How to build a personal brand in 6 steps

Are you curious as to why everyone for quite a while has been raving about a personal brand? It’s no surprise that in the digital age, social media-savvy graphic designers are finding it increasingly important to have an intentional and creative representation of themselves online. The reason behind the rise of personal branding has been driven by the expanding markets created through platforms such as Instagram and YouTube, alongside galleries for logos and illustrations run on websites like ours – Freepik. 

Taking control over your own narrative in unique ways and a well-thought-out personal brand can help you establish yourself as an expert on topics related to graphic design – from critical feedback sessions to platform tutorials. 

So, if you’re looking to tap into this trend in order to break into your dream field or just stand out among your peers, then read on for our comprehensive guide on crafting influential personal brands for successful graphic designers.

What is a personal brand?

A personal brand is more than just a clever tagline and a fancy logo. It’s the image you project to the world; the way people perceive you and the things you have to offer. Think of it as the story of YOU, your values, your goals, and your motivations wrapped up neatly in a personal package. 

Benefits of personal branding

In today’s digital age, creators and entrepreneurs need a strong personal brand more than ever. It’s the easiest way to stand out in a crowded market, establish yourself as an expert, and gain trust with your audience. So don’t be afraid to be original, bold, and embrace the unique things that make you, you. Because when it comes to your personal brand, you are the protagonist, and the possibilities are endless.

As the creator of your brand, you’ll have the power to shape your narrative and showcase your strengths. By sharing your story and accomplishments with others, you can build a network of loyal followers who believe in your vision and want to help you succeed. Hence, if you want to take your career to the next level, consider investing in your personal brand. The benefits are endless, and the results can be truly transformative!

How to build a personal brand in 6 steps

Identify your Unique Selling Point (USP): What makes you stand out from the crowd

Every graphic designer has a unique set of skills, talents, and an individual way of looking at things. Hence, your USP is all that sets you apart from the sea of other designers out there. Perhaps you have a keen eye for typography, an exceptional ability to tell visual stories, or a passion for creating designs that are functional. Whatever it may be, it’s essential to focus on it and use it to your advantage. By honing in on your unique strengths and abilities, you can create a brand that actually distinguishes itself, making you the obvious choice for clients looking for a highly skilled and individualized approach to their design needs.

Understand your audience: Who would be interested in your services and why

As a graphic designer looking to build your personal brand and expand your client base, it’s central to understand exactly who your audience is and what motivates them. Your services may appeal to a range of individuals or businesses, from small startups to large corporations. But who specifically would be interested in your services, and why? By analyzing and identifying your target audience, you can tailor your messages to appeal to them. Whatever the case may be, understanding your audience’s needs and pain points is key to standing out in a crowded market and winning more clients. 

Establish a brand identity: Choose a logo, color palette, and fonts that represent your brand

Your personal brand is more than just a name; it’s an entire persona. Establishing a brand identity is crucial to make sure that you’re presenting yourself in the best possible way. To do this, you need to choose a logo, color palette, and fonts that represent your brand’s personality.

Crafting a compelling brand personality is as simple as listing adjectives that perfectly capture its essence. When choosing a logo, it’s important to consider its simplicity, versatility, and distinctiveness. Your color palette should evoke the emotions and values of your brand, while your font choices should be easy to read and complement your overall design. The right combination of graphic design elements can set your brand apart and leave a lasting impression on your customers.

At Freepik, we understand the importance of establishing a brand identity that speaks to your audience and that’s why we offer a range of customizable design elements such as logos and mockups to help you create the perfect brand that represents you.

In today’s competitive market, it is crucial to showcase your brand in a realistic and appealing way. Gone are the days when marketing was just about showcasing the product’s features and benefits. Today, consumers want to connect with brands on a deeper, more emotional level. They want to be a part of a story that resonates with them and reflects their beliefs and values. To establish this kind of relationship is by no means an easy task, but with our collection Top Stationary Mockups, which comprises a selection of top quality and trendy resources, tackling this challenge might become more manageable.

We also highly encourage you to draw some inspiration from our recent rebranding journey, which we described in detail here.

Develop a social media presence: Create profiles on the platforms your target audience uses most

Whether you specialize in web design, print design, or both, social media can provide a platform for you to connect with potential clients and fellow designers. By researching and creating profiles on the platforms that your target audience uses most, you can establish a strong online presence and engage with your followers on a daily basis. From sharing your latest projects to offering design tips and tutorials, social media can help you build a community around your work and ultimately take your design career to the next level. So don’t wait any longer, start building your social media presence today.

Nurture relationships with other influencers: Connect with creators in your niche to build relationships and grow awareness

By connecting with like-minded individuals and building genuine connections, you can grow awareness of your personal brand and expand your reach in the industry. Collaborating with other designers or industry leaders can also lead to exciting opportunities for future projects. All in all, having a network of influencers to lean on for support and advice can be incredibly valuable and fulfilling, it can also lead to a potential exchange of creative ideas and techniques. So don’t be afraid to reach out and forge new relationships – you never know what opportunities could arise as a result.

Leverage content marketing strategies: Produce content that educates, entertains, and engages

You can become a thought leader in your industry and build trust with potential clients by sharing your expertise through content that educates, entertains, and engages readers about topics related to your industry. Whether it’s blog posts that offer design tips and tricks, eBooks that showcase your portfolio, social media posts that highlight industry trends, or video tutorials, remember creating well-crafted content is crucial to connecting with your audience and establishing yourself as an authority in the design world. So, if you want to take your personal brand to the next level, the cherry on the cake is to start thinking like a content marketer.

Personal branding assets

Are you ready to take the next step in branding yourself as a creator? 

With our ready-made templates, you can present your creations in a captivating and professional manner. It doesn’t matter if you’re an artist, writer, or any other content creator; our mockups provide limitless options for customization. What’s more, they save you valuable time and effort that would otherwise be spent on designing your own brand materials.

Our newest mockup collection features assets from the following categories: Stationery, Devices, Interior Design, Apparel, Packaging, and Bank Holiday.

Wrapping personal branding up

Always remember to identify and communicate your unique selling point, understand who your audience is and what they need, create a signature look for your brand, establish a social media presence, and leverage content marketing tools. Taking charge of your success and creating a strong online presence isn’t a complex endeavor. It just takes strategy, time, and dedication. 

With our tips, assets, and your own ingenuity, you can formulate a personal branding strategy to reach more customers and stand out in an ever-evolving digital age. While leveraging a thoughtful approach to branding and quality content, you’ll be able to drive more traffic, reassure organic growth, and ultimately bolster your success. 

So, don’t wait any longer. Get started on creating the brand you dream of today. You have so much potential waiting for you – seize it with confidence!