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“It's really important to remember [to ask] who is the end user of this visual branding? Who is seeing it and how do we best cut through the noise so that they see it and remember it?” – Aleksa Narbutaitis

If you’re not artistically inclined, you may not give much thought to your brand’s visual style. But take it from Jess and Aleksa Narbutaitis, Creative Director of SimplyBe. Agency, your style guide is one of the most important investments you can make in your business.

On this week’s episode of The SimplyBe. Podcast, Aleksa joins Jess to discuss why your brand’s visual aesthetic is hugely important. Aleksa’s job requires her to be able to take a brand’s strategy and condense it to a cohesive visual message. She offers advice on color, fonts, and setting up a style guide day one. She also has advice for aspiring designers: you don’t need a fancy degree or fancy software, get designing!

Jess also takes some time to share her daily gratitude practice. Use her strategy to bring more joy and calm into your life.

• [01:22] - Gratitude journaling
• [07:37] - Sneak peek excerpt from Jessica's forthcoming book
• [12:02] - Interview with Aleksa Narbutaitis
• [17:14] - Why a visual brand identity is important
• [20:39] - Visual Easter eggs
• [23:03] - Welcoming brands to the world
• [25:22] - Quick wins to uplevel a visual brand
• [28:47] - Developing a style guide
• [32:12] - Font hierarchy
• [34:11] - Telling an emotional story with color
• [35:34] - Creative hacks & tools
• [38:03] - Skillshare
• [40:17] - Unsplash
• [41:06] - Creative Market
• [42:00] - Starseed sisters
• [52:28] - Opportunities for growth
• [59:28] - Busting up the drama triangle
• [1:01:38] - What SimplyBe. means to Aleksa

Aleksa Narbutaitis is the Creative Director and resident Gill Of All Trades (G.O.A.T. for short) at SimplyBe. Agency. A Type A creative with a B.B.A. in Entrepreneurship as well as a minor in dance from Loyola University Chicago, and a Master’s in Leadership for Creative Enterprises from Northwestern University, creative direction is where she thrives—right at the intersection of art and action.

In a past life, she opened and operated a boutique fitness studio in Chicago, where she still rocks the mic weekly. Now calling SimplyBe. her home, she brings with her years of small business management and marketing experience, as well as an eye for design and a passion for personal brands.

Jessica Zweig is an international award-winning entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of SimplyBe. In 2018, she won the Gold Stevie® Award for “Female Entrepreneur of the Year,” was previously named a Top Digital Marketer To Watch by INC. and a “Personal Branding Expert” by Forbes. As a thought leader with over ten years of experience in digital marketing and social media, Jessica frequently speaks and facilitates workshops and masterminds, teaching the power of personal branding to corporations.

Jessica has been featured as a leading entrepreneur and personal branding expert in Forbes, Crain’s, MarketWatch, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Refinery 29, Tasty Trade, BizTech Magazine, Today’s Chicago Woman, NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX News 32, and more.

She is currently writing her first book, Be. A No-Bullshit Guide to Creating Self-Worth and Net Worth Just by Being Yourself. Follow her on Instagram @jessicazweig or send her a note at jessica@simplybeagency.com.

If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to The SimplyBe. Podcast in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.

This podcast episode was produced by Dante32.