A Season of Sowing #01: brave little seeds

Ideating, creating + believing in the wonder of new beginnings

As a designer, one who is responsible for supporting clients with making a visual impact through their brand styling, I tend towards precision and perfection.

While these traits drive me to do my best work, they also belong to my people pleaser who isn’t the easiest to live or work with. So I offer them a kind nod when they pop by—since they’re usually a product of my friend fear—then gently move them along.

“Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”

— Robert Louis Stevenson

But they’re nothing if not persistent. Precision and perfection are at their loudest when I’m about to do something a little different, a little daunting, a little daring. Next to acquiring another design studio—a past life, a story for another day—I think launching Brand Seasons is just about one of the most challenging things I’ve attempted in business. Partly because it’s a significant investment in resources but mostly because it feels vulnerable to try something new.

For this reason, I’ve given myself time and space to dream and play. To enjoy a thoughtful season of sowing and listening to my intuition before shifting into a playful season of blossoming.

As described in my post below, this stretch of time has been one of planting new seeds.

Unveiling the Brand Seasons

The mystery of brand strategy

Brand strategy is something people often feel unsure of because few of us share HOW we get to the launch phase. Ideating is generally hidden from view when bringing a product, service or vision to life, and we rarely see the sheer amount of thought and work that goes into cultivating ideas.

This is why I want to invite you along as I work through the process because, alongside curiosity and creativity, connection lies at the heart of my practice. I plan to publish my progress for each of the Brand Seasons in three parts because there’s so much to share behind the scenes. This way, the process feels a little more interesting for me and, hopefully, a little more practical for you!

In my three-part sowing series, you can read:

1. Brave little seeds (you’re here!)

2. Tending the roots

3. Fear boosts growth

I’d also like to offer a glimpse into my day-to-day branding and design work, which involves helping clients with strategy, styling and storytelling. So, as part of this series on Sowing, Blossoming, Harvesting and Grounding, we can explore these branding topics in more detail.

The branches of the seasons

A letter recently arrived to confirm that a trademark I’ve been patiently waiting on has finally been registered—hello Brand Seasons®—so I feel confident to announce my plans!

Having my trademark application accepted is perhaps one of the most exciting developments of the last few months because it’s bolstered my enthusiasm for the whole project, which covers:

1. Product
   The Brand Seasons® Playdeck! I’ve enjoyed using card decks for everything from journaling and writing to tarot and business, and it’s bringing me so much joy to create these. The deck will offer gentle branding guidance with prompts to action changes that will bring you closer to your creative vision. I can’t wait to share more!

2. Podcast
   With the arrival of the podcast feature here on Substack, I decided to bring the Brand Seasons Podcast into the fold. I originally had a whole other concept for a podcast, but now I’m planning the first 10 episodes, it seems like it was meant to be. There will be a mixture of solo and guest episodes and I’m excited to introduce a sponsor soon.

3. Paper
   Lastly, I’m creating the Brand Seasons® Paper (broadsheet, tabloid, mini, I’m yet to decide) to accompany the card deck, a fun opportunity to publish creative stories that reflect the seasons. I considered doing it for my core business, more as a portfolio piece since it can enhance brand personality, but somehow, this feels so much more meaningful.

These were all tiny seedlings of their own, and unpacking how this might look in practice has been a slow process, but an essential one that has given me direction so I can create in a heart-led way.

So what’s next? I’ll publish A Season of Sowing 02: tending the roots, delve more deeply into my brand strategy method and offer insight into where I am in the process.

"To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow."

— Audrey Hepburn

Meanwhile, I’d like to say a special thank you to

Claire Venus

of

Sparkle on Substack

who has supported me in this liminal period.

In our coaching session prior to publishing my first post, Claire reassured me that I know my online consumption and always make informed decisions about where I want to show up and, more importantly, why. I’m glad I took this on board and joined since Substack feels like a functional, purposeful and valuable part of my overall brand ecosystem.

This is also fast becoming a platform that's feeding my mind, as well as my business and projects. So, thank you for connecting and helping this become a safe space to grow. I’m excited to reach those seeking creative sustenance and guidance with their brand strategy, styling and storytelling.

As a free subscriber, you can enjoy articles and essays exploring the rhythms of our creative lives and work, written through the lenses of curiosity, creativity, and connection.

If you’re ready to craft a brand that feels like home and access exclusive insights and resources, consider upgrading to join my Brand Seasons paid community. Here, I support you with a gentle, nurturing, and playful approach to brand strategy, styling, and storytelling. I’d love to welcome you!