· A SIX WEEK mentoring programme FOR BRAND DESIGNERS committed to EXCELLENCE ·
MARCH 2023
Elevate is a unique and exciting mentoring programme for brand designers committed to excellence. Through a carefully curated collection of content, group teachings and most importantly, one to one feedback, each participant has produced three stellar portfolio pieces and crucially, elevated their work, their vision, their process and the potential for their business along the way.
This is the fifth Elevate programme I’ve run and it’s been a true joy to once again work with a collective of passionate designers. Some have arrived as experienced brand designers, others have begun from a completely blank slate. All of them have worked hard and achieved exceptional things in a very short space of time.
The journey you’ll see charts their progress across three projects from their initial project right through to their final submission. Nine briefs to choose from, three projects to work on and six rounds of personalised feedback from me, along with group notes that pick up on key process themes has meant that we’ve been able to elevate at an incredible pace.
Each has brought with them a unique level of skill and experience and they finish this class at different levels. There was no prerequisite level for joining and no ‘pass mark’ at the end. Instead, the focus has been on elevating
their own work and moving their own unique creativity, vision and skill forwards. By showing up, producing the work and taking on board the feedback, these designers have achieved some incredible things and I’ve created this Journey to celebrate that.
So let’s say a big Cheers to The Elevate Collective, Class of 2023. Do soak up the creative inspiration on their websites, show them some love on Instagram and put them under consideration for your next branding project. Enjoy!
ps. If you’d like to join us for the next programme, you can find out more at thebrand-stylist.com/elevate
Fiona
“I’VE NEVER RECEIVED SUCH POWERFUL, INSIGHTFUL FEEDBACK THAT HAS PUSHED ME AND EMPOWERED ME LIKE THIS.”
ELLIE BOWIE
“THE COURSES AND SEMINARS YOU’VE PUT OUT HAVE BEEN TREMENDOUS IN HELPING ME HONE MY STYLE/EYE FOR DESIGN. I KEEP GOING BACK INTO THE COLOUR PSYCHOLOGY FOR BRAND DESIGNERS AND WATCHING VIDEOS FOR THE GOLD NUGGETS OF ADVICE. EACH TIME I RE-WATCH A PRESENTATION, I FIND SOMETHING NEW THAT STICKS OUT TO ME THAT I CAN APPLY TO MY WORK.”
CHRISTINE RESTIVOChristine has blown my mind with what she’s achieved during our time together. Each of her projects has been beautifully executed and has really captured the resonance of each brief. Christine is the first of the Elevate collective to have completed the Colour Psychology for Brand Designers programme and the impact this has had on her work really shows. She’s been able to create resonant, connected work that really speaks to the nuances of the brief and also creates a really strong and interesting impact. It was only when I looked back at her initial pre-course questionnaire I realised that Christine is new to brand design - and that’s staggering! I know you’re going to love what she’s produced and what I also sense, is that if this is what Christine has created at the very start of her journey, that there is much more potential to come. Seriously exciting!
CHRISTINERESTIVO.COM
Villa Sablioni is an enchanting wedding destination in the stunning countryside of Siena, Italy.
This venue is what dreams are made of—set on a hill with breathtaking views of the rolling hills and valleys, luscious olive groves, tall cypress trees, vineyards at every turn. Speaking of dreams, the new owners, Claude and Mathilde, left their thriving lives in Toronto and successful event businesses to breathe new life into this estate of over 800 years old. After an extensive 18 months of renovation, the new interiors compliment the heritage architecture of the exterior with a timeless and refined feel that invites the visitor to find respite in the calm and restful color palette. The estate includes twelve bedrooms and plenty of space to accommodate up to 80 guests for wedding celebrations. Guests can wander around the estate in the vineyards, the olive groves, the well-kept gardens and courtyard, or lounge by the pool with commanding views. Villa Sablioni is ready to welcome visitors looking for a magical site to celebrate love.
The estate is over 800 years old with historic architecture. After 18 months of renovations, the interiors are now up to date, refined, elegant, and decorated in soft muted colors. The renovated interiors maintain the architectural heritage with sun bleached terracotta tiles or unpolished travertine that is naturally found in Tuscany. While most furniture may be newly added, there are carefully chosen antique pieces that compliments the old world feel without making the space outdated. Because of the soft color palette and curated decorations, the interiors appear bright with natural lighting— cultivating an inviting and restorative atmosphere and drawing attention to the awe-inspiring views outside.
Another thing to note is that Claude and Mathilde are not novices to this business. They have had 15 years to hone their skills through the running successful event planning businesses back in Toronto. It goes without saying that they are an old hand when it comes to this industry and visitors can be certain that everything will be well-thought out and executed professionally.
