One of my favorite steps in the branding process is selecting a color palette for my clients. Color is incredibly powerful — a complete language on its own. Color sets the tone for a brand, so I find it critical to consider the meaning behind what I select for my clients. 

This process is what works for me, and while there is certainly room for a bit of interpretation when it comes to meaning, the truth is that we are hardwired as humans to respond to colors in specific ways. Each color creates specific emotional responses that must be considered when crafting a visual identity. Does that mean we can't push the envelope and challenge those meanings? Of course not. My greatest joy comes from creating something both effective and unexpected. But the best way for me to serve my clients is by putting significant thought into the colors that make up their brand identity, and having a concrete reason for selecting each color. 

1. DETERMINE THE TONE
I spend time reviewing my client's inspiration, survey, and notes from our initial phone call to determine the type of feeling we are trying to achieve. Southern hospitality? Feminine rebellion? Natural wellness? I write down the initial colors that come to mind. Often I "see" a color palette in my head before I even touch my computer. 

2. RESEARCH COMPETITORS
I do a little Nancy Drew work and survey all of my client's competitors (I ask for this list in their client survey). At this time I am taking notes — Does everyone use the same colors? Are there specific and obvious trends in their industry? What is working for the competitors and what isn't? Determine when it makes sense to follow a trend and when it makes sense to push the envelope. 

3. SELECT COLORS
I am constantly taking photos of colors that I love in the real world — magazines, advertisements, billboards, bus wraps, packaging, book covers, restaurant menus. I start with these photos when it is time to create a palette, then begin to pull together swatches in Illustrator. I select five colors for my clients. Two dark, two light, one neutral. I typically create 2–3 versions of a color palette, and then combine/eliminate until I have it boiled down to one palette concept that I am confident in. I provide my clients with CMYK, PMS, and HEX color values. 

4. COLOR USAGE
Next, I determine which colors will be used for what, and what acceptable color combinations are. I select which colors will be used for background colors, typography colors, which colors can work together (right amount of contrast) and which should stay separate (if there's not enough contrast). 

5. DELIVER CONCEPTS
This is the most important part of the process. Along with their logo concepts, I include a description of why each color was selected for their brand palette. I do this for two reasons. 1) I want my clients to understand the thought and intention behind the colors I selected and 2) I want them to be able to speak confidently to others about why their brand looks the way it does.

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The Olympics are here and I could not be more excited for the next two weeks of nonstop coverage. I will definitely be clocking some serious hours on the couch, crying pretty much the entire time. It is such an incredible thing to watch athletes living out their dreams on the greatest stage in sports. I'm a pretty emotional person, and the entire olympic journey puts me way over the edge. The montage videos of athletes growing up? The entire P&G ad campaign? It's too much. And I love it. 

As a grown adult I have no problem laying on the couch for hours at a time, but based on my limited knowledge of children, I believe the same can't always be said for our smaller counterparts. While we don't have any kids yet, I am so lucky to have five amazing nieces and nephews who inspired this little Winter Olympics project. Print these off, plop the brood down, give them a washable marker or two, and settle in for at least 10 minutes of entertainment. That's how parenting works, right?

I love reflecting on all that has changed over the course of the past 365 days. As I have grown time has begun move a bit more quickly and I find myself requiring more intention to slow down. I have journaled my entire life and find that taking even a few moments a day to express gratitude makes me feel more at peace, especially this time of year. I think this would be a sweet activity to do with children or family — stash it in a drawer and take a peek when we find ourselves on the eve of 2019. Click here to download the PDF. 

"It is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning, in this broken world." - Mary Oliver

Linmay is a modern hair studio located in Chicago, Illinois. Lindsay Mayuga came to me with a vision for a fresh and feminine visual identity that would allow her to stand out among competitors while simultaneously conveying a chill, California vibe. Lindsay herself is incredibly talented and sought after by clients, consistently booked, often so much so that she is unable to accept any new clients! The definition of a girl boss, Lindsay owned and ran an incredibly successful salon called The Comb for several years, but recently decided to forge a new path and launch a new venture on her own. I am thrilled with the laid back vibe we landed on and can't wait to watch as Lindsay sets the world on fire! Happy launch week!