What it Takes to Create a Brand Online;
HOW TO START
So you have a story and you want to share it. The beginning step to it all, is finding a platform to host a website. I had previous experience with Squarespace, so when it came time to select a content management system, I chose something familiar. Squarespace is a website-building platform that allows users to create professional websites, online stores, blogs, and customizable templates, all without needing coding skills. I decided to handle everything independently, so it was essential to pick a platform that allowed me to create and edit my website on my own. When building a brand, having a functional website is essential. You want the platform to be secure because it represents your hard work and creativity. And let’s be honest, you probably want to have fun designing it too. That was exactly where I stood.
Creating a brand package for myself involved several steps: coming up with a catchy name, building a website, choosing brand colors and fonts, and designing graphics like a logo and relevant clip art. That may sound intimidating, but as the saying goes, “You are always a student. Never a master. You have to keep moving forward.” I took a deliberate approach, blocking out specific days to tackle each piece of the puzzle. It wasn’t an overnight accomplishment, this preparation has been a long time coming.
Last year, I came up with the name Vixen Peak. It’s a nod to my love for beauty and living in the Rocky Mountains at the time. It also plays on the idea of “peeking” at a vixen, as well as highlighting this vixen’s “peaks,” or standout qualities. All in all, it was a name that felt clever, meaningful, and personal. Plus, it was available across all the social media platforms I wanted to use. #Score! Once I felt confident in my choice, I opened Procreate on my iPad and got to work.
Procreate is a fantastic platform for brainstorming and visualizing brand elements, especially if you’re going for a handcrafted or artistic touch. For logo creation, it’s a dream come true. You can sketch and refine unique designs using pressure-sensitive brushes and intuitive tools. It also allows you to export high-resolution designs, making it perfect for both digital and print projects.
Using Procreate, I perfected the exact look I envisioned for my brand: a blend of retro charm, newspaper-inspired aesthetics, and the timeless elegance of Old Hollywood. My goal was to create clip art inspired by classic makeup, paired with a color palette reminiscent of vintage boudoirs. Shades like powder blue, lipstick red, newspaper gray, and ink black radiate luxurious glamour when combined with refined, prime style. Bringing this vision to life has been a labor of love, and seeing it materialize has been an incredibly rewarding experience.
Bringing my vision to life wasn’t just about perfecting the aesthetics. It was also about overcoming the mindset that everything had to be flawless before I could start. For a long time, perfectionism held me back, convincing me that every detail needed to be exact before I could move forward. But I learned that progress comes from showing up, even when things feel incomplete. Letting go of that fear allowed me to embrace creativity and focus on growth rather than perfection. Starting my blog became less about having all the answers and more about sharing my passion and evolving along the way.
Creating content requires a blend of creativity, strategy, and dedication. Whether you’re writing blog posts, crafting art, capturing photos, filming videos, developing recipes, or designing downloadable guides, the process begins with a clear vision and intentional planning. It takes time to research, brainstorm, and refine ideas into something valuable and engaging for your audience. Consistency is key. You need to show up regularly, even when inspiration feels scarce. Creating content involves a genuine passion for what you’re sharing. When you focus on authenticity and connection, your work resonates, bringing your ideas to life and leaving a lasting impression.
Sharing your story, no matter where you are in your journey, is a powerful way to connect with others and create meaningful impact. As you build your brand, you’re also building a narrative that can inspire, inform, and uplift your community. Your experiences hold immense value for those who might be walking a similar path. By embracing your unique perspective and sharing it with the world, you not only document your growth but also encourage others to pursue their own dreams with confidence. Starting a brand is about more than just aesthetics or functionality. It’s about creating something deeply personal and sharing it boldly. Your story is your strength, and sharing it is a gift to both yourself and those around you. Let’s watch your vision grow into something greater than you ever imagined.
XO, Vixen Peak
