Crafting Your Brand: The Heart of Hooked by Honeybee

Hey, fellow crochet pals! Grab a comfy seat, and let's chat about the real talk—branding. So, picture this: Before the world went topsy-turvy from COVID, I had another side business - making Minnie Mouse ears for Disney World explorers. It was the kind of thing that brought joy—until the parks shut down in 2020. And you know how the saying goes, when life hands you lemons, your craft supplies seem to disappear like socks in the laundry.

Finally wearing one of my own ears on a trip to Disneyworld in August of 2022!

But amidst the chaos, one thing stayed intact—the knack for creating a brand from scratch. That's where the story of Hooked by Honeybee begins.

Why Branding is Your Business's BFF

Now, let's get real about why branding is basically the BFF your small business never knew it needed:

1. Spotlight in the Crowd: Ever been to a craft show where everything looks ah-mazing, but one booth just pulls you in? That's the magic of a recognizable brand. Consistency, from your logo to your color palette, makes you the cool kid on the block.

2. Trust Factor: Trust is everything, especially when your creations are as adorable as ours. A solid brand screams, "Hey, we're not just cute; we're crafted with love and quality!" It's like a trust fall at a team-building workshop, but for your customers.

3. Setting Expectations: Your brand is like a trailer for an awesome movie—it sets the vibe. Whether it's the playful spirit of Minnie Mouse ears or the cozy cuddliness of crochet plushies, your brand tells customers what they're signing up for.

From Chaos to Cool: The Hooked by Honeybee Branding Saga

After the whirlwind of 2020, I found myself dusting off and rebuilding. The secret sauce? Crafting my own branding guidelines. I picked fonts that felt like a cozy chat with a friend and colors that made me want to dive into a blanket fort.

This consistency didn't just stop at craft shows. Nope! It flowed onto social media and slid smoothly onto the Hooked by Honeybee website. One look, and you'd know it's us. That's the power of a consistent brand—no confusion, just good vibes.

Crafting your unique brand: A gift from me to you

Now, the best part—I'm sharing the goods with you. Grab the Hooked by Honeybee Branding Guidelines template. It's not just a PDF; it's the key to unlocking your brand's essence. Inside, find the fonts and colors that have been my sidekick through this crafty journey. This PDF is a template, meaning you can edit away and it won’t change anything for anyone else! Click the link below to

Click here to download the Hooked by Honeybee Branding Guidelines Template

Things to keep in mind as you create your own branding guidelines:

1. It’s all about the logo on page 1:

- Place your logo proudly at the top of the page. Let it be the star of the show! Page 1 is all about the logo—its fonts, colors, and the essence it brings to your brand.

- Ensure that the colors featured on page 1 are the same hues that make your logo pop. Let these colors be the thread that ties your brand together.

- The fonts on page 1 should mirror the ones used in your logo. Consistency is key, and this is your chance to showcase the fonts that represent your brand identity.

2. On page 2, let the color palette shine:

- Page 2 is your canvas to explore and experiment. Here's where you can play with additional colors that complement your main palette.

- Feel free to showcase shades that catch your eye and resonate with your brand. In my personal branding guidelines, you’ll recognize that I use the light coral pink in the first row and the light teal in the second row all over my website! Sometimes it’s better to focus on just a couple of the possible options to ensure cohesiveness.

- If you're looking for inspiration, consider using tools like coolors.co to generate a palette. Add your main brand colors and let the magic happen. It's a fun way to discover new hues that align seamlessly with your existing palette.

- Remember, Page 2 is the playground—where you can add a splash of variety while maintaining the overall harmony of your brand.

3. “Other Fonts Regularly Used”:

- If your brand uses additional fonts regularly (besides those in your logo), consider featuring them next to your main fonts. This ensures a cohesive look across all your brand elements.

- Whether it's for social media graphics, blog posts, or other promotional materials, having a consistent set of fonts maintains the visual identity you've worked hard to establish.

Creating your branding guidelines is a journey of self-discovery for your brand. It's about finding the perfect blend of elements that not only represent your creations but also resonate with your audience.

Feel free to experiment, explore, and let your unique style shine through.

As you dive into your own crafty adventures, remember, your brand isn't just a logo. It's the story you tell with your creations, the promise you make to your customers, and the vibe that makes you uniquely you.

Happy branding, my crafty comrades! 🌟🧵