How to Choose a Memorable Aesthetic for Your Brand

When you were little, did your teachers or parents ever ask what you wanted to be when you grew up? Do you remember your answer?

I do. I always knew what I wanted to be a part of the creative industries. Back then, it wasn’t writing that called me—it was acting. I would proudly tell anyone who asked that I wanted to be an actress. Storytelling always held my heart, I just didn’t know how I’d be telling stories yet.

Acting didn’t claim me in the way I thought. Writing did—and I never would’ve realized that without inspiration. My inspiration came from someone who also wrote. Her passion ignited mine. Writing had always been in the back of my mind, and she brought it to the forefront. I’ll always be grateful for that.

MAKING A LIVING

As much as being an author has my heart, I know I need a backup plan. I want to be a tutor—in writing, more specifically. That’s the plan—and let me be crystal clear, when my eye is set on something, I achieve it.

If you read my blog post about creating a compelling character, you know I believe that every storyteller needs a brand. Freelancing is no exception. Whether you’re writing, editing, designing, or consulting, your brand is how people recognize your expertise.

But what is your brand as a writing tutor? Your teaching style, the way you respond to student frustration or breakthroughs—that’s what students remember. That’s your brand.

A brand in general is a term, name, or design that distinguishes you from another person. In my last blog post, I told you what my brand name is: Your favorite romance author. I’m a romance author, and the saying “favorite” is because people have a favorite author, and I will be somebody’s.

WHAT MAKES YOU, YOU

Who are you—like, actually, who are you? What are your fears?

How would you describe yourself in five words?

I’m not your therapist, but I am someone who knows what it takes to stand out in a competitive industry. And let’s face it—the creative industry is packed with talent. So the way to shine is to know yourself first.

That’s why I recommend therapy, or deep self-reflection at the very least. It’s not just for your mental health. It helps you find your brand, your essence, and your vibe.

I gave you a few examples in How to Create Compelling Characters, but in this one, I’ll go even deeper to help you uncover your aesthetic— the vibe, feeling, and the look that makes your brand unforgettable.

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE REMEMBERED

So, what is an aesthetic?

It’s a vibe your audience remembers you by—not just a look, but how it makes them feel. That’s what gives your brand substance—and people never forget substance.

There are many people in the industry who have talent, but not all of them have a brand. I will give you an example of someone who has an aesthetic.

Let’s start with the rising star, Sabrina Carpenter. She’s talented, no doubt. But so are a lot of people, and some of those people never take off.

Why?

Because talent alone isn’t enough. You can promote yourself a hundred times, but if people don’t remember you, it won’t last.

Sabrina sticks. Why?

Because she has a brand.

When you think of her, what comes to mind? Maybe her fashion sense. The red kiss mark. Maybe it’s the clever little rhymes she throws in after her songs. Or her album title: Short n Sweet? Whatever it is—it’s hers. She’s left her mark on the world.

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU WANT TO MAKE?

Now, I’m not telling you to think of something outlandish or shocking that leaves you remembered in a negative light.

What I am getting to is: leave something behind that makes you unforgettable, in the right way. Leave something that speaks to your truth. Leave something that lives on, years from now.

You try now.

What do you want people to feel when they remember you?

What legacy do you want to leave behind? Is it singing, acting, or dancing?

Whatever it is—make it stick.

Go on, let me know what your brand is in the comments—I’m listening.