. Are the comments positive? Are the shares coming from your target audience?

Time Spent on Content: Measuring how long users spend interacting with your content, such as watching a video or visiting your website (bounce rate), can give a more meaningful indication of engagement.

Conversion Metrics

Click-Through Rate (CTR): This metric tracks the percentage of users who clicked on a link or call to action (CTA). It’s a good indicator of how well the creative has inspired action.

Conversion Rate: This is the ultimate measure of success focused on driving sales, sign-ups, or other actions. It tells us how many users completed a desired action.

Cost Per Conversion (CPC): For performance-driven campaigns, this metric reveals how efficient it is in driving conversions. A lower CPC means the campaign is delivering results cost-effectively.

Behavioral Change Metrics

Customer Retention and Loyalty: If the goal is to change consumer behavior or build long-term loyalty, metrics like repeat purchases, subscription renewals, or increased usage of a service are essential.

Survey Responses and Brand Sentiment: This analysis (e.g., using social listening tools) can help measure shifts in consumer perception, loyalty, or trust in the brand.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Sales and Revenue Impact: Ultimately, many campaigns are judged by their impact on sales. Calculating the ROI helps determine if the investment in creative development and media spend led to an increase in revenue or profitability.

Attribution Models: It’s crucial to understand which touchpoints in a multi-channel campaign contributed to conversions. Attribution models help allocate credit to different parts of the campaign, giving a clearer picture of which parts are driving success.

The Intangible Impact When You Measure Creativity

Not all success can be measured by numbers. Some of the most important outcomes of creative work are harder to track with traditional metrics. For instance:

• Cultural Relevance: Did the creative become a part of the cultural conversation? Was it referenced in media or among consumers in a way that went above and beyond the initial goals?
• Emotional Resonance: Did the creative evoke the desired emotional response from the audience? Creativity that strikes a deep emotional chord can lead to lasting brand loyalty, even if it’s not immediately measurable in terms of clicks or sales.

Long-Term Impact of Creative: The Bigger Picture

Creative success doesn’t always show up immediately. In many cases, especially with brand-building or perception-changing campaigns, the true impact is felt over time. That’s why it’s important to continue to monitor brand health metrics. Surveys, focus groups, and long-term tracking studies can reveal shifts in brand loyalty, sentiment, and customer behavior that directly correlate with marketing and creative efforts.

Overall, creative work’s goal is to inspire, engage, and ultimately drive action. But it should also contribute to the long-term success of the brand. When measuring creativity with both short-term and long-term impact, we can truly understand the value of creative efforts and continue to refine approaches to deliver even greater results in the future.

When was the last time you embarked on producing video projects for a client? For most of us the probability is high as they aren’t every day, week or month projects. So, while video production is FUN and it’s important to be aware of video marketing trends, it can also be a hectic time. We might have a vision in our head of how we want the finished product to turn out, but it takes a lot of work to get there.

From the planning that takes place during preproduction, to shooting the content during production and editing the footage during postproduction it can all become a little overwhelming. Let’s spend a few minutes walking through the process from start to finish, so your next video project is smooth sailing.

Preproduction for Video Projects Is Important

Let the planning begin! All successful video projects start with a buttoned-up plan. While the list below might not be all-inclusive, it can be used as a springboard to get started.

• Kickoff Planning Meeting(s)
  First things first, you need to gather the key players to define the objective and goals of the video.
• Create a Project Overview.
  This document outlines the following elements of the shoot:
  • Objective
  • Goals
  • Project Scope
    • Video Content
    • Shoot Location, Duration, Dates and Delivery of Final Product
  • Estimate
    • This can encompass storyboarding/scripting, videographer costs (pre/production/post), photographer costs, project management, expenses (mileage, music, stock footage, meals, hair/makeup, wardrobe, meals, talent, etc.).
• Shoot Deliverables
  Once a video projects’ overview document and estimate has been client approved, it’s time to get busy on the deliverables.
  • Create a detailed project timeline and assign team responsibilities.
  • Secure the videographer and talent, photographer, hair/makeup and wardrobe (if needed).
  • Develop the script and storyboard.
  • Scout the location.
  • Schedule the shoot. Create a detailed timeline for the day(s) of filming. Make sure everyone knows when and where to be and include contact names and phone numbers.
  • And don’t forget the food. The last thing you want is a hangry team!

It’s Time to Create Your Video Project: Production

The plan is set, and it is time for filming to commence.

It’s finally time to implement all the careful planning that has taken place. The video team will arrive well before the talent to set up the camera equipment, lighting, mikes, teleprompter. The set will also need to be prepped for filming. That might mean setting up any props, adjusting furniture, etc.

