How to Create Brand Identity with Graphic Designer Danica Cramer

Happy Monday! I’m so excited to introduce you to my good friend Danica Cramer. Danica owns the graphic design company, D.Cramer Designs, and is a pro at creating a cohesive visual brand. She created my blog logo and is in the process of helping me revamp my media kit. You’re in for a real treat, because she’s here to share her tips on how to create brand identity and stay inspired in a digital world. 

Q1 | Tell us a little bit about you and your background.

Hi! I’m Danica. I’m a graphic designer, and lover of typography and clean design. I live in the Philadelphia area with my husband and pet rabbit. I was born and raised at the Jersey shore, and am still a beach girl at heart.

A few years ago while earning a Masters degree, I realized that a career in Psychology wasn’t really for me. I instinctively dove into digital design and founded D.Cramer Designs. My hope is to inspire a little love and light into your life through my work.

Q2 | What made you start your own graphic design company?

Q3 | What does your morning routine look like?  

Q4 | How do you balance working full-time and running your own business?

Q5 | Why did you choose Etsy versus an e-commerce website? 

Q6 | What do you love most about graphic design?

Q7 | What trends are you seeing in graphic design?

Right now I’m seeing a lot of flat design, which is design with no gradients or textures. Hand lettering and calligraphy has been trending for a few years now, but I don’t see that going out of style anytime soon. It’s original and handmade, which people seem to prefer over a typeface. I’m also seeing a lot of bold, innovative graphics. Designers are stepping outside of the box and trying to be as unique as possible.  

Q8 | What steps should someone take to build brand identity?

In my experience, your branding is always developing, always changing. If you’re just starting out, be honest with yourself, and don’t get too caught up with all the details. On a piece of paper (away from a computer), write down your brand’s message/purpose. Words, colors, pictures, textures. Work on it over time, and get it all down. This will become your first mood board. Keep it to remind yourself of your original inspiration for your branding.

Originality and consistency is key. You can’t look at someone else and want to be exactly like that individual. You have to do what inspires you, because in turn that will inevitability inspire others.  

Q9 | What’s one piece of advice you can give to new entrepreneurs? 

Just do it. Don’t wait for that perfect moment. Diving head first into a project will help you learn. You can research for months, but you’re not going to understand how your business runs, unless you leap and start running it. 

Lightning Round! 

Favorite design program? Photoshop
Favorite app? Etsy
Favorite social media platform? Pinterest
Favorite design color palette? Anything pastel, or a bold, high contrast palette like white/black/pink
What’s in your work bag? iPad, bamboo stylus, Moleskine soft cover notebook
Mac or PC: Mac

Special discount for Simply Nicole readers

Danica is offering buy one get one free (of equal or lesser value) on any product in her Etsy shop! Add in the “notes to the seller” section, the listing title or link that you’d like for free. Danica also designs custom logos starting at $65. 

You can find Danica on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

See where I’m linking up today.