ARTISAN
FOODIE DESTINATION
DELECTABLY INVITING
“I HAVE STOPPED JUMPING STRAIGHT INTO SKETCHING OUT A MILLION IDEAS AND INSTEAD ENJOY TAKING THE TIME TO ‘SIT’ IN THE PROJECT AND GAIN THAT CLARITY AND ESSENCE BEFORE SEEING WHERE IT TAKES ME. IT HAS BEEN A DIFFICULT CHANGE TO MAKE AFTER 25 YEARS OF JUMPING STRAIGHT IN BUT I CAN ALREADY SEE THE BENEFITS, MY WORK IS NO LONGER JUST BASED ON AESTHETICS.”
SAM HAMLYN
Sam’s project for Pincott Farm stopped me in my tracks and almost brought tears of joy in Week One. It really felt as though she had so beautifully captured the magic of that place, in all its’ ramshackle and evocative beauty. Since then she has work incredibly hard on really honing her process and bringing more vision and a greater sense of resonance to her work. After 25 years of working ‘one way’ this takes so much courage and commitment and I’m really looking forward to seeing the impact all of this has as she takes this forward into her client work.
THEDESIGNDAME.CO.UK
a garden to feed the soul...
The brand that is sophisticated, in communion Surrounded by wildflower cork oak forests and olive invite visitors to slow with themselves
QUINTA
Pared-back, Sophisticated
both laid back and communion with nature. wildflower meadows, olive groves the hotel will slow down, reconnect themselves and truly relax.
QUINTA
Sophisticated and Natural
·
A real feel for the seasons & provenance.
Natural
Everything is locked in the ebb and flow of nature.
Celebrating Maddie’s Scott’s passion and achievements.
Popular with surfers, families and polo players. Beloved by tourists and locals alike.
A couple in their thirties who love to relax by taking off to the beach in their camper van for the weekend. Spending time in the surf and enjoying long dinners with great friends.
The girls re-located to near by Redruth after the pandemic when they were both able to work from home, they now have so much more freedom and are able to spend more time doing the things they love.
They have formed a wide circle of friends in the area and can often be found dining with a large group at Sea Spray where they are slowly becoming locals.
The couple appreciate the laidback vibe of the restaurant and Maddie Scott’s ethics sit well with their own.
“I ALWAYS PUT A LOT OF THOUGHT INTO MY DESIGN AND MY CLIENT’S NEEDS, BUT WHAT I’VE LEARNED FROM ELEVATE TAKES THAT TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL.”
TAMRA BELL
Tamra’s work has undergone a rapid transformation as a result of the Elevate process and I’m so excited to see her journey unfold. From a Behance portfolio full of well-crafted, if rooted in the early Noughties, logos, Tamra has created some really exquisite pieces of work that feel so beautifully crafted and thorougly up to date. We’ve worked on really keying into the uniqueness of the brief and creating work that feels right for the nuance of the brand. With 20 years’ experience under her belt, this very much feels like the start of a new phase for Tamra’s work and I cannot wait to support her in realising the potential of this.
TAMRABELLDESIGN.COM
Anders Alvarez Studio is an internationally-renowned, award-winning architecture firm in Ghent, Belgium that works with clients around the world. Passionate about sustainability and devoted to the restorative power of biophillic design, Anders Alvarez Studio creates exceptional spaces that delight in every detail.
With a sensitive and personal approach to design, their architectural style is contemporary, and understated. Intimate, relaxed interiors are bathed in light and connect with nature through the use of neutral colors, natural materials, large windows, and Ander’s trademark internal courtyards. These exquisite builds are an absolute joy to live in.
“I AM GRATEFUL FOR YOUR GUIDANCE THESE PAST 6 WEEKS. VERY CHALLENGING BUT SO INCREDIBLY ENJOYED IT. SUPER THANKS FOR IMPARTING YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND PROUD THAT I MAY LEARN FROM ONE OF THE BEST IN BRAND DESIGN IN THE WORLD.”
KRISTA BROCKBERNDI often find that brand photographers bring a great eye and aesthetic to their work as brand designers. Often, what they lack in software skills, they make up for in resonance, and Krista is no exception. From the get-go, she connected with each brief and pulled together a really resonant presentation. As the weeks have gone on, she has really stepped into her creativity and it’s been such a joy to see her design skills unfold. She has thrown so much into this programme and I know this is just the start, I’m truly excited to support her as her work evolves.
ESCAPEINTOTHELIGHT.COM
The villa is very charming. The exterior is made of natural stone, giving it a rustic and timeless look. The soft blue shutters perfectly match the stonework and the green of the olive trees
THE INTERIOR IS TRULY AUTHENTIC, STYLISH AND SO BEAUTIFUL
The color palette is kept simple and quiet, with tones of whites, creams, and pastels.
