Boldly Design

Unlock the power of consistent branding across your marketing materials to boost your sales. From standing out in a crowded market to building trust and sparking emotional connections, I can help your brand shine through and elevate your game.

Consistent branding means not getting distracted by the next pretty trend that catches your eye. By using the same fonts, colours, patterns, tone of voice, and most importantly logo every time you market your business you will be recognised as a quality brand. A strong brand looks, feels, and screams quality. Because what you offer is more than a product or service - it's an experience. The experience is the reason your customers are happy to pay a bit more.

Not only that, consistency builds trust. It's like a secret handshake between you and your customers, making them choose you every single time.

Stand out and shine. Have you got marketing collateral – business cards, brochures, posters, banners, workbooks, booklets, lead magnets, social media images sitting in the dreaded “I’ll deal with it tomorrow pile”? Are you putting it off because your time is better spent elsewhere? Are you tired of the DIY design looking muddled and not making the impact you need it to? Then I’d love to chat with you about how I can help. I have a few design slots available before I head away next month or I can book you in for mid-September.

Have you checked out The Creative Entrepreneurs Freebie Bundle yet? Be quick, because it's closing soon!

This treasure trove of resources ends at 9am Sunday, but we don't want you to miss out!

There's a Linkedin Credibility check, Strategies to Attract Clients, a Profit First Masterclass, a Canva mini-course, and an awesome guide to choosing brand colours from me plus heaps more.

https://go.sweetspotbusinesscoaching.co.nz/freebie-bundle

Is it time to level up your entrepreneurial game and be inspired to live a life you truly love! I'm super excited to share The Creative Entrepreneurs Freebie Bundle with you! This limited-time offer is packed with brilliant tips and practical tools shared by a group of talented creative entrepreneurs, myself included!

But here's the deal: the clock is ticking! You've got just 96 hours to grab these resources before they're gone! So, click the link below and dive into this treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration!

Don't miss out, my friends! Let's empower each other on this journey!

https://go.sweetspotbusinesscoaching.co.nz/freebie-bundle

Have you signed up for this free training with Sweet Spot Business Coaching yet? It starts next week, so don't wait. Double your sign-up rates and authentically attract the clients you want to work with.

During this week of high-value FREE training you'll learn how to:
• Become known for your expertise
• Be referred by people who have never even met you
• Turn your knowledge into an irresistible package/offer
• Stand out and be seen and heard in a noisy world
• Identify your potential clients' biggest problem in less than 3 seconds
• Banish awkward sales conversations forever- but increase your client sign-up rate!

To register, click my unique affiliate link https://boldcatnz.krtra.com/t/P9VfIm6LXNrK

I can highly recommend Sarah's training, she is supportive and knowledgeable and will help you and your business thrive.

I’ll let you in on a little secret – the best design work comes about because the client was prepared with a little knowledge and clarity. While I (like every great designer) will give you 110%, a great outcome requires the client to do a bit of homework too.

This blog shares my top seven things that the best clients have all figured out before we start. https://bit.ly/beforegd

𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝘃𝗮? Templates help ensure you keep a consistent look across your brand, you have a professionally designed base to work with that follows important design principles and you save your important time by being able to just grab a template, add the text and/or photo, and post.

Templates are great for social media, client proposals, reports - anything that you find yourself repeating the base and just needing to change some of the content.

If Canva is not your thing, I've also been playing around with an NZ developed alternative called Dzyn Space. And I use most other common software, so let's have a chat to see how we can make your life easier and your brand looking great.

𝗜𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗹𝗱? I work with service-based small businesses that want to stand out with vibrant and exciting visual marketing communications tailored to attract their ideal client.

I'm excited to share with you that Sarah Davies from Sweet Spot Business Coaching is running a 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻-𝘂𝗽 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲.

Sarah is a strategist and coach for service businesses and has a deep understanding of what makes a business successful. If you're a coach, consultant, or creative - this is for you!

I have known and worked with Sarah for years and she really cares about you and understands what it is like to run a small business while life throws curveballs.

