EP 8 - crafting authentic brand Identities with Leelou from Studio Leelou
In this episode of Summer School, I had the pleasure of hosting Leelou, the founder of Studio Leelou, a company specializing in crafting high-quality template products tailored for photographers and videographers. Leelou, who initially ventured into wedding photography with her husband Jai Long, later transitioned into developing brand identities for photographers globally.
Leelou shared her journey into graphic design, recounting how she became involved in branding Jai's wedding photography business in 2013. As a graphic design student, she discovered her passion for creating brand identities, eventually leading her to found Studio Leelou. The company focuses on providing customizable templates for photographers, drawing from Leelou's extensive experience in the photography industry.
During our conversation, Leelou emphasized the significance of personal branding for photographers. She highlighted the need for authenticity and encouraged photographers to showcase their personalities to stand out in a saturated market. Leelou discussed the challenges of working with photographers whose styles are rapidly evolving, suggesting the creation of brand mood boards with future photography goals to ensure designs that grow with them.
We delved into the transformation of Studio Leelou from a branding-centric business to one primarily focused on template products. Leelou shared her excitement about offering affordable and accessible products to photographers, allowing them to establish a strong online presence without breaking the bank. We also discussed the importance of continuous investment in brand identity and the ever-evolving nature of trends in the photography industry.
Leelou's insights into the personal branding process, the significance of showing up authentically, and the need for adaptable designs provided valuable takeaways for photographers looking to establish and enhance their online presence.
Leelou offers practical advice for photographers, including tips on selecting the right designer, understanding the design process, and the elements to consider when investing in brand identity.
There is a balance between being professional and personal in design, Leelou suggests that the about page on a website should include personal elements to help clients connect on a deeper level. She highlights the importance of self-discovery in shaping a brand identity, emphasizing the alignment of target market, photography style, and personality.
The conversation touches on the challenges of choosing fonts and Leelou provides insights into using templates for branding, which she offers as part of a Black Friday sale.
The sale includes a bundle with a website, price guide, Instagram pack, logo kits, color palette guide, and font guide at a 50% discount, making it an attractive deal for those starting out.
Leelou shares that her templates are designed for Showit, allowing complete customization. She emphasizes the accessibility of Canva for PDF templates, making it easy for users to personalize them. Leelou also mentions that her templates include professionally crafted copy, enhancing their usability and effectiveness.
Find Leelou:
Instagram: @studioleelou
Website: https://studioleelou.com/
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