Brand Revealer #03: "A process of giving meaning to something" with Teresa Ferreira
Brand Revealer #03: "A process of giving meaning to something" with Teresa Ferreira
New Q&A with branding strategist, Teresa Ferreira + thoughts on spring cleaning as a brand
👋 Hello brand enthusiast, how are you doing today?
Let’s discover our new Brand Revealer of the month. I also share insights on branding spring cleaning + some cool inspiration from bright brands I discovered.
💡Every month we have a guest for our short and sweet Q&A.
With my series ‘‘Branding Outside in-inside Out, my goal is to demystify the big word Branding so that anyone can understand its paradoxes and apply their own unique approach to building a brand.
By collecting an eclectic panel of definitions and visions of what branding is and implies. Showcasing those who do, use, and expand branding: Brand revealers.
Short Q&A - Brand Revealer #03
I asked a few questions to Teresa Ferreira, a fellow mentor on IlikeNetworking.
We both clicked on this profound topic, and I asked her to share her experience and wisdom with us.
Who are you?
My name is Teresa Ferreira. I am a Brand Consultant and designer.
Also, Head of Design for the Financial Times.
Your agency/studio
Where are you located?
🇬🇧 London (UK).
What is your definition of Branding?
Branding is a process of giving meaning to something. It is also what people say about you/your brand when you're not in the room.
Teresa
Branding is made of trial and error. The positioning takes effort, time and dedication. How can entrepreneurs recover from a branding that doesn't resonate yet with their audience?
If a brand isn't resonating with its audience, I would definitely recommend a strategy session to implement a framework and to really get to the bottom of the "why/what/who" of the brand. In that session, we would be able to determine if we need to conduct more research into the audience through means such as focus groups or hiring a market research company.
Teresa
What are the repeated words you hear about your Brand and Branding from your audience, teams, and people who discover you? (3 to 5 keywords)
Good at listening • Getting to the core of the brand • Unique brand delivery
Teresa
What is your best branding story from clients, yourself or an iconic brand you look up to?
Working with ethical brands that want to make a positive impact in the world is my studio's mission. We have worked on a few sustainable fashion projects, which have really been a pleasure to work with and have been contributing to a change in the way people consume fashion.
Teresa
What is the branding advice you would give to your younger self, knowing what you know today?
I would tell my younger self to let go of imposter syndrome, stop caring about what people think and to trust your intuition.
Teresa
You can discover her work and mindset at Teresa Ferreira Branding Studio
🧚♂️ Spring cleaning = I think Marie Kondo
I have always wanted to talk about the Branding and ecosystem of Marie Kondo. A personal brand that leverages a better lifestyle: clean your house clean your mind.
Her brand is so welcoming and encourages action: a power trigger!
As her mission gains popularity, she enters our language, speech, and habits, influencing the way we organise our homes, lives, works, and even businesses.
As spring approaches, I have started to donate and throw things I don't want to carry into the next season. The same principle can apply to a brand. What needs to go?* That is one of my tasks for the coming spring, examine what in my creative business doesn't spark joy, purpose, revenue and feel good.
I like the Marie Kondo method of being grateful for each item you give away
• A product that did not sell and no longer aligns with your goals or vision
’’Thank you for all the lessons you taught me, you were not in vain’’
• A typology of clients you don’t want to work with again
’’Thank you for reminding me of what I do not want anymore’’
• A collaboration, you have outgrown
’’Thank you for the encounter and growth. I wish you all the best creating your way’’.
* The prompt of the week
🤩 Bright, they are!
No boundaries (wise words & exploration by Oddity Studio)
🇫🇷 Smart design for good (An ecosystem of uses and users)
🇫🇷 La marque en moins (I love the spirit and vision behind this brand. Minimalism + function before anything else)
The Art of Japanese Aesthetics (Kutani ware is a traditional Japanese craft, I stumbled upon their products and loved the bold colours and patterns. A delight for the eyes!)
Elevate black founders in tech (AFROTECH 2023 Speaker application)
🎈 Fun brand(ING) prompt / 007
Look into your different branding avenues* - which one needs some spring cleaning?
🔭 *Spring is here and letting go of the old is the rule. As we focus on cleansing the outside, let's take a look at the social media channels, tools, products, services, projects, and more that we have outgrown. Why not close a chapter?
Video, words, illustration, animation… you choose. Short and sweet.
Pat yourself on the back, your branding voice is growing.
I hope you enjoyed the read of the week. If yes, please share it with peers, friends and family. Sharing is loving.
Yours creatively,
Keva