The walls are painted a soft, muted shade of cream, and the flooring is laid in a beautiful pattern of old tiles. The spaces are filled with lots of antique furniture, adding to the classic and timeless ambiance.
A ROMANTIC AND ELEGANT SERIF FONT
SUNDAYS
a modern serif font that mixes the modern and classic
The commitment to sourcing ingredients within a 25-mile radius and highlighting the abundance of homegrown produce in every dish highlights authenticity and connection to the local community.
“I (NOW) PUT A LOT MORE THOUGHT AND EMPHASIS ON PROCESS AND GETTING TO THE ESSENCE AND FEELING SO THAT THE RESONANCE IS ESTABLISHED BEFORE RUSHING INTO DESIGN AND DELIVERY.”
KERRY HENNING
Kerry arrived at Elevate having taken a comprehensive course in graphic design from a global design school. Already bringing with her a great process for developing creative concepts, like with all Elevate students, we focused our attention very much on delivering resonant work that spoke to the nuances of the brief. Working at this level can be a real challenge and one that Kerry launched herself at with gusto. Each iteration showed real progress and I’m so excited to see how Kerry goes on to build on these foundations with her clients.
“I AM SO, SO GRATEFUL THAT I FOUND YOUR WORK. THE WAY THAT YOU INSPIRE ME TO STEP INTO MY OWN EXCELLENCE AND PUSH MYSELF, I FEEL LIKE IT’S REALLY RARE.”
NIKOLE SARAVAY
Nikole joined Elevate as a website designer with a keen interest in brand design and has worked exceptionally hard to develop her skills and talents in this area. It’s been a real delight to review her work and help her begin to unlock her potential. As you’ll see from the projects, Nikole’s aesthetic and sense of vision have really developed during our time together and I am truly excited to see where she takes this from here. Nikole was midway through Colour Psychology for Brand Designers when she embarked on this course and the sense of cohesion is really evident. I know that this will take things to a whole new level as be completes this and begins to implement what she’s learned and I am seriously looking forward to seeing how all of this unfolds for her.
“MY HOPE GOING INTO ELEVATE WAS TO IMPROVE MY DESIGN SKILLS AND TO GET HONEST, CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK – AND FOR BOTH OF THESE, THE COURSE HAS WELL SURPASSED MY EXPECTATIONS.”
MARY FLEMING
With a background in marketing, Mary arrived at Elevate with a strong commitment to deliver value to her clients. During our time together she has streamlined her process and worked towards bringing more clarity and creative flair to her work. She has thrown so much into the process and I am really excited to see what unfolds for her as she continues to deepen her knowledge and expand her skillset in design and branding. Her final project for the dentist gives me an insight into the creative potential that Mary’s work holds and I know that as she gains more strategic insights she is going to deliver some really beautiful and resonant pieces of work.
MARYFLEMINGDESIGN.COM
Logo: primary stacked version
Logo: primary version
Logo: primary version
Alabaster Plum
Gunmetal
Silver
Oliveleaf
“FIONA REALLY PUTS HER HEART AND SOUL INTO THIS COURSE AND I NEVER IMAGINED I COULD LEARN THIS MUCH ABOUT BRANDING (NEVER HAVING DONE IT) IN SUCH A SHORT TIME!”
PATTI SMITHCreative powerhouse Patti somehow managed to complete Elevate alongside running several businesses where she is already committed to spending 60 hours a week on. I’m not entirely sure how and where she finds the energy (!) but she certainly threw all her enthusiasm at Elevate, developing a much more considered approach to her work and an elevated style during the time we worked together. There is more to work on, but I know that Patti’s boundless energy and passion for this will make wonderful things happen.
HEARTHANDBLOOMS.COM
“THE FEEDBACK... GAVE ME SO MANY THINGS TO THINK ABOUT NOT ONLY FOR THE PROJECT BUT REGARDING THE CLARITY OF MY BUSINESS, MY OFFERS, AND GIVING VALUE TO THE CLIENTS.”
SILVIYA PETKOVA
Dental entrepreneur and brand enthusiast, Silviya, has completely changed her process, offering and quality of work as a result of Elevate. During our time together Silviya has taken her work from (in her words) ‘filling in blanks’ to thinking strategically. It’s hard to show you the depth of progress across just three spreads per project, but it’s there in spades. There will be more to work on as Silviya builds out her knowledge and refines her offering but I’m truly excited. Silviya has developed a great eye and aesthetic, she has streamlined her process and she has a very unique perspective to bring to her niche. This is going to be an exciting space to watch!
