HeadSpace Branding

Your resume isn't just a document—it's a critical touchpoint in your personal brand story. At HeadSpace Branding, I've observed how the most successful creative professionals today craft resumes that balance technical requirements (ATS) with authentic personal narrative. While the SHAPE framework I'm excited to share today is not something I came up with, I really like it because it offers a systematic approach to ensure your unique value reaches human decision-makers. Whether you're actively job hunting or simply maintaining career readiness, a well-positioned resume forms the foundation of how you're perceived in the professional landscape. Brian Sykes | HeadSpace Branding #AIforCreatives #PersonalBranding #CreativeCareers

I love a good video on AI and Branding... and some of the best you can find are those with Seth Godin being interviewed on the subject. https://lnkd.in/e462M956 Based on Seth Godin's insights shared, here are the key points about Branding & Marketing in the Age of AI: 1 ? AI Significance > AI is the biggest change since electricity, & more impactful than the internet > Recommends spending at least 30 minutes daily exploring AI tools 2 ? AI's Impact on Marketing Professionals > AI currently replaces "competence" - it can do mediocre work cheaper and faster > Professionals must evolve to do work AI cannot do > The only work worth charging for is what AI cannot replicate 3 ? Actionable Strategies for Marketers > Use AI to handle routine tasks > Focus on creating unique, high-value work that requires human creativity and strategic thinking > Develop skills that go beyond standard, replicable outputs 4 ? Practical AI Applications in Branding ? AI can quickly generate: a. Brand names b. Logo designs c. Initial content drafts ? Professionals should use AI as a collaborative tool, not a replacement 5 ? Mindset Shift > Embrace change rather than resist it > Treat AI like a powerful assistant that can handle routine tasks > Continuously learn and adapt your skillset 6 ? Competitive Advantage > Learn to prompt AI effectively > Use AI to enhance productivity and creativity > Focus on developing unique insights and strategic approaches that AI cannot generate The key message: AI is a tool to augment human creativity, not replace it. Professionals who learn to work alongside AI will have a significant competitive advantage. ----- My name is Brian Sykes. I ran a micro-Branding & Marketing Agency for 23 years, then pivoted to launch theBrianSykes where I teach Creative Professionals how to understand & Integrate genAI in their Creative Workflow, while retaining the Human Element. After shuttering AdJourney - I realized I still LOVE Branding and helping businesses develop effective brand strategies and brand identities, so I launched HeadSpace Branding to be able take on just a couple businesses / month in consulting and brand work. In the meantime, I will be using this channel to share insights specific Branding. ? If you want to discuss your branding needs, let's chat. ? If you are a Creative Professional, looking to learn how to leverage AI well, follow me on LinkedIn at 'Brian Sykes' - and reach out. As Seth stated - we need to spend a minimum of 30-min a day learning AI... I have been spending 10-12 hours a day since June of 2022. If you want to fast-track the AI insights and grow your know-how - check out: https://lnkd.in/eg4nn3hr Brian Sykes HeadSpace Branding #branding #marketing #AIinBranding #logo #brandID

Have you seen the Ed Sheeran 'idea for a commercial' for Kraft Heinz? It's a brilliant bit of storytelling magic. https://lnkd.in/eFpdXdy8 Don't just watch GOOD content and applaud. Observe it to learn from it. For instance, here's a concise 3-point takeaway on effective storytelling, based on the Heinz ad featuring Ed Sheeran: 1 ? Establish a vivid, aspirational context to heighten the impact of the brand's presence. 2 ? Incorporate humor and surprise to captivate the audience and reinforce the brand's essential role. (ie - add a twist) 3 ? Leverage relatable scenarios featuring recognizable figures to foster personal connections and brand loyalty. __ [ I can hear you now... ] Awesome, but wait... I am just some person on LinkedIn that wants to grow their follower base, get higher engagement on posts, and improve the watchability and viewing of my shared content. How do I integrate the 3 takeaways into content creation on LinkedIn - when: (1) I do not have Sheeran as a figure (2) I do not have Heinz budgets, and (3) I am just an individual looking to grow market recognition. [ Glad you asked ] Let me provide some guidance on how to apply the storytelling principles to grow your personal brand on LinkedIn, with all the constraints expressed: 1. Establish a vivid, aspirational context When creating LinkedIn content, focus on setting the scene and painting a picture for your audience. This could involve describing your workspace, the industry event you're attending, or the new project you're working on. Transport your viewers into an environment that feels relatable yet inspirational. 2. Incorporate humor and surprise LinkedIn posts can sometimes feel formal, so inject some personality and levity into your posts. Share a funny anecdote, poke fun at an industry trend, or surprise your audience with an unexpected perspective. The key is to grab their attention and make your content memorable. [ Find a way to add a TWIST ] 3. Leverage relatable scenarios Rather than highlighting your own success, try sharing the challenges you've faced or the lessons you've learned. This humanizes you and allows your connections to see themselves in your story. They'll be more inclined to engage with content they can genuinely relate to. [ The most HUMAN Company - wins ] By weaving these storytelling principles into your personal LinkedIn posts, create content that is: ? visually engaging ? emotionally resonant ?highly shareable ( even without a mega-watt celebrity or massive marketing budget.) The goal is to build a strong personal brand through authentic, compelling narratives that your audience can connect with. Be relatable - so people can relate. This works for Heinz, and can work for you. Brian Sykes HeadSpace Branding