Register here: https://boldcatnz.krtra.com/t/P9VfIm6LXNrK

(Heads up - this is an affiliate link - the training week is free but if you join Sarah's program, Beyond the Hourly Rate, she will give me a thank you)

An Autumn colour palette from this photo, taken by Miss 16, while we visited the University of Canterbury campus.

Great for brands that want to have an organic, family, warm, and cosy vibe.

If you are heading to the Auckland Home Show this weekend, look out for Interior Designer Natasha from Designns / Interior Design - Interior Styling. You'll find her with this fab banner and flyers designed and printed by me.

Although text still has an important place in marketing, research proves that visuals are far more powerful drivers of engagement and conversions.

Recession, inflation, and all those other lovely words are adding to business stress, so how can we attract clients NOW? When it seems like we are doing everything we can and still getting lost.

You need something more than our words to do the talking. Something that can connect with your ideal client at a deeper level, in a split second.

You need your branding, your website, and your visual marketing to do the talking for you, so you stand out from EVERYONE else in your niche - and quick.

Luckily you know a pretty clever graphic designer who loves creating standout designs to help you do just that. If you've been meaning to get your brand sorted, then I'd love to help.

I can help you with a new logo, a new website, social media graphics, a lead magnet, Canva templates, newsletters, brochures, business cards and more.

And we're off... Miss 16 and I are heading away on our annual trip to our all-time favourite ice cream shop. She has to earn that ice cream first as she competes in the CSG gymnastics competition this weekend in Christchurch.

What's your favourite thing to do in Christchurch? We have a spare day and this is our 4th year down here, so we're looking for something a bit different to do.

There is a quote by Seth Godin that has always stuck with me and it is: "𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒅𝒐 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒃𝒖𝒚 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒃𝒖𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔, 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄." What does that actually mean? It means if you want people to hire you or buy your product, you need to show up as a human and fill your marketing with stories and magic.

Here are my top 3 tips on how to humanise your brand.

Let me know if you are doing any of these currently in your biz?

Have a lovely Easter. I hope you see some sunshine, make happy memories and take some time for you . . . oh and feast on chocolate.

Design trends come and go but there is one trend I am watching with interest at the moment and that is 90s nostalgia. Vibrant colours, crazy fonts, and abstract shapes are popping up all over graphic design groups.

The revival of 90s shows on Netflix etc is definitely helping the comeback wave and I am here for it. If you want smiley faces, fun patterns, and gradients I am here to help.

What do you think? Does a 90s look suit your brand? Do you want to see 90s-inspired designs in your social feeds?

Be kind to parents this April (and every month really). This month is particularly tough as kids are only at school for 7 days - Easter, school holidays, a teacher-only day, and Anzac day all fall this month.

If you are a parent, go easy on yourself. If you work with a parent/s give them wine - it will help.

Can't think, can't get stuff done, just numb. You're in a biz slump.

We have all been there. Entrepreneur life can get exhausting, right?
You aren't failing, you are just tired.

Here are 5 tips to get out of a biz slump.

𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸. It is important to rest and step away before you reach complete burnout. Go on book that long weekend away now!

𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲. When things get hard we often forget about all the good stuff we have achieved. Make a list of your achievements and realise how far you have come. You're pretty awesome.

𝗗𝗼 𝗳𝘂𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗳𝗳. Focus on that hobby you love and let your brain run free for a bit. Not everything has to be about business and making money.

𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘁. Sometimes we need to complain out loud just to get it out of our system. We can also get a clear sense of reality when actually articulating it.

𝗚𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸. Get some fresh air, vitamin D, and a new perspective.

Do you have any tips to add to the list?

Are you hesitant to send people to your website because it is unfinished • embarrassing • a hot mess • confusing • out of date • broken? Eeeeek website shame is the WORST.

Here are my top 5 signs that it is time to invest in a new website. So whaddya think, is it time for you to upgrade?

𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧: 𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗟 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦
Yes, I can help you with your newsletters? You supply the content and I'll put your newsletter together all ready for you to send.