THEDENTAL-BRAND.COM
We
envision a world combines cutting-edg atmosphere of relax
“IT HELPED ME STREAMLINE THE PROCESS, I FEEL MORE CONFIDENT IN PUTTING TOGETHER THE INFORMATION FOR THE CLIENT.”
JEANINE LINDER
Jeanine has thrown so much into each and every Elevate project. She has approached each with passion, hard work and a real commitment to excellence. She’s created some really stunning pieces and I know you’ll really enjoy them. We’ve worked on honing Jeanine’s process and really getting into the nuance and detail of each brand. Post Elevate, I’m excited to see Jeanine work with some larger clients whose projects she can really get her teeth into, she has a real talent for design and I can’t wait to see the impact of this on her clients. FEINSINNIG.CH
KEYWORD 1
KEYWORD 2
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The VILLA SABLIONI is breathtaking and features and a spacious, well-tended garden. experience unforgettable moments with corner of the estate.
VILLA SABLIONI is newly renovated. The invites guests to relax. Brides and grooms dreamlike ceremonies and celebrations
VILLA SABLIONI is set in the heart of reflected throughout the property, as Claude and Mathilde and their staff. Their remember.
and captivates with charming architectural garden. It is a place that invites you to linger and with your loved ones. Guests feel romance in every
The elegant, refined and sophisticated atmosphere grooms have everything they need to experience celebrations in the Tuscan Villa.
a refined, exquisite environment, which is well as in the attentive service provided by Their attention to detail is something guests
The simple, modern and memorable logo with the unmistakable Q and imperfect Letters is easy to read and has an imperfect, charming appearance.
Sea Spray, the award winning Restaurant with its elevated, laid-back spectacular, sweeping Ocean. Locally sourced, transformed into simple, exquisitely presented with that delights
Spray, Restaurant invites to relax laid-back atmosphere and
views of the Atalantic sourced, seasonal produce is simple, delicious dishes with vibrant edible flowers delights the guests.
be used troughout the branding.
Here’s to the Elevated Designers Class of 2023! They really have worked so hard at refining and developing the work you see here and I know that for many, the journey has just begun.
What these guys have achieved in six short weeks is nothing short of astonishing and I am sure that over the next twelve months many will continue to challenge themselves and continue to grow and evolve their work.
One of the things I love about Elevate is that it works at so many levels. For this intake, we had a large cohort of designers starting right at the beginning and you’ll see the transformation in their work very clearly as you look through each project.
For the more experienced designers, the elevation happened behind the scenes. It was about kickstarting their creativity, rebuilding their confidence and finessing their process. It was about encouraging them to think bigger, aim higher and put their focus and energy on creating the very best work possible.
The next Elevate programme will begin in February 2024 and I’m already really looking forward to welcoming the next collective to the party. Bookings are open now. I do hope you’ll consider joining us, find out more at thebrand-stylist.com/elevate
Fiona
My recommendations for designers are always based on your unique needs as a business, so I don’t unreservedly recommend any designer: even those I work with regularly. To make a recommendation to you, I’d need to work with you one to one. I’d need to understand your business, create a vision for your brand and get to know you as a person.
Here, you’ll find a collective of designers who are serious about elevating their own brand design work from their unique starting points. Each has achieved some incredible things and I encourage you to enjoy browsing their websites and following the same guidelines for selecting a designer that I’ve outlined in How to Style your Brand and the Brilliant Brand Designer Edits. They’ve created some seriously inspiring work and I’m sure you’ll be seeing lots more of them in the future!
“FIONA IS A TRUE VISIONARY AND EXPERT, WHO NOT ONLY SUPPORTS YOU WHEREVER YOU ARE ON YOUR JOURNEY, BUT ALSO SHARES HER EXPERTISE AND PASSION FOR DESIGN WHOLEHEARTEDLY. I WOULD RECOMMEND ANYONE WHO WANTS TO ELEVATE THEIR DESIGN OR THEIR BUSINESS TO SIGN UP WITHOUT HESITATION. I GOT MY MONEY’S WORTH IN WEEK ONE!”
CHANDRA CASALI-BELL
Fiona Humberstone is an exacting Creative Director and commercially minded Brand Consultant, who works with ambitious brands, bringing clarity and vision to every project she works on.
Fiona has spent two decades years in the industry: styling brands, creating websites and running workshops. She has owned, grown, sold and run franchises as well as founding, building and selling her own company. She’s the author and publisher of the best selling How to Style your Brand and more recently, Brand Brilliance. Fiona is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs to create incredible brands and runs inspirational online courses, game-changing workshops and highly sought-after retreats.
She has a knack for capturing the essence of a business, finding clarity in a contradictory brief and translating commercial goals into visual assets. She is a creative thinker, an innovative marketer and a thought leader.
DISCOVER MORE AT THEBRAND-STYLIST.COM .
