Crafting Your Brand
When deciding to become a professional artist, many don’t realize they are actually starting their own business. But it’s true! You're selling a product to people who find value in it.
It’s not enough just to create out-of-this-world masterpieces.
You must learn to market your art and yourself as an artist. It can seem like a daunting task, but establishing your brand is critical to help pave a successful path for your business.
What's a brand? A brand is more than just a company logo, it's a culmination of people's experience, perception, and reputation for your services. Branding is the strategic action taken to build your brand. A brand identity is the tangible expression of your brand (logo, typography, colors, website, social media, e-news, etc.)
Investing in a professional branding photography session is one of the smartest things you can do for your art business. Your photos become part of your brand, and you’ll use them everywhere: your website, social media, email, press, workshops and more. Think of this as building your visual wardrobe.
Above: Denise Mortensen, Hedgy & Co Client, Photo by Laura Lee Creative
Your art is professional. Your photography should be, too.
I hear this one a lot from artists:
“Can't we just use my iPhone?”
Or:
“My friend takes really good pictures.”
Or, my personal favorite:
“I'll get around to getting professional photos eventually.”
I understand why.
Spending money on photographs of yourself can feel unnecessary when you already have a perfectly good camera in your pocket.
But here's the thing: a good phone camera can take a good photograph. That doesn't make it professional branding photography.
Your photography is part of your brand. It's one of the first things people see when they discover you online, and it sets the tone for everything that follows.
If your artwork is sophisticated, your website is polished and your marketing is intentional, but the photographs representing you are casual, outdated or inconsistent, there's a disconnect.
That's not the impression we want to create.
Testimonial
“I think the reason I waited so long to get professional photos was because I kept thinking I would do it myself! I finally realized my photos were outdated and needed to refresh my social media presence for show season. I chose Van Epps Photography and could not be more pleased. Thank you bushels for pushing me to get a branded photography session!”
—Teresa Tilley, Hedgy & Co Client
What you're actually investing in.
A professional branding session isn't about getting one nice headshot.
It's about creating a library of images that tells your story as an artist.
A professional photographer is thinking about lighting, lenses, composition, backgrounds, positioning, color, exposure and editing. They're directing you so you look natural, while creating images that are polished enough for your website, social media, press, workshops, exhibitions and marketing.
And for artists, I want more than a headshot.
I want images of you in your studio. Working. Creating. Looking at your paintings. Holding your tools. Surrounded by the things that make your work yours.
Those are the images that give your audience a sense of who you are before they ever meet you.
Testimonial
"At Hedgy & Co.’s recommendation, I started working with a professional photographer to photograph my artwork, my studio, and me actually working in the studio. We did branding photos, action shots, and images that really captured what I do. It’s made a bigger difference than I expected. I’ve seen more engagement on social media, wonderful feedback from collectors, and, best of all, I’ve seen it translate into sales."
—Mark Witzling, Hedgy & Co Client
Why it's required for Hedgy & Co clients.
Professional branding photography is a requirement for working with Hedgy & Company because I take your brand seriously.
I can't create the level of marketing I promise you if I'm working with selfies, casual snapshots or outdated photographs.
This isn't an unusual expectation. Professional photography is standard for attorneys, doctors, realtors, designers, executives, authors, chefs and other professionals whose personal image is part of their business.
Artists are no different.
Your work is professional. Your business is professional. You are a professional artist. Your photographs should communicate that before someone ever reads a word about you.
And no, this doesn't mean you need to look stiff, overly posed or like someone you're not.
It means we create images that look like you on your very best professional day.
That's the Hedgy & Company standard.
Trusted Professional Photographers
Every Hedgy & Company client has access to my hand-selected network of professional photographers, organized by state and chosen for their experience, professionalism and ability to create images that beautifully support your brand.