• Save your precious time
• Your newsletter will look great with an engaging design, your readers will be excited to receive it and they will read it
• Your newsletter will stay consistent with your brand style
• Your newsletter will be readable on desktop and mobile
• I'll help to keep you on schedule so your newsletters are regular

Newsletters are a great way to stay in touch with clients and prospective clients who want to hear from you. You'll build trust and credibility as the expert in your field.

I can use Mailchimp, MailerLite, and my favourite Flodesk. Each platform has its pros and cons, we can discuss which is best for your needs.

This is an awesome opportunity for a purpose-driven organisation to get a FREE Impact Video Shoot Package.

Carrie is an awesome videographer who will really look after you and help your organisation make an impact.

I LOVE a useful free business tool and that is why today I am sharing with you my top 5 FREE & BRILLIANT biz tools, so you can love them too!

1. Calendly - for easy appointment/meeting bookings
2. Loom - for making quick onscreen videos
3. Trello - for organising
4. Dropbox - for file storage and backups
5. We Transfer - for sharing large files

What are your favourite free business tools?

Here's a green colour palette with a kiwi twist for St Paddy's day. This is a Chorus Cicada, photo taken by my Miss 15 who has quite an infatuation with these insects that are the sound of summer.

This would be a great palette for an outdoor, wellness, or any brand wanting a fresh energetic vibe.

It can be scary to lock in an "ideal client" and only market to them but, trust me, when you do it makes marketing to and serving your audience sooooo much easier.

Being a generalist makes it easy for people to overlook you but if you are an expert in a specific field you will become a magnet for those people 🧲

Also when you’re focused on solving a specific problem for a specific audience, it means you can charge higher prices which is always a BIG WIN.

Here are the top 3 things you need to know about your ideal client in order to connect and sell to them with ease

How clear are you about your ideal client?

Just finished this A5, 16-page programme for the Albert-Eden & Puketāpapa Eco Festival. Loads of great events for anyone interested in creating local solutions to climate change.

The link to view the complete booklet is in the comments.

You've heard me talking about brand consistency and how important it is. Sometimes though you just have to give in to those who sit in offices controlling the red tape.

It's kinda weird to some a blue Mcdonald's sign. If you weren't expecting it, you'd question whether it was the real deal.

These are the only blue McDonald's arches in the world Find out how this town gave McDonald's a makeover.

Kind Face creates products that revitalise people with better sleep, greater relaxation, and improved comfort. Think pillows, eye masks, draught stoppers, and heat packs.
They recently approached me for help tidying up the range of icons they use to show the benefits and properties of their products.

The idea was to have a consistent style across all the icons so the brand looks cohesive. We achieved that by making sure the drawing style was the same, along with even line weight and ends.

Check out their products on the website www.kindface.co.nz to see them in use.

Are you aware that your brand is way more than just your logo? A visual brand identity is made up of many pieces:
• Logo
• Colour palette
• Typography
• Photography/Illustrations/ Graphic Elements
• Layout Style

All of these elements brought together is your visual brand! This is just one more reason why DIY-ing your brand can get overwhelming + messy + inconsistent.

Do you currently have all of these brand elements for your business?

Does your brand look a bit like a patchwork quilt? A total mish-mash of different styles and colours? Well, that is NOT GREAT.

Brand Consistency is super important for your overall business success, why? Well here are some pretty eye-opening stats:
• It takes an average of 5 to 7 brand impressions for a customer to remember your brand
• Consistent brand presentation increases that brand’s revenue by an average of 23%
• 81% of global brands involved in localised marketing cite “communicating a consistent brand message” as a top organisational priority

Are you starting to understand the importance of brand consistency more now? Well, I have gone one step better and put together a Brand Consistency Checklist for you so you can do a bit of an audit of your current branding.

Complete the checklist and get some insight into any changes you need to make moving forward.

Head to my website boldly.co.nz and download your FREE Brand Consistency Checklist now.

Research shows that the proper use of colour increases brand recognition by 80%. It also raises the visual appearance by 93%. A further 85% of consumers buy because of colour.

We tend to process and remember colourful images better than those that are black and white. Because people see color before anything else.

Color triggers physical, emotional, and cognitive effects. That's why Stop signs are red. Red screams warning / danger / pay attention to me.