The Journey of a Young Designer: From Vision to fruition \\ Brand and Identity design // Part 1
Design can open doors when used with strategic thinking. It is and most be a powerful tool.
This time I decided to show you the power of brand strategy and brand workshops from a personal experience.
When I was young, - 30 - I was brimming with creativity and an insatiable curiosity for entrepreneurship. Despite having designed books for universities, I had no connections in the commercial publishing world or money.
However, I saw a unique opportunity to blend my passion for design with strategic business concepts by independently publishing a bilingual cookbook.
This is the story of how I turned that vision into a reality and I got an independently published book into the largest bookstores across Mexico and USA
A Spark of Inspiration
My journey began with a simple yet profound realization: I had always been drawn to the entrepreneurial spirit. The idea of creating something unique that combined my design skills and business acumen was irresistible. I decided to embark on the ambitious project of publishing a bilingual Mexican cookbook, not just as a designer but as a visionary and to prove to myself that what I was preaching to my clients worked for me. Besides, I have always loved my heritage and wanted to contribute to it's expansion
Now picture this for a moment:
I was 30 years old
No connection to the publishing business except for my academic clients for whom I have designed some books
Have no money to invest in the book
Never attempted to do this
But I had this:
A clear and big VISION
The foundations of a step by step strategy to make it come through
Research and Strategy: The Backbone of Success
"Thinking precedes achievement"
I knew that to succeed, I needed more than just creativity. I needed a strategic approach. My first step was extensive research. I delved into understanding the end users of my book—what they wanted, what would catch their eye, and what would make them pick up my book over others. I also researched distributors' requirements and the preferences of large bookstores.
Armed with this knowledge, I visited the FIL Book Trade Show, one of the largest book fairs in the world. With my mock-up in hand, I approached international distributors and buyers. The feedback was invaluable, though sometimes brutal. One particularly harsh piece of feedback was that my translator wasn't up to par. It was a tough pill to swallow, but it was crucial for my book's success.
This was a key element of the whole process. I know I can create eye pleasing designs, but those designs can become "empty" with no strategic thinking behind
Developing a Vision and Finding Investors
"A fussy future has a very little pull power"
Jim Ron
With every piece of feedback, my vision for the book became clearer and more refined. I knew that my book needed to stand out in a crowded marketplace. This meant incorporating key design elements that were not only visually appealing but also strategically aligned with market demands.
I meticulously planned every aspect of the book, from its cover design to its layout, ensuring that it would capture attention and interest of all: Bookstore buyers, distributors, end buyers, investors, potential team members!
Finding investors was the next challenge. However, my clear vision and strategic approach paid off. I was able to develop a compelling plan that attracted investors who believed in my project. Their support was instrumental in bringing my vision to life.
The Big Break
All the hard work culminated in a momentous achievement: buyers from Barnes & Noble and Borders Group picked my book. Given that they only select 30% of the books presented to them, this was a significant milestone. My book was soon available in ALL major bookstores across Mexico and Canada and books flied off the shelves.
I only can imagine how many bigger and more accomplished publishing companies where left out of the selection!
Success and Reflection
"The greater the thinking, the greater the potential"
The culmination of my efforts was the book selling out in all major bookstores. Reflecting on this journey, I realized that three key elements made this success possible:
1) A Clear Vision:
From the beginning, I had a vivid picture of what I wanted to achieve and how I wanted my book to be perceived.
2) Strategic Design:
Every design decision was made with the end user and market demands in mind. The book's visual appeal was carefully crafted to stand out.
3) Holistic Approach:
Understanding how each element—design, marketing, and distribution—fit together in harmony was crucial. Every aspect of the project worked in consonance, ensuring its success.
If I could do it for myself, I am 100% sure I can help you do the same:
Following this proven formula enabled me, a young designer with no experience in the publishing world, to achieve remarkable success.
Ten years later, I am helping business owners build their brands with a more refined process that not only relies on academic knowledge but also on firsthand experience. The process is called brand work shop, find out more about it here
This journey has shown me how the power of strategic design can propel a brand in extraordinary ways.
If I could do it with limited resources at the time, imagine what it can do for you.
My experience underscores the importance of:
A clear vision
Strategic design
Holistic approach
Together, we can create a brand that not only stands out but truly represents the essence of your business. Let’s embark on this journey to elevate your brand to new heights.
In the 2nd part of this post, I will explain in a more clear way, how each part of the brand workshop relates to this real world example and the role strategic design plays in real life business decisions. Suscribe to te blog here
What to do next?
Do you have a big enough vision? Take the QUIZ to see how big is your vision
Read my blog post to find if you need a brandworkshop
Book a call with me to see how can I help you according to the journey of your brand.
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Hello, I am Blanca, graphic and identity designer + brand consultant with over 18 years of experience.
Let's create a powerful brand together.
The truth is that you can sell anything with a powerful combination of:
thinking and a big vision + strategic design + get things done
Blanca Ruíz
Brand Consultant
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