Notice anything different?

This weekend I took some time off from painting & got to work on another important aspect of my business: BRANDING. Although the "new" [now old] banner header was okay for my blog ... it wasn't suitable for my Etsy store [because I don't sell tables].

I got my degree in Communications with an emphasis on Visual. I took many college courses [and LOVED THEM] on the exact topic of branding, marketing ... and of course visual communication. Since I obviously know the importance ... I found it silly [and annoying] that I wasn't abiding by the rules.

So I spent all weekend long tweaking my banner for both Etsy, my blog ... and coming up with a suitable look that represented me & cREaTe. I took a poll with a few of my close family & friends. I tried all the banners on for size ... probably confusing the HECK out of new visitors. :)

But in the end ... we chose this for my Etsy banner:

{You can see it in the store, here}

I was trying to find a font that matched my own handwriting that I paint on my quote canvases. None seemed to fit. So ... I decided to paint it. I added the little dainty flower to give it color. I chose to keep the blog header a little simpler since I cover various topics here, not just my art.

I often make the mistake of thinking my business is art. But ... my oh my having a business is an art.

Here are some articles I've found helpful in figuring this all out ... and will give you a good peek at what getting your own art business up & off the ground is like. :)

• Heart Handmade: Making it! {this is a whole series}

• Heart Handmade: Buyer's Notes, Etsy Avatars

and I still remember when Dana posted about this blog post:

• Made by Hank: A Series of Fortunate Events

It never ends. Ever. :) So I'm sure this look isn't permanent. I just need to make sure I keep moving the right direction. And for now ... this fits.