Teach Soap

Argh! Both things are driving me insane right now. I have very distinct ideas in my head about how I want my brand/packaging to look, but they're fighting with each other over superiority

And developing a logo? Eek.

Any advice, tips, suggestions on developing a brand....whether it's software, vector art resources, etc.....? Is it just me, or is it really a difficult process?

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- Stacey -

Anyone's life truly consists of work, sunshine, exercise, soap, plenty of fresh air, and a happy contented spirit. - Lillie Langtry

What type of a market are you trying to reach? Rustic, upscale or???

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Totally understand! My first company Signature Soaps LLC was in my head one way but no one else got it and I was totally frustrated. Thought creating bath products made to order for each person from scent to texture etc., was a nice idea but no one else did lol. So when I decided to close and reopen I went with Four Seasons Fine Handcrafted Soaps & Specialties because I have a new vision in my head now for a store God willing someday. I hired someone to create my logo and I love what she did. As for packaging I stay rustic but classic and try to make it about the product itself. Good luck I am sure you will do great things!

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Four Seasons Fine Handcrafted Soaps
& Specialties, Inc.
Laugh, Love, Live!

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- Stacey -

Anyone's life truly consists of work, sunshine, exercise, soap, plenty of fresh air, and a happy contented spirit. - Lillie Langtry

I did and it was very helpful, she advised me on what would work and why things would not work with regards to my logo. Things like printing, copy write, how it needs to work in black & white, etc.

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Four Seasons Fine Handcrafted Soaps
& Specialties, Inc.
Laugh, Love, Live!

I think retro chic sounds cool I like that.

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Four Seasons Fine Handcrafted Soaps
& Specialties, Inc.
Laugh, Love, Live!

Don't forget that while lots of colors and mascot-type logos are "fun" to work with, they might just be "loud" enough to push away potential customers. Bigger isn't always better. Think of it this way: the more you overthink and overwork your idea, the more frustrated you'll become with it. Let simplicity flow and you will probably create/find exactly what you are looking for.

Yes, my college degree did pay off a little bit

Thanks for the tips, Selena - sounds like you hired the right one

@Vanessa: I hear you there! I just finished my bachelor's in psychology, and I'm transferring so much of it over into marketing ideas for my future biz. I took a marketing class at the start of the year - found it so interesting how so much of psych is in branding. My brother's a marketing VP for a large healthcare organization in D.C. so he's been giving me a few hints & tricks too.

I just watched something on one of the science channels last week about it, so that's kind of what triggered the "frustration" of it. On that show they took a number of people and gave them all the same boxed wine....but poured the box wine into two separate bottles, so they'd believe they were drinking something different with each- the first bottle had an attractive label on it, the second had an uninteresting, cheesy label. Somehow the pretty packaging made the wine taste so much better than the other, even though it was the same. Funny how the mind works!

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- Stacey -

Anyone's life truly consists of work, sunshine, exercise, soap, plenty of fresh air, and a happy contented spirit. - Lillie Langtry

Go look online at some of the web sites. See which ones you like. I'm not sure what retro chic means to me. Pin up girls? Old timey labels made with kraft paper?

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

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Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!

I used a graphic designer. It made it much easier. She also know a great printer for cards, etc which saved me money in the long run. Worthy investment.