Project Spotlight: Abbey Rice Photo
Earlier this year (2020), I wrapped up a robust and joyful branding project with Abbey Rice, the Colorado-based Wedding Photographer of Abbey Rice Photo. I had such a wonderful time working with Abbey, and the two of us are so proud of what we came up with together, that I wanted to share a closer look at our process and finished designs within this spotlight!
Photography by Abbey Rice | Logo Design by Chez Núñez
Photography by Abbey Rice | Logo Design by Chez Núñez
Around the end of 2019, Abbey kindly entrusted me with her brand. Although the two of us spoke in depth at the start of our project about the many different needs, creative ideas, and overall vision that Abbey had in mind for our work together, there were two key goals that we really focused on throughout the process of designing:
Abbey came into the process looking to clearly and cohesively establish a unique visual identity for her business. The two of us made it our mission through the many different assets of her brand, to make sure that she came away with a cohesive, well-rounded, and one-of-a-kind set of tools for her to implement moving forward!
We wanted to also make sure that Abbey could walk away with a brand that spoke to the heartbeat of who Abbey is, the imagery that she creates, and the individualized care which she offers to all of her clients. Abbey is outgoing, lively, kindhearted, and warm - so we planned to infuse her spirit and personality into her branding!
(These images are not my own - many belong to Abbey, and a handful are sourced only as examples for inspiration from Pinterest).
When selecting color palettes to present to Abbey, we pulled a lot of inspiration from the photos that she takes and the ways that she edits. She’s drawn to a lot of neutrals and earth tones - so I made sure to incorporate those right off the bat. In keeping with our vision to create a joyful/outgoing brand, I then added in pops of de-saturated colors that I felt still aligned with her neutral palette. I think that what we arrived at feels so dreamy, friendly, and cheerful.
The palette above is the one that Abbey picked out of the two options that I put together for her.
In the same phase of the process, I hand-drew two sets of logo concepts for Abbey to choose from as well - and the ones you see here are the ones we went with!
After a couple rounds of minor tweaks, we landed on the versions that I then finalized in pen and color!
I was particularly excited about Abbey’s idea to run with abstract shapes, textures, and stars in the set of logo concepts, because I truly feel like these elements are what brought the party to our set of designs. The effect makes the designs feel approachable and fun, in a way that is still polished and professional overall.
After locking in our logo designs, next came the development of our illustrated icons!
Abbey had such sweet feedback in regards to our icons, I’ll pull from her testimonial here:
What part of Anna’s design process did you enjoy the most? Why?
I personally loved the icon stage of our design process. If you’re on the fence of doing just a logo versus all of the bells and whistles - add the extra. It is SO worth it and sets you apart from everyone else. It’s so fun to design little icons that truly encapsulate your business as a whole. Your logo is your name and who you are, but your icons are what you’re about and what you love! - It’s like your little business babies coming to life! - Abbey
I loved getting to pull from Abbey’s personal life in this set of icons with the illustration of her own engagement ring, a camera the resonates with her, a representation of one of her couples, and a sun (which I think speaks again to the warmth we were looking to convey).
Illustrated Icons
In addition to our icons, we then expanded further with the development of a 5-page price guide for her incoming clients and a 2-sided business card design- both of which I think make great tools for a sweet first impression of Abbey and her work.
After we wrapped up our work together and all our files were in Abbey’s hands, Abbey was generous with her time and kind enough to circle back with me and answer a set of feedback questions that I presented to her. Her responses brought me to tears and will forever hold a special place in my heart.
She gave me permission to share what she wrote as a testimonial, so I’d love nothing more than to end this post with Abbey’s words and thoughts about our design process and final results.
Thank you so much for reading!
-Anna
What factors influenced you the most in your decision to hire Anna?
Believe it or not, but I was actually about to sign a contract with someone else when I found Anna’s work. I had been searching for months to find an artist that fit what I was looking for to no avail. I was about to settle if we’re being completely honest. When I found Anna’s work, I quite literally screamed out loud and ran into the kitchen to show my husband. He agreed that Anna by far had the best portfolio of any designers we had looked into. Anna’s work is unique compared to any other brand artist I have seen out there. I was sold on her colors, tones, unique lines, and sketches. You could tell that these weren’t projects she used a template for and sent out in one week. She POURS herself into what she does and it could not be any more evident in her work. You can tell that each of her art pieces tells a story of the business she is creating for. She, quite literally, designs a looking glass into the heart of a business. She tells your story visually in ways that you simply can’t without her. It’s a gift, and I guarantee you won’t find someone else like her out there.
How do you feel about the final result of your and Anna’s work together?
Anna and I worked together for a few months to curate the final product of my brand. I was shocked at each stage to see how her process works and how detailed she was in order to truly understand my heart and my vision for my business. I literally cried when I saw the final product. Anna not only crushed it, but she paved the way for me to connect with my dream clientele through a better understanding of my brand and what I had to offer in a visual way.
Did the finished designs meet, exceed or fall short of your expectations? Why do you feel this way?
EXCEED! FAR EXCEED! I’m typically a pretty picky person when it comes to my style and my business. I wanted something so different from everyone else out there and Anna took that and RAN with it! Never in a million years would I have thought that the final product could be THAT good. I’m obsessed, to say the least.
If you recommended Anna’s services to a friend, how would you describe the experience of working with her?
I would definitely say to expect a handful of months as far as the timeline goes. Especially if you’re adding all of the extras in, but my gosh it is so worth it. This is your business’ identity and knowing that you’re getting such incredible art to encapsulate your business and your heart is worth the investment. Expect incredible detail in her work, down to multiple rounds of edits to make sure that everything fits your expectations and is absolutely perfect. She is such a joy to work with and I genuinely feel like it would be silly to pay anyone else. She’s a true artist with passion in every sketch, line, and dot that she creates. This definitely isn’t your average branding.
What would you say to someone who’s on the fence about working with Anna?
If you’re on the fence about Anna from a financial situation, let me tell you I get it. It’s expensive to run a business and hard to figure out who to trust with such a big project and investment. However, please let me tell you - If you spend half the amount of money on someone that is half as good, then you’ll be bringing in clients that only half understand your business. The difference is insane when it comes to the lasting effects your brand leaves with a client. Anna is worth every. single. penny. and even more to get a well-rounded brand that speaks for itself. Just hire her, seriously you and your business will regret it if you don’t!
