Problem
Sandra, a talented photographer and personal friend, wanted to turn her part-time photography side business into a professional and profitable venture. Despite her passion and skill, she lacked a cohesive brand identity and an organized digital presence. Her social media accounts were scattered and inconsistently branded, with varying logos, colors, and messaging. She had no central hub for her services, which made it difficult for clients to schedule shoots or understand her offerings. This inconsistency made her business appear less professional and was limiting her growth.
Action
As the lead designer, I took on the project from the ground up, serving as brand strategist, web designer, graphic designer, and marketing consultant. Here’s how I approached the transformation:
· Brand Identity: I created a unified brand system, including a professional logo, consistent color palette, and typography that matched Sandra’s desired vibe: light, airy, fun, and memorable.
· Website Design & UX: Using a five-stage iterative design process, I collaborated closely with Sandra to map out the content and structure of her website. We focused on client needs—clear navigation, online payment options, photo gallery, and the ability to book sessions. I created user personas and used tools like Figma for wireframes and high-fidelity interactive prototypes.
· Platform & Implementation: Due to technical constraints, I built and launched the final website on Wix, ensuring it was responsive across devices. I monitored for discounts to help her affordably transition to her custom domain later.
· Accessibility: I used WCAG color contrast tools to ensure the design was accessible and inclusive.
· Marketing & Social Media: I revamped Sandra’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages to reflect her new brand identity and central website. I provided guidance on content scheduling and started working with her on launching a TikTok presence to showcase behind-the-scenes studio content.
· Business Cards: Designed last but intentionally, the new business card served as a tangible marketing piece for expos and in-person events, fully aligned with her digital identity.
Result
The transformation had a significant impact. In just three months:
· Client growth surged by 60%, thanks to consistent branding and weekly social media campaigns.
· Revenue tripled, as the Square-integrated website streamlined scheduling and payments, allowing Sandra to book back-to-back photo sessions.
· Sandra now presents her business confidently and professionally across all platforms, and is exploring new channels like expos and print advertising to continue scaling.