V—like the Values.
TL;DR
The Brand Foundations Worksheet helps define key business aspects: Ideal Clients, Core Values, and Positioning. My own core values include exceptional attention to detail, efficient systems thinking, relentless drive inspired by "Ganas", purposeful design decisions, trust in partnerships, and creating enduring value. This post details my meticulous approach in design, from software precision to organized file systems, and emphasizes trust and lasting solutions in client relationships.
Hey there! V here. In this blog, I’ll dive into the heart of my design philosophy. It's all about passion, precision, and creating lasting value in every project. Join me as we explore what makes my approach unique!
Before we dive in, let's start with how I kick off every project: The Brand Foundations Worksheet, a key tool to understand the essential aspects of your business. This essential exercise (a.k.a. Homework) assists both of us in pinpointing three critical aspects of your business:
Who is your Ideal Client?
What are your brand’s Core Values?
What is your company’s Positioning Statement?
Recently, I decided to fill out my own Brand Foundations Worksheet because why would I tell you to do something I haven’t done myself? Am I right? So this blog post is all about V—like the letter’s core values and what you can expect of me if we partner up for a project. Let’s begin.
V—like the letter.’s Core Values
Above and Beyond / Attention to Detail: I put my all into every design project and every client, and my approach is also very detail-oriented.
Consistency & Efficiency (Systems Thinking): Your brand should be one big happy graphic family.
Relentless Drive (Ganas): I strive to embody an unyielding work ethic and a hunger to achieve, inspired by the Hispanic spirit of "Ganas (the want)." In Honduras, “Güevos.”
Purposeful Design Decisions: Every design decision, action, and project is meaningful and thoughtful.
Trust: Building and maintaining unwavering faith in our partnership.
Enduring Value: Crafting solutions that stand the test of time, creating lasting value.
Above and Beyond / Attention to Detail
I put my all into every project and every client. When I'm working with Adobe Illustrator, I make sure every vector node is just right. Over in Adobe InDesign, I'm on top of things like getting the n-dashes and m-dashes spot on, and I lay out my typography using both column and baseline grids for precision and aesthetics.
My logo designs? The vector files are clean and straightforward — no jumbled layers over layers when you see the logo’s construction in wireframe view. Jumbled-up, grouped-together logos are a headache to work with. Ask your designer friends. They’ll vouch for me.
And if you peek into my computer's folders, you'll see I've got a bit of an organization bug. I organize my computer files in descending order, starting from client, year, project name, and file type, for example:
Insert Client Name > 2023 > Social Media Posts > 12_Dec > 25 - Christmas Post > JPG > name-of-the-file.jpg
Just how I like it.
Consistency & Efficiency (Systems Thinking)
For me, branding is all about creating a system. I like to think of every piece of collateral as individual members of a big graphic family. Whether it's something digital like a social media post or a printed piece like a brochure, they might not look exactly the same, but they've got those family resemblances (similar type choices, consistent color palettes, color-graded photography). They share those little characteristics that let you know they belong together.
Relentless Drive (Ganas)
I've got the work ethic of a mule and an insatiable appetite to learn and perfect. Sometimes, I'll even pour so much into a project that I end up spending more time than what's profitable, just to get that perfect finish. I'm still learning to balance perfection with the 80/20 rule, especially now that I'm running the show. If I'm at a client's place and find myself without a specific task, you bet I'll be looking for something to do. I can't stand the idea of being paid to just sit around.
Purposeful Design Decisions
Every design move I make comes with a solid "Why?" behind it. My training taught me that purpose should steer the aesthetics, making every design decision truly meaningful. It's that classic tussle between form and function. I genuinely believe that when something holds meaning, we cherish and protect it. It's the stuff that resonates with us that we hold close and care for.
Trust
Building trust with my clients is essential to me. I pour so much of myself into my work that it feels like a piece of me is embedded in every project. When I present that initial design proposal, know that it's an authentic representation of my dedication. My clients' best interests are at the heart of every decision I make. I'd never pitch a half-baked idea or a design that wouldn't stand the test of time. Quality, longevity, and genuine care guide every step.
Enduring Value
I pride myself on delivering timeless design solutions built to last. My aim is that once a project is complete, you won't need to revisit it for a long while. Unless, of course, we're kicking off another exciting venture together. For instance, if I design a website for you, I'd hope it remains fresh and functional for years to come. The only reason to redo it would be if there was a monumental shift in technology, rendering the old design obsolete. But until then, I create with longevity in mind.
And that’s my schpiel.
Whaddayathink? Got a project in mind? Let's collaborate.