Identifying Your Style
Early in your careers you often spend time trying to figure out exactly what your style is. You play with different looks, editing techniques, types of clients. And, that’s okay. You probably spent just as much time trying to do the same with any endeavor of yours (college, work, etc.). But, how do you make sure you find clients that match your style?
Start by honing in what you like. If you love a crisp, colorful photo, and your house is filled with sleek, modern details. And, you often frequent boutiques on the hunt for the perfect color blocked shift dress, there’s your style right there. Own it!
Once you’ve owned it, make sure your branding and collateral match that look and feel. If you love wearing bright, bold colors, but your branding is soft and romantic – there’s a bit of a disconnect. When you hand someone a business card, it should be a natural extension of your style (keyword here is natural).
And, finally, remember that point I made in the first paragraph? Find clients that match your style (not the other way around). Instead of spending time trying to fit some mold so you can book clients, be yourself. Let your work (and personal style) shine through. Because at the end of the day, your clients should like you for who you are and the quality of your work.
Stop trying to shoot or style like other vendors, and find what makes you unique and own it. After all, a client is booking you for you, not you because you’re like someone else.
Also, see this post and this post for reminders on why you should be yourself 
Source:
Brit Stewart is the editor of the Landlocked Bride, a modern wedding blog dedicated to Midwest and Mountain West couples. She is also the owner of Brit Stewart Weddings, a wedding design and styling boutique in Denver, CO.
7 Comments
Great post – I recently started my blog and at first it felt all over the place, but the more of my personality I’m inserting into it, the better I feel about it and I’ve been getting a lot more hits. Thanks for the timely reminder!
This is so true and I’ve heard it before, from my husband!! It’s something I have been really working on since the establishment of my business, but it’s always helpful to hear it again! Thank for the great advice
This is so important and something that does take time especially when finding the right clients. I didn’t realize this at first when dong videography. I would book any type of client but then was not satisfied with my portfolio. Once I started monitoring the clients that I was booking I was so pleased! Never comparing or doing things other vendors do is also a must! I love being little ole me
It’s so easy to get distracted by what other people are doing. I’m learning to tune that out (a challenge in our hyper connected world) and listen to who I am first.
This post is right on time. I’m making sure that everything I do with the rebranding matches my style and the type of client I am targeting. Thanks, Brit!
So true – great post and crucial advice for all business owners. Thanks for sharing!
This seriously could not have come at a better time! After just over a year of running my blog and venturing into the world of styling, a 30 second conversation with a friend sparked exactly the same realisation in me! This lightbulb moment has absolutely transfomed how I see my busineess. It means I know EXACTLY what I’m looking for, so has helped me streamline my submissions process for the blog, and enquiries for styling meaning that rather than just picking what I like, I’m actually being true to my original goals, and ultimately my own style! Great post!! xo