When David Dean reached out, he knew his website wasn’t quite hitting the mark. It didn’t have the vibe he wanted and wasn’t connecting with his dream clients—those cool, city-based, slightly untraditional couples. David wanted a brand that was unmistakably “him” but could still welcome a range of clients looking for something unique. Here’s how we created a brand and web design with real personality.

Project Goals: Authentic, Alternative, and Unfiltered

David’s goals weren’t just about aesthetics; they were about creating a vibe that would feel right for him and, in turn, attract his ideal couples. He’s a laid-back, documentary-style photographer who wants his clients to feel relaxed and completely themselves. Our task was to bring his personality to life in his brand and website, so that his clients would instantly feel, “This is the photographer for us.”

Branding Approach: Expanding on the Essentials

David had a logo and brand font he already loved, and we totally respected that. The font wasn’t just letters on a page; it was a part of his brand identity that he’d already established. So, we didn’t touch it. Instead, we focused on adding some unique, playful elements that would give his brand that extra edge while staying true to his core style.

We took his existing logo and layered on some custom illustrations, bringing in:

• A camera-wielding cat with a flashing animated lens—a nod to David’s love for cats, especially his own, Cena.
• A record player with a dripping effect, which added a cool, alternative vibe.
• Some animated Jordan 1s that reference David’s sneaker collection and his love of basketball.

These quirky, animated touches added personality in all the right ways, making his brand feel fun, fresh, and undeniably “David” without changing what he’d already built. Each of these elements brought a sense of “edgy logo” style, fitting his personality but with a laid-back, approachable edge.

A Color Palette with Roots in David’s Own Interests

Now, picking the colors for this brand was a unique challenge. Traditional “edgy” colors tend to go bold, loud, and bright, but David’s brand needed a subtler approach—a cool, approachable kind of edge. This is where I called in some reinforcements: my fiancé, Scott. He’s also a bit alternative, loves his sneakers, has tattoos, and understands the vibe David was going for.

Scott suggested the “Shattered Backboard Jordan 1” trainers as a color inspiration, and it was a perfect match. The palette pulled from those sneakers, combining cool blues with some fun pops of color for personality, without leaning too heavy on classic “pop-punk” brights. It’s edgy but still totally approachable—something that says “different” without alienating anyone. It reflects David’s style in a way that feels authentic, natural, and totally him.

Website in a Day: Building a Dynamic, Effortless Experience

With our brand and web design elements set, we moved into Website in a Day mode, creating a site that would feel as relaxed and welcoming as David himself. Here’s what we tackled:

• Streamlined Navigation: A simple structure that lets clients find what they need without fuss, keeping the site easy and intuitive.
• Playful Copy: Every bit of text needed to feel like a conversation with David himself. We even had a little fun with the 404 page: “Where are you? And I’m so sorry…okay, Blink-182 aside, I can’t find what you’re looking for, but stick around!” These touches made sure visitors felt like they were already getting to know David.
• Dynamic, Animated Details: From the cat flashing its camera to the animated Jordan 1s, the little touches of movement kept the site visually engaging without overwhelming the user.

David’s Thoughts: A Brand That Finally Feels Right

When David saw the final site, he couldn’t have been happier. He shared that his clients now reach out because they love the vibe, saying things like, “We’re more traditional, but can you add some of that sass and edge into our day?” He even mentioned that the branding felt like we’d “gotten into his brain” and put him onto the page. Mission accomplished.

A Brand and Web Design That Connects Authentically

Helping David create a brand and web design that feels like a true extension of himself has been incredible. It’s more than just design; it’s about capturing his personality so his clients can find a photographer who really gets them. In the end, it’s about showing up as you are, quirks and all, and knowing that the right clients will see that and feel an instant connection.

If you want to take a look at Davids website you can view it here: https://daviddeanphotographic.co.uk/

Ready to bring out the personality in your brand and web design?

If you’re looking for a brand that truly reflects who you are, let’s chat! Whether it’s for a fresh, edgy logo, an romantic elegant design, or well, whatever your personality inspires, we’re here to create something that connects. Contact us today to get started!