In today's competitive market, the challenge of effectively showcasing updated service offerings on a website can be a daunting task.
Small businesses, particularly those with changing services, often face the struggle of standing out in a saturated digital landscape.
So how can you break through and captivate an audience with creativity and distinction?
The solution lies in bold and professional designs that not only highlight the brand’s uniqueness but also make it stand out proudly.
As a graphic designer for small businesses, I understand the importance of conveying a brand's message visually. I offer custom website illustrations and designs that embody boldness and a touch of creative flair, empowering businesses to stand out from their competitors.
This blog post delves into my work with Small Fish Brand Co., creative brand photographer and branding strategist, explaining the journey of redesigning the company's website, specifically focusing on the creation of bespoke illustrations.
One of the projects I’ve been working on in the past months is the Small Fish Brand co website.
Read more about how custom website illustrations can set you apart from the crowd
In this post, expect an in-depth exploration of how comic illustrations play a pivotal role in establishing a distinctive online presence, as well as insights and take-away tips for businesses seeking to enhance their online identity and effectively communicate their services when they hire a graphic designer for their website.
I've included a Q-and-A session with Rhiannon from Small Fish Brand Co, sharing invaluable insights about her business, target clients, her unwavering support for small businesses, and her aspirations for the future.
Rhiannon's decision to invest in bespoke illustrations for her business was deeply rooted in her quest to stand out, resonate with those valuing creativity, and express her brand's unique essence.
And I'm delighted I could support her.
Read on to find out about our creative journey together and gain valuable insights about how custom website illustrations can elevate your brand's online presence
The project brief
I’d had the pleasure of working with Rhiannon for 18 months as her creative VA before she asked if I could help her rejig her website. The obvious answer was “YES”!
Rhiannon had recently changed her offering and her website was not yet showing her new packages. As well as adding these new packages to the website, I also updated her images and text, amended the layout and, most importantly, designed some on-brand illustrations.
“I love that illustrations offer a different aspect to my website, very few people have customized illustrations and they are definitely a way to stand out and show how much I value creativity and artistic skill set.” – Rhiannon, Small Fish Brand Co.
Website illustrations: storytelling for enhanced user experience
I started with illustrations to help explain the process for her offerings, visualising this as a line snaking over the page adding illustration bubbles to add an extra dimension to the text.
Bespoke illustrations crafted for services pages for Small Fish Brand Co.
Imagining a line snaking across the page serves as a thematic representation of the progression or journey a client experiences when engaging with Rhiannon's services.
This visual metaphor of a line serves as a storytelling device, guiding the site visitor (the potential client) through the different stages or components of the services provided.
The use of illustration bubbles represents a step or aspect within Rhiannon's services. These bubbles aren’t merely decorative; they serve to add depth and a three-dimensional aspect to the copy.
By intertwining the illustrations with the textual content, there is a harmonious fusion of visual and written elements. This approach:
breaks down complex information into more digestible, visually stimulating chunks, enhancing the overall user experience
makes the explanation of services more accessible and compelling for the website's visitors.
Visual signposts: crafting a playful menu background for a visually stimulating experience
As the style for Small Fish Brand co is bold and fun with a comic-vibe to it, I also had fun creating the background for her menu with icons relating to brand photography, marketing strategy and brand messaging.
Fun, creative bespoke illustrations to embody client’s service offerings
These icons offer a quick and visually stimulating navigation experience for site visitors. Each icon is thoughtfully designed to not only harmonise with the brand's lively aesthetic but also to act as intuitive markers, guiding visitors to their respective areas of interest.
“It’s great to work with someone who really understands me and my brand, who my target audience are and also took the time to really understand my process to create illustrations that reflect what it’s like to work with me.” – Rhiannon, Small Fish Brand Co.
Empowering imagery: showcasing a brand’s identity through comic illustrations
Finally, I created three main website illustrations for Rhiannon’s strategy, accountability, and brand builder pages.
These images really add an extra layer to her copy: the images show in one look the feeling of what Rhiannon is offering.
These bespoke illustrations were meticulously designed to resonate with Rhiannon’s brand ethos. Each element—the cosy, casual jumper, the celebratory "high five" shared between Rhiannon and her client, the smiling faces, the encapsulated delight shown through a bubble quote, and the depiction of exuberant personality—all contribute to the portrayal of Rhiannon's approach. They emphasise the supportive, collaborative, and nurturing nature of her services.
Comic illustrations conveying personal connection of brand
Bespoke illustration for website convey the strategy and support offered
Website illustrations showing the use of branding building blocks in a fun way
Undoubtedly, it's crucial to evoke positive emotions in potential customers. These illustrations were crafted not just to depict services but to elicit a sense of connection and positivity, aiming to make potential clients feel the genuine warmth and support that Rhiannon and her brand offer.
And we all know how important it is to make our potential customers feel all the good feelings!
Learn more about Rhiannon from Small Fish Brand Co. in this Q&A
Can you tell us a bit more about yourself & your business?
I’m Rhiannon and I help women entrepreneurs build + grow their unique brands and businesses. I offer three core services: brand photography, brand + content strategy and business mentorship.
Who is your ideal client?
My ideal client is an entrepreneur (or freelancer) who is fabulous at what they do, but find it hard to communicate their message to the right audience. They identify as women, could be any age really (but are typically 25-65) and are usually quite creative! I work with both product and service businesses, all across the spectrum in terms of what they do and they are based all across Scotland. They do what they do in a unique way, but aren’t quite sure how to get that message across. That’s where I come in.
When did you start your business and why?
I started this business in 2019, because I wanted to find my own unique way of helping women build successful businesses doing what they love. I had over a decade of photography experience as well as a degree in Communications and several years experience in that industry too.
I also had the experience of starting and building my first business, Rhiannon Neale Photography after moving to a new continent and I learned a ton about business ownership. This business was my way of combining all of these skills and experience and sharing what I learned with others to help them achieve similar goals. I believe so strongly in a world where indie business thrives, and I want to play my small part in making that happen.
Where does your passion for small businesses come from?
I’m really not sure, but it’s certainly something that started at a young age and has grown to be both a passion and key value in my life, both personal and business. My parents always prioritized supporting small businesses where they could, and I think that rubbed off on me. As I grew older my morals and political beliefs grew and as a firm leftie/anti-capitalist I suppose it was to be expected!
What are your goals for the next year?
To become more visible, and grow my community of women entrepreneurs. I aim to connect with more podcast hosts and grow my own podcast, as well as seek opportunities for guest blogging and sharing my perspective in new places.
Another key goal is finding new ways to help start up businesses, through workshops and or online training. Long term goals? Have my own premises to host workshops, networking and coworking days- if not this year, hopefully in the next 2-3!
What made you decide to invest in illustrations for your website?
It’s very important to me to stand out from the crowd- I want to work with people who are brave enough to do things differently and be themselves (full stop) and as such I want to do things my own way too. I love that illustrations offer a different aspect to my website, very few people have customised illustrations and they are definitely a way to stand out and show how much I value creativity and artistic skill set.
It’s great to work with someone who really understands me and my brand, who my target audience are and also took the time to really understand my process to create illustrations that reflect what it’s like to work with me.
If you are looking for something a little “extra” for your branding in the way of custom website illustrations, book a call to discuss hiring me as the graphic designer for your website.
We’ll have a chat about being brave enough to do things differently!
Emmelie Coulson is a creative brand designer supporting fellow female entrepreneurs with bold and impactful designs for a brand that stands out! Stay up to date a receive some creativity in your inbox by singing up to my monthly creative ramblings:
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