"My Terra" - Project overview.
The “My Terra” project encapsulates a vibrant small business branding journey, celebrating the beauty ‘from country’.
Focused on curating a collection of rock images titled “My Rock Collection,” the objective extended beyond showcasing; it aimed to forge a brand identity resonating with a broader audience.
Collaborative efforts with peers and guidance from mentor Alistair were integral, fostering a comprehensive brand strategy.
This endeavour materialised into a cohesive brand image, reflected in the “My Terra” logo, style guide, and product labels. Social media integration and a diverse product range. I am excited to see where the “My Terra” brand leads.
"My Terra" - A final reflection of the project outcome and collaborations.
My personal reflection on the “My Terra” Small Business Branding Journey – A final Uni Project.
Embarking on the branding journey for “My Terra,” which translates to “From the Earth,” has been an amazing and rewarding experience. This endeavour required a blend of creative energies and insights from peers, lecturers, fellow designers and myself.
My objective was to brand a collection of images of rocks, aptly titled “My Rock Collection,” and to create a brand platform that not only showcases these images but also lays the foundation for future collections. I aimed to establish a brand identity that captures the essence of the collection and resonates with my target audience.
Collaboration played an integral role in my branding journey. While this collaboration was mainly online it did not make it any less effective. The involvement of peers gave me a multi-faceted perspective, enabling me to analyse my ideas comprehensively and act upon them. During brainstorming sessions, different viewpoints came together to become the “My Terra” brand identity. As fellow students, other designers and lecturers brought a unique skill set and perspective to the table, contributing to a comprehensive and well-rounded brand strategy. They gave me opinons on what they felt worked and what didn’t, for example, busy logo’s or not so bright colours.
Having Alistair to guide me throughout the process, provided valuable insights into the principles of branding, consumer psychology, and design aesthetics. Understanding the significance of colour palettes, typography, and imagery was paramount in crafting a visually appealing and cohesive brand representation. His wealth of information was paramount in refining my design choices and aligning them with the brand’s core values and target market. While all the work is mine, this project would not have had the same outcome that it has without his assistance.
Incorporating input from fellow designers was a pivotal aspect of this journey. It allowed me to receive expert opinions and diverse creative approaches, enriching my brand’s visual elements. Having fellow designer and student Hayley only a quick Facebook or email message away was instrumental in refining design choices and ensuring a polished and cohesive brand image throughout the process of designing the logo, style guide, and packaging.
The challenge of branding a selection of images of rocks was indeed a mammoth task. Transforming these raw images into a brand that evokes emotion requires meticulous planning and execution. The name “My Terra,” meaning “From the Earth,” was chosen to signify a personal connection to the earth, portraying the collection as more than just rocks but as a piece of nature to be cherished. This name also provided flexibility for future collections, giving a sense of expansiveness and potential for growth. I look forward to adding collections such as “My Flower Garden” and “My Menagerie” soon.
The output of this extensive branding journey is a testament to our collective efforts and my determined hard work. The “My Terra” logo encapsulates the brand’s essence, echoing the organic and authentic nature of the rock collection. The style guide ensures consistency across all platforms, projecting a cohesive visual identity. The WooCommerce website provides a user-friendly platform for customers to explore and purchase products seamlessly and the products and packaging bring it all home.
The integration of social media platforms amplifies the brand’s reach and engagement, fostering a community around the love for nature and unique rock collections. The range of products, including framed images, tote bags, scarfs, tea towels, glass coasters, and lens cleaning cloths, ensures that “My Terra” caters to a diverse audience, offering them an opportunity to connect with the beauty of nature in different ways.
In conclusion, the “My Terra” branding journey has been a rewarding endeavour, showcasing the power of collaboration, knowledge, and creativity. The successful branding of “My Terra” has set the foundation for future expansions. The journey has been a testament to my dedication and passion for transforming my own images into a brand that resonates with people, celebrating the beauty that comes “From the Earth.”
A celebration of extraordinary hidden with the ordinary.
The Blog posts
Writing the blog posts for “My Terra” was a deliberate and thoughtful process aimed at enhancing both the reader’s experience and the longevity of the content. Rather than presenting the content as a traditional production blog, it is structured in educational sections. This approach was chosen to future-proof the blog, allowing it to remain enjoyable and accessible even after being submitted for marking.
By dividing the content into sections, each post could focus on a specific aspect of the project, presenting a clear and organised narrative. It allowed for a more focused and in-depth exploration of key elements such as branding strategies, collaboration, design choices, and the overall brand identity.
I want the blog to remain a valuable educational resource for anyone interested in small business branding, design processes, and the journey of bringing a concept to fruition.
In essence, this strategic approach to blog post structure not only catered to the academic requirements but also considered the longevity and value of the content beyond the academic setting. It allowed for a seamless transition from an academic project to a valuable resource that I hope others can learn from.