Welcome to Brand Seasons

with Sarah Robertson

Exploring the rhythms of our creative lives and work, and getting curious about what it means to connect and express ourselves through brand strategy, styling and storytelling.

One of the tools I use to support my clients and community with crafting brands that feel like home is my Brand Seasons method: a seasonal approach to branding and business that charts the phases of Sowing, Blossoming, Harvesting and Grounding.

I share this framework in myriad ways through individual and collaborative articles, as well as the Brand Seasons Podcast and soon-to-launch Playdeck and 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?

As a brand designer, creative mentor and writer with almost two decades of experience in business and marketing, I believe that expanding our creativity alongside others can shape how we show up and share with the world.

It’s why 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: peeks behind the scenes of my creative practice and progress updates about Brand Seasons

• Features: regular guest posts, including my Notelets on Nurture and This Creative Life series

• Insights: branding and business support with practical advice about strategy, styling and storytelling

Paid subscribers

As well as reading my diaries, features and insights, you’ll gain access to:

• Brand Camp: seasonal branding resources covering strategy, styling and storytelling

• Chat Thread: monthly ask me anything branding clinic to support your business or creative practice

• Press Play: monthly drop-in and co-working sessions to encourage a sense of belonging and community

I recommend a year-long membership as there's immense value in moving through these cycles together.

Founding members

Benefit from the above plus 1:1 creative mentoring:

• Step 1: Upgrade your membership to ‘founding’

• Step 2: Complete my branding questionnaire

• Step 3: Schedule our 90-minute session!

Mentoring is one of my favourite ways to support my clients and tackle a brand strategy, styling or storytelling challenge together. Following our recorded call, you’ll receive a follow-up email with actions and insights.

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. Recent 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.

Thank you for connecting and helping this become a playful space to grow and share. If you're interested in learning more or joining me as