Next comes the hair/makeup/wardrobe team and talent. While the video team is finalizing film prep, the talent is becoming camera ready.

The film crew, set and talent are ready so its time for a quick walk through to make sure everyone is comfortable with their roles and knows the process/filming order for the day. And remember, there are going to be hiccups. Set or script adjustments need to be made. Someone is running late. There is a wardrobe malfunction. Remember to breathe and that every problem has a solution.

So now…Quiet on the set! Action!  

Postproduction of Your Video Project

The film is ‘in the can’ and postproduction is ready to commence.

During this phase the videographer will sort and organize all of the raw footage, edit the video to tell your story, add graphics and voice and music tracks. When you are happy with the edited piece it is ready to share with your client for feedback.

Once client approved, you can then develop the different video formats needed and deliver the finished product for distribution through your various marketing channels.

Now that you know the roadmap for video project production, it’s time for you to create your masterpiece.

In the world of marketing, advertising, and PR creativity is often king, but collaborating is the key to the kingdom. One of the most rewarding — and sometimes challenging — aspects of a creative’s job is working with clients to bring their vision to life while also ensuring it aligns with the broader strategy. This delicate balance between creativity and strategy, vision and execution, is what transforms ideas into impactful campaigns.

Understanding the Client’s Vision

Every client comes to an agency with a unique perspective, a set of goals, and a deep understanding of their brand. Our job as creatives is to tap into that knowledge, absorb their vision, and expand on it in ways they may not have initially considered. The first step in this collaborating process is active listening — really hearing what the client is saying, understanding their pain points, and grasping the nuances of their brand story.

Next, we might dive deeper into the client’s brand, their target audience, and their market landscape. This isn’t just about gathering information; it’s about building trust. When clients feel heard and understood, they are more open to collaborating and more receptive to creative ideas that may push the envelope.

Collaborating Means Balancing Vision with Strategic Insight

Once we have a clear picture of the client’s vision, the next step is to balance it with strategic insights. This is where the magic happens. Creativity needs direction, and strategy provides the roadmap. A great idea that doesn’t align with a client’s business objectives is just a great idea — it doesn’t necessarily translate into results.

To bridge the gap between creative concepts and strategic goals, we ask ourselves a few key questions: Does this idea align with the brand’s core values? Does it speak to the target audience in a meaningful way? Will it stand out in the market and drive the desired action? These questions help us shape concepts that are not only imaginative but also effective. Here we create brand elaborations, message maps, and creative briefs. These are the steering documents for all our creative work.

Turning Feedback into Fuel for Creative Collaborating

Feedback is an inevitable part of the collaborative creative process. And while it’s easy to see feedback as a roadblock, it’s more productive to view it as fuel for creativity. Often, clients provide feedback based on their intimate knowledge of their brand or their industry, offering insights that can elevate a campaign to new heights. It’s the collaborating back-and-forth between client and creative that produces a successful result.

The key is to embrace feedback with an open mind, distill the constructive elements, and use them to refine ideas. Some of the most creative and successful campaigns can come out of what initially seems like challenging feedback. Reframing feedback as a collaborative tool rather than a critique turns potential setbacks into creative opportunities.

Navigating Creative Differences

There will be times when creative differences arise — when an agency’s vision and the client’s vision don’t quite align. This is where strong communication skills and a little bit of diplomacy are important. It’s essential to clearly articulate the reasoning behind a creative choices, backed by data, market research, or past campaign success. For instance, when we present new logo ideas, we include a 2-sentence rationale for each one on why it works. We try to remain open to compromise and flexible enough to adapt our ideas.

In many cases, these differences can lead to a healthy dialogue that pushes both parties to think more creatively and strategically. Finding common ground isn’t about one side winning, it’s about aligning efforts to serve the brand’s greater good. Afterall, we’re all in this together!

Celebrating Wins, Big and Small

Collaborating successfully with clients isn’t just about delivering great work; it’s also about celebrating the journey together. Whether it’s hitting a key milestone, launching a new campaign, or achieving impressive results, recognizing these wins fosters a sense of partnership and shared accomplishment. When they win, we all win!

Celebrating these wins strengthens client relationships and builds trust. It also sets the stage for future collaborating on other projects, creating an environment where clients feel confident that we are just as invested in their success as they are. It’s the Front Porch way.

The Art of Creative Collaborating

At the end of the day, collaborating with clients is an art. It requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to see things from another perspective. It’s about merging the client’s vision with creative strategy to create campaigns that are not only beautiful and bold but also strategically sound and results-driven.

