Your visual aesthetic is key to defining your personal image and brand identity. Whether you’re a content creator, business owner, or professional, a cohesive aesthetic communicates who you are and what you stand for. Follow these 5 steps to discover and define a visual aesthetic that feels authentic to your personal brand.
1. Minimalist or Maximalist?
Start by deciding if your brand leans toward a minimalist or maximalist approach. Minimalism embodies simplicity, clean lines, and understated elegance—ideal for brands that focus on clarity and calm. Maximalism, on the other hand, embraces boldness with layered textures, vibrant colours, and plenty of visual variety. Think about whether you want your brand to express a calm, organized persona or a lively, dynamic energy. This decision sets the foundation for the rest of your aesthetic.
2. Define a Colour Scheme
Colour plays a powerful role in branding and can evoke specific emotions or associations. Choose a color scheme that reflects your brand’s message and values. If you want to appear professional and calm, opt for neutral tones like black, white, or soft grays. If your brand is bold and energetic, select vibrant colors such as reds, blues, or yellows. Stick to a consistent color palette to create visual harmony across your website, social media, and marketing materials, ensuring your brand is easily recognizable.
3. Deciding visual medium
Choosing the right visual medium is key to defining your brand’s aesthetic. Photography, videography, and visual effects each convey different styles and messages. Photography allows you to capture still moments, perfect for brands that rely on detail, simplicity, or elegance. You can choose between styles like portrait, lifestyle, or editorial photography, depending on the mood you want to evoke, and within this choosing film or digital can convey nostalgia or modernity.
Videography, on the other hand, brings motion and storytelling to life. It’s ideal for brands that want to show energy, process, or a narrative. Whether it’s short-form content like reels or more cinematic storytelling, video helps communicate movement and engagement.
Visual effects (VFX) take branding to the next level by integrating digital elements—animations, motion graphics, or augmented reality. VFX are perfect for brands that want to be innovative or tech-savvy, offering a futuristic or cutting-edge aesthetic. Deciding between these methods (or combining them) allows you to tailor your brand’s visuals to the kind of experience you want your audience to have.
4. Consider Poses: Candid or Posed?
The way you present yourself in photos can significantly impact how your personal image or brand is perceived. Deciding between candid or posed shots plays a crucial role in conveying the right energy and emotion. Candid photos often feel more authentic, relaxed, and spontaneous, making them perfect for brands that prioritize connection, warmth, and approachability. On the other hand, posed shots allow for more control and intentionality, helping you project confidence, professionalism, or a specific emotion. Think about the energy you want your brand to emit—whether it’s a natural, down-to-earth vibe or a polished, composed presence—and choose poses that reflect that.
5. Incorporate Personal Touches
Lastly, make your aesthetic uniquely yours by incorporating personal touches that reflect your story, values, and personality. Whether it’s custom illustrations, a signature font, or unique branding elements like personal quotes or symbols, these details make your brand stand out and feel authentic. This personalization helps build a deeper connection with your audience, making your brand memorable and relatable.
By following these steps, you’ll discover a visual aesthetic that not only aligns with your personal style but also enhances your brand image, creating a consistent, authentic identity across all platforms.
