What Really Makes You Unique As A Designer: How the coronavirus helped me figure this out!
Written by Lindsey Murillo of Lindsey Murillo Interiors
I
recently underwent a re-brand in my organization. I entered into the interiors
industry as a home stager and when I went full service interior design, it was
time to make a change. The choice to re-brand was one that I waited nearly two
years to make. I wanted to be sure the new brand and image I was creating for
myself was perfect.
I
changed every single one of my systems, processes, and procedures, along with
my logo, color scheme, and website. Basically, I completely changed the way I
was doing business. I re-evaluated every aspect of my organization, I took a
course on the business of interior design, I updated every single form and
contract I was using, I designed new business cards, I hired a marketing
manager and an assistant. If you have ever re-branded, you know that it is not
a quick or an easy process. I had to create new email accounts, update my
memberships, and notify my bank.
During
all of this, there was one common question that everyone was demanding an
answer for… what makes you unique as a designer? My business
coach was asking me. My marketing manager was asking me. Even my husband was
asking me!
At
the time, I didn’t have an answer. I would go to design meetings and panels to
hear great tips and advice from some of the most amazing designers across the
US who would all say something different on this topic. While one would say that
you have to create a unique niche for yourself so that you stand out among the
masses, the next would say that it’s best to be versatile and have the ability
to service every kind of client and style. GGGGAAAAHHHHH… what was the right
answer!?!?!?!? I didn’t know. What I DID know was that I needed to
figure this out before I could launch my new brand.
I
knew I didn’t just want to present myself through pretty images on social media.
I knew I didn’t want my brand to be identical to any other designer, even
though there are many who inspire me daily! I knew I wanted my voice to be
heard through my brand. I knew I wanted to make my clients’ voices heard
through my designs. And I knew that I wanted who I was as a person to come
through in my brand image.
So,
the new business name was filed. The logo was created. The social media
campaigning began. The website was under way and I was feeling good about the
momentum I had created - like I was on top of the world! Go me!
I
very soon realized that my social media was filled with lots of pretty pictures
and projects just like most other designers, that the only thing anyone on the
outside looking in would see is that I can create a great design and transform
any space into something wonderful. It wasn’t a bad thing, but it didn’t answer
the question - what makes me unique as a designer?
There
are so many things about me that make me … ME! But how did I translate that
into my brand? And then - the coronavirus happened!
WOWZA!
We all began to find creative ways to work from home, service our clients and
stay in business. Everyone who didn’t have an E-Design program, created one
fast! Luckily for us, this was something that we were already offering, and our
online viewers were familiar with. So now we just had to promote it.
And
then it occurred to me – the coronavirus pandemic was the perfect opportunity
for me to show who I am, in my brand!
When
someone is backed into a corner or pushed up against a wall, whatever is on the
inside of them … will come out. They will show their true colors and their
character will be unveiled. And this is the exact affect the coronavirus had on
me. It backed me into a corner and squeezed me so tight that I had no choice
but to respond as I always do in times of sudden disaster. This is where the
Small Business Initiative was birthed.
When
something as devastating as the coronavirus happens, my first response is to
jump into action! To get on the front lines and do absolutely everything I can
to help and support those in need. This is exactly what I did. I immediately
put together the Small Business Initiative that would help those who are on the
front lines better reach our communities and those who are in need. I invited
several other small business owners across DFW to join me in this initiative
and give back by donating to an organization of their choice. Many have joined me,
and more are reaching out daily to participate. And you can too, no matter
where you are located!
We
all have an opportunity during this time to respond as human beings who care
rather than business owners trying to stay afloat. We have an opportunity to
reflect on what is coming out of us as we are pushed up against a wall and
challenged like never before.
This
is what makes you unique as a designer. It’s what makes me unique as a
designer. I am one who loves to connect resources with needs. I am one who
cannot help but throw myself into the fire if I see someone burning. I am one
who stands to defend the helpless. I am one who does everything in my power not
to be wasteful and to protect our planet. I am one who calls people to action
when it is in our power to act.
This
is what I wanted my brand to be about. This is what I wanted people to see when
they looked at Lindsey Murillo Interiors. And this is the opportunity COVID-19
gave me when it hit our nation.
As
you are being squeezed - what is coming out? Take notice and turn it into
action. This is what makes you unique as a designer. This is the answer to the
question every business coach, marketing manager, publication and the public
want to know. Who are you? Not just what is your brand and what makes
you different from the designer to your right or to your left.
Who
are YOU?
As
an industry we also have an opportunity right now to shine by continuing to use
our resources and creativity to help solve problems the world is being faced
with.
Who
are WE?
If
you know someone in need of resources or looking to help/serve/donate, please
direct them to my blog. I have a list of organizations and information for anyone
looking.
nice
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