Over the last couple months, we’ve been introducing you to our Sage Branding Specialists.  Today, I want you to meet Heidi Bartlett, the owner and mastermind behind idieh design.  I love how she describes the patterns in lettuce and how these simple daily things are an inspiration in her work.  Heidi’s work is lovely… and she’s a real sweetheart too!

Heidi Bartlett
idieh design
www.idiehdesign.com
Established 2007
Designing since 2001

What is your design specialty?  What are you known for?

idieh (ahy-dee-uh) design (yes, it’s my name spelled backwards) is a visual communications boutique most known throughout the wedding industry for designing custom invitations, stationery, and correspondence. I also specialize in branding and print collateral for both businesses and special events.

A few fun facts about myself: I’m a lover of candy (minus chocolate). When I’m not designing you will find me shaking my tailfeather. Halloween is my favorite holiday. I don’t want to grow up (I’m a Toys R’ Us kid).

Describe your design style.  How do you get inspiration?

My design style is more geometric & graphic-focused. More times than not, the end result is minimal, clean & sophisticated. Pops of color & unique color combinations always excite me.  Much of my inspiration is derived from textures, patterns, & typography.  I find myself looking at objects in different ways than the normal passerby. For example, when lettuce is sliced, I notice the patterns and textures that are created. Bizarre…I know.

What should a client expect when they hire you to do their branding?

To start off, clients will receive a questionnaire that will inquire about their company, current branding, their competitors, and their ideal client.  The questionnaire will be followed-up by a consultation via phone, in-person, or Skype to discuss their business in more detail and to answer any lingering questions.  Now it is time for me to research, conceptualize, and create design options (usually 3-5) that will begin the design process.  The client and I will work together closely to edit & refine the design until we discover a solution that meets their needs.

Give 3 tips on what a small business should do before they hire a designer.

1.  Have an open-mind. You are hiring/investing in a designer for THEIR expertise. Listen to their suggestions and feedback. Yes, your brand should represent YOU, but just because you L-O-V-E butterflies, doesn’t mean your brand should love them, too.

2. Take the time to evaluate your current brand & business.  What is / is not working?  Do you know who your ideal client is?  What sets you apart from others in your market?  What adjectives best describe your business?

3. Look outside of your industry for inspiration.  Find other brands that attract you and evaluate why they do.  Find things you like AND dislike about other existing brands, not necessarily within your industry.  By finding examples and pinpointing your likes and dislikes, the designer will begin to get insight into who you are and what you are all about.

Featured work from idieh design…

eventology logo
Eventology is an intimate, collaborative and intensive business conference designed especially for wedding professionals. idieh design was contacted to design a logo to represent all this conference had to offer.  The communication bubbles portray networking, fun, informal, and modern – all the characteristics you are sure to find at Eventology.

emmaQuist logo
emma Quist is a high end jewelry collection that utilizes fine gemstones, diamonds, etc. The client had their heart set on the logo being derived from the sun.  Therefore, the emma Quist logo was inspired by the rays of a sun and the warmth that those rays emit.  Within the icon, one of the rays combines with the sun’s core to form a “Q” which directly relates to the Q used in the logofont. Overall, the logo communicates an upscale brand that radiates uniqueness, quality, & sophistication.

edit and post logo
edit and post is a business and blogging techniques blog.  idieh design created a logo for the blog that was clean, simple, and modern yet still conveys a brand that is very approachable and full of personality.