I came across this reel on Instagram... and loved it. The copy on her post reads: ___ Welcome home, loser. This house has -4 beds -4 baths -3762 sq feet -whole-house updates -basement apartment Located in Sandy. Let me take you to check it out. ___ Instagram(.)com/@realtorkaitlin in Sandy, Utah > In Branding, the goal is NOT just to be the best version of what everyone else is doing. It is to find your own thing - and do it louder and better than anyone else. Realtor Kaitlin has embraced that. How many realtors, are getting 54.3k likes + 1,242 comments + 55.1k shares on 1 post? The game with Branding, is to: ? gain HeadSpace ? be recognized ? be remembered ? be EASIER to find than the competition Are you standing out (in a crowded room) or simply OUTSTANDING? Brian Sykes HeadSpace Branding #beOutStanding #branding

Why Strategy Isn’t Just a Buzzword in Branding — It’s Your Map to Success Ever heard the old saying, “You wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint, so why build a brand without a strategy?” ?? In today’s hyper-connected world, crafting a brand strategy is more crucial than ever. It’s not just about planning your moves; it’s about foreseeing challenges, leveraging opportunities, and navigating the competitive landscape with precision and insight. Here’s what a few thought leaders I follow - have to say: ? Seth Godin notes, “Your brand is the set of expectations, memories, stories, and relationships that, taken together, account for a consumer’s decision to choose one product or service over another.” > Listen to his podcast - "Akimbo" ? Marty Neumeier asserts, “The brand isn’t what you say it is. It’s what they say it is.” This emphasizes the strategic need to influence perceptions actively and authentically. > Read his book "Zag!" ? Simon Sinek challenges us with, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” Your strategy should resonate with the ‘why’ at every touchpoint. > Listen to his podcast - "A Bit of Optimism" At HeadSpace Branding, we specialize in crafting bespoke branding strategies that align with your vision and resonate with your audience. We don’t just plan; we position your brand to navigate the complexities of the market with a clear, effective, and engaging voice. Looking to elevate your brand or carve out a unique market position? Let’s connect and discuss how strategic branding can transform your business. Reach out today and let HeadSpace Branding guide you to your brand’s full potential! Brian Sykes

Exploring mock-up creation with GenAI. In this Brian Sykes shares how he used a reference image (for inspiration), Adobe Illustrator to draw up the structure, and Adobe Firefly to generate the mockup. Taking it a step further, he added the graphics for New Yorks (and America’s) FIRST pizza restaurant! Brian is me! In addition to 23 years running a marketing agency before launching HeadSpace Branding , I have become a global thought leader in genAI since - where I tech Cretive pros how to understand and implement AI in their creative workflow ethically, while maintaining the human element. Brian Sykes

From concept to Stationery mockup with GenAI + Adobe. I have spent a few days producing a step-by-step in developing a custom mockup for Stationery, and sharing the process on my Substack. More mockups are coming for a variety of products. The logo used here was for the?'Southern Pines Coaching Company' - and it?is a logo and branding product that I developed thru my brand agency?HeadSpace Branding?for?Kelly Leugers. To see the entire process of the Mockup Creation: 1 ??Mockup Magic: Using GenAI to Supercharge Your Design Process https://lnkd.in/ezHbRDcU 2 ??Mockup Magic [2] ? Up-Rezing the Stationery Mockup https://lnkd.in/ervuWEKt 3 ??Mockup Magic [3] ? Logo Templating Time for Stationery https://lnkd.in/enXjrCiR If you are searching for branding support - get in touch. Brian Sykes HeadSpace Branding #Branding #Marketing #genAI #Adobe

Reading the book "How to Launch a Brand." This book is a number 1 Amazon Bestseller (in its fully-revised 2nd edition) by my LinkedIn connection - the brilliant Fabian Geyrhalter. I have enjoyed Fabian's posts and interviews in the past, and was excited to grab this book recently - and even more excited to make time to read it. In the Forward, Fabian has this definition for BRAND that I thought expresses the concept well: BRAND is a service, product, company, or person with SOUL (the Brand Platform) that is ATTRACTIVE (the Brand Atmosphere) & SMART (your Brand's Usability). A BRAND is not a logo. A BRAND is not a website. A BRAND is not memorable ads. A BRAND is not social media posting. A BRAND is not high priced merchandise. If you are looking to DEVELOP and REFINE your Brand Strategy... we should talk. My name is Brian Sykes... You may know me through my thought-leadershio and educational work in GenAI over the past 2 years (AI Lab & AI Explore)... but I came to that experience on the heels of 23 year running a small Marketing Agency. I decided to simplify and focus on major impact activity. In my years of running my prior agency (AdJourney) - I noted that often even top tier multi-million dollar brands with solid branding (logo, brand guides, and large-scale marketing) often have poor daily implementation. Granular level communication - emails, local ads, social posting, phone answering, in person communication - that is disjointed from the brand. My focus is Ensuring Consistent Brand Implementation thru 1 ? Brand Assets & Tools 2 ??Granular Level Training & Workshops 3 ??SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) 4 ??Audits & Feedback 5 ??Cross-Dept Collaboration Much like Fabian addresses in his book - when BRANDING, we aren't just re-designing a logo - we're establishing a platform and atmosphere while amplifying usability at every consumer touch point. Brian Sykes #brand #branding #logodesign #marketing

Unlock your brand's true potential with the right ingredients: ? Logo for a powerful first impression ? Typography that speaks to your brand personality ? Consistent brand guide and colors ? Professional email signatures ? Handy business cards ? Engaging packaging design ? Dynamic social media profile ? Influential advertising materials ? Streamlined Photoshop templates These elements hold the power to transform your brand from ordinary to extraordinary, and yes! You can determine the value they hold. Now, I challenge you: Revisit your current strategy. Are all the pieces in place? Could your brand profit from a rejuvenation? Let's unleash the potential of your brand together! Let's talk! Brian Sykes