When done right, this collaborative process becomes a powerful tool that drives innovation and success for both the client and the agency. And that’s what makes every project, every meeting, and every brainstorm worth it. It’s not just about making marketing; it’s about making a difference.

Getting out of your artistic comfort zone can be really scary. It can be intimidating to pick up a new medium and try to learn a new skill. But artistic growth often thrives when you get out of your comfort zone. If you want to try new things and push your creative boundaries, here are some tips that can help you do so.

Try a New Medium to Expand Your Artistic Comfort Zone 

Trying a new medium can be scary but it’s one of the quickest ways to break out of your comfort zone. If you’re a painter who works with acrylics, why not try watercolor or oil paints? If you like to draw with just your pencil, try out pastels, colored pencils, or even charcoal. Try clay sculpting if you usually stick to drawing on paper. Try scrapbooking if you enjoy designing online. There are so many options to try out.

My favorite thing is to go to a craft store and pick a craft I wouldn’t normally pick up. That is how I got into punching needling and embroidery. There are so many avenues you can go down and luckily it’s easy to look up help when things get tough. By working with different materials, you will challenge your skills and maybe ignite a new passion. 

Collaborate with Others 

Partnering with other artists introduces you to new techniques and perspectives. It can inspire new ideas and approaches to your art. Getting together with an artistic group will give you an opportunity to try out new methods. If one artist uses a certain medium that you are not familiar with, let them teach you their skills. It’s always good to bounce ideas off of others to gain knowledge and perspective on a new medium. 

Attend Classes Outside of Your Artistic Comfort Zone

Enrolling in a class or a workshop outside your medium can open up new avenues for exploration. There are many resources online that can help you such as YouTube, Masterclasses, and sometimes even your local community college. There are also in person classes at your local craft store, libraries, or even museums that you can sign up for. Embrace a new venture, don’t let the fear of failure hold you back from trying new things. 

Embrace Failure 

When reaching outside of your artistic comfort zone, making mistakes is a natural part of the creative process. If you don’t make mistakes then you’re not learning. Each mistake is an opportunity for growth. It’s okay if you try something for the first time that doesn’t meet your expectations. At least you’re stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. 

Stepping out of your artistic comfort zone is a journey of exploration and self-discovery. By experimenting with new mediums, seeking feedback from others, and trying new things, you’ll not only enhance your skills but maybe find a new passion for a new craft.

When using images to market your business, photography tips can make a big difference in sharing your brand’s image with the world. Don’t just take any picture — take the right picture. And think before you snap. Planning out your brand or product photography will make this time well spent. Think about all the places you will use the photography (ie social media, ads, website, etc) and plan your shots to show your product in the best way possible.

1. This Photography Tip Starts Before You Take a Picture: Understand Your Brand and Your Market

Understanding your brand/market is the first step to knowing what kind of photos you need. Get an idea of what you want to convey to your audience and what values you want to

display. Something to help you understand is to create a mood board of photography styles you like or just an overall aesthetic. Websites such as Pinterest is perfect for creating a mood board.

2. Invest in High-Quality Equipment

Make sure you have a good camera and lenses that can help you with your photography. There are many lenses that would better suit your needs, depending on what you want to shoot. Do some prior research on what cameras are best for what you want to achieve. Overall, when looking for a camera, this website that can help with figuring out what camera would be the best fit. 

3. Learning the Fundamentals Is A Photography Tip To Start With

Composition techniques will help you make visually appealing photos and help with your overall image. Framing and using the rule of thirds is very beneficial when you are taking photos of products, people, and places. Learning these techniques will elevate your photos and give a more professional feel to them.

4. Use the Best Lighting

Overall natural light develops the best results. Depending on the time of day, it can make or break your photos. Choosing morning or later evening times when the sun is lower, results in a softer light and a better image. If you want to shoot inside invest in soft boxes and flashes. For product photography, it’s best to have bright lights and a solid background to get that professional look.

5. Highlight Your Product or Services

Showcase your products and services in action and show how they can benefit your customers. Focus on capturing your brand and the overall message you want to convey to your audience. Photography tip: Show your product or services in a real-life setting, capturing action shots or setting up a still life. 

6. Biggest Photography Tip: Edit, edit, edit!

Use editing software such as Lightroom or Photoshop to enhance your images. Adjusting brightness, highlights, contrast, and colors will ensure your photos look professional. There are also photo editing tips on YouTube for those who want to get into editing more. And finally, here is a website that has some photography tips and tricks for a beginner.

Photography Tips Can Help Make Your Brand Stronger

Overall, you can create solid brand or product photography by taking the time to plan out what you will need, learn the photography tips, and use your time and resources efficiently — to make your brand stronger.