Welcome to Brand Seasons

A playground of curiosity, creativity + connection

This is your space to nurture a sense of playfulness and possibility—an invitation to get curious, nurture your creative spark, and connect with others who value intentional, seasonal living and working.

When I first began to sow this seed of an idea I had to create a product and a publication, I had no idea it would grow into a business of its own, and space where others could come to explore their own dreams and plans.

I created the Brand Seasons Method, a seasonal approach to branding and business that charts the phases of Sowing, Blossoming, Harvesting and Grounding. This grew into the Brand Seasons Playdeck, a pocket sized source of brand wisdom and guidance, which was funded on Kickstarter in 2024, before I then took the leap to run my first group experience: the Brand Seasons Playgroup where 25 creatives joined together to explore the playdeck and cultivate a strategy, style and story with substance.

As a brand designer, creative mentor and writer with two decades of experience in business, I share my knowledge in myriad ways, through independent and collaborative articles and essays, as well as the Brand Seasons Podcast and This Creative Life ~ A Brand Seasons Paper. At the heart of it all is a desire to talk and write through the lenses of curiosity, creativity and connection—values that shape my life and work.

I’d love to welcome you into the fold, to nurture a sense of playfulness and possibility, and consider what it means to live this creative life.

Why join me?

I created this community to share insights with the turning of the seasons—each offering its own theme and focus:

• Spring: A time for Sowing, when we delve into strategy, planning our paths forward.

• Summer: The season of Blossoming, where we focus on styling and shaping our look and feel.

• Autumn: A time for Harvesting, when we embrace storytelling, sharing our lessons and learnings.

• Winter: The season of Grounding, laying the foundational stones for what's to come.

What to expect

Whether you're in the nascent stages of business or shaping your creative practice, this is your space to nurture curiosity, unlock creativity and foster connection.

All readers

I share regular articles and essays, and love a playlist! You can also enjoy:

• Diaries: behind the scenes of my creative practice and process

• Features: occasional guest posts, including Notelets on Nurture

• Podcast: regular solo reflections and guest conversations

Paid subscribers

In addition to the diaries, features and podcast, you can benefit from access to:

• Story Time: A seasonal reflection with lessons and learnings in the form of a private podcast

• Press Play: A quarterly co-working session to foster belonging and community, focus and action

• Brand Thread: A monthly AMA post focused on branding and business plus access to my bank of resources

I will also be sharing the all-new Brand Seasons® Playbook with paid subscribers. Watch this space!

I recommend a year-long membership as there's immense value in moving through the seasons together. The subscription is intentionally light touch so as not to overwhelm but encourage you. I don’t want this to be yet another to-do but a supportive space that you can realistically learn something from and do something with, in your own time and in your own way.

Founding members

As well as enjoying the free and paid benefits, you can choose one of two experiences:

• Brand Seasons® Playgroup: join the next round in September 2025 for a three-month exploration of the Brand Seasons® Playdeck

• Brand Seasons® Playdate: a 90-minute call to tackle a branding challenge, with a follow-up email of insights and actions

Where can I read more?

I enjoy writing about my experience of using Substack and have curated two articles you might find helpful:

• Shaping my brand on Substack, about my first six months writing on the platform

• Setting up home on Substack, with encouragement for those who are new to this community

And for those seeking to infuse their lives and work with more curiosity and creativity, some popular posts include:

• Dreaming + planning as the new year unfolds

• Tending to myself with possibility, compassion + abundance

• Reflecting on rejection

Collaboration fuels me, so I occasionally contribute to other publications. Some highlights include:

• a guest article about creative rest for The Hyphen by Emma Gannon

• an interview about shaping space for curiosity, creativity and collaboration with Story & Thread.

• a short piece on working in a way that honours our boundaries and protects our energy for Life: Unlocked

• a conversation with Dulcify Journal about business, inspiration, playfulness

• a podcast about quiet ambition and the importance of balance with Moments of Moxie

Who am I?

Collaborating with clients to define their vision, craft beautiful visuals and discover their voice is at the heart of my branding studio, These Are The Days.

Originally from Edinburgh, I now work from my home, nestled in the Scottish Borders, alongside my partner, Jonathan. And when I’m not in my studio, you’ll find me writing, reading or exploring with the littlest members of the team: our colour-loving lass, happy-natured lad and curious cat!

When I’m not writing on Substack, you can find me on Instagram, Pinterest, and my website, These Are The Days. I also send seasonal Inside Story email letters.

I’d love to welcome you into the fold and make 2025 a year of curiosity, creativity, and connection.