Branding yourself, standing out as a designer (or engineer)
Have you ever noticed how big brands like Nike, Apple, and Coca-Cola have such distinct and recognizable branding? You see their campaigns on social media and instantly know it’s them without needing to check. So, what’s stopping you from creating a unique brand for yourself?
Why Personal Branding Matters
You're special, important, and have something incredible to offer the world. In today's competitive job market, having a strong personal brand can make all the difference. I've been designing for 15+ years, and I've learned that It’s not just about having a flashy resume or a cool portfolio site; it’s about presenting a cohesive, consistent image of who you are and what you stand for.
Invest in Yourself
To stand out, you need to invest in your personal branding. Here’s how:
1. Create a Branding Kit: Consider hiring a professional to develop a branding kit for you, including a logo, color palette, and typography. This investment will pay off by giving you a polished, professional look.
2. Or do it yourself (because who knows you better than you?): If hiring someone isn’t feasible, learn to create your own branding kit. Tools like Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe Express, and Canva are fantastic for this. I love using Figma because of its quick export features, the convenience of local typefaces/fonts, and especially building faster with Auto Layout.
Crafting Your Unique Brand
1. Self-Reflection: Start by asking yourself some important questions. Who are you? What values matter most to you? What story do you want to tell? This introspection will help you define your personal brand.
2. Color Psychology: Don’t just choose your favorite colors without thought. Research color psychology to understand the meanings behind different colors and how they can represent you effectively.
3. Design Elements: Create a logo and select fonts that reflect your personality and professional identity. These elements should be consistent across all your platforms. Including your resume.
Applying Your Brand
Once you have your branding kit, it’s time to apply it consistently across all your professional platforms:
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1. LinkedIn: Update your profile with your new logo, color scheme, and fonts. Make sure your posts and updates reflect your personal brand.
2. Business Pages and Portfolio: Rebrand your website and any business pages. Ensure your portfolio showcases your work in a way that’s cohesive with your personal brand.
3. Social Media: Use your new branding on all your social media profiles. This consistency helps build recognition and trust with your audience.
Branding yourself IRL
Something I find really cool is when I meet people or my coworkers/managers, having professional and unique thank you notes and business cards to pass around. It's amazing to receive a thoughtful thank you card, but a branded thank you card leaves a longer-lasting impression and shows you really put effort into how you perceive yourself. You can do that easily, and it costs nothing. My biggest piece of advice is to always bet on yourself—treat yourself one way, and everyone else will see you the same way.
Be Authentic, Not Clickbait
Branding yourself doesn’t mean you have to be disingenuous or use clickbait tactics. It’s about making small, meaningful changes that reflect who you truly are. When you understand yourself as a designer (or engineer), others will too. Your personal brand will help recruiters or clients see your value and personality at a glance.
The Impact
As you refine your personal brand, you’ll notice a boost in your confidence and how others perceive you. This clarity and consistency in your branding can make a significant difference in your career.
Resources & how I did it
So, start today. No need to wait until you snag that "fancy FAANG job". Invest in your personal brand and watch as new opportunities unfold. You’ve got something great to give to the world—make sure everyone knows it! Happy branding!