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Karen Barranco Brand Identity Design Consultant

Los Angeles CA

if you are struggling for the BIG IDEA or need a visual reviewed, let's discuss. Find my body of work at http://specialmoderndesign.com. —I'm a former Creative Director for various design firms in Los Angeles. Back in the 2000s, I decided to work with clients one-on-one skipping the diluted "telephone-game" process. I know what it takes to find that one thing that makes something SPECIAL to motivate purchases. Give me a brief description of what you are working on and allow me to have a discussion with you to share ideas. No jargon, No rules…

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7

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4

Reviews

Brand Strategy

Branding

Naming

Small Business

Brand development

Logo Design

Corporate Identity

Branding & Identity

Creative Concept Development

Emotional Branding

Member since March 2017

Areas of Expertise

Reviews 4
Answers 8

LM

Thanks Karen. A great call with lots to think about. Will call again as needed. Thank you!

Source: Clarity libby mills Jun 6, 2023

DC

Karen did a great job of asking me the right questions about my brand and providing my helpful feedback when selecting a logo. I would recommend her for anyone looking to get clarity on branding and design.

Source: Clarity Drew Crawford Jan 26, 2022

TV

After speaking with Karen I felt much more confident about the direction I needed to go with my new logo.

Source: Clarity Tammy Vohs Aug 13, 2021

MJ

What a great call for our firm to have with Karen. Thank you for your time, will use again. ;)

Source: Clarity Mark Johnson Aug 16, 2019

Brand Strategy

Branding

Naming

Small Business

Brand development

Logo Design

Corporate Identity

Branding & Identity

Creative Concept Development

Emotional Branding

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Clarity

Karen Barranco

Los Angeles CA

if you are struggling for the BIG IDEA or need a visual reviewed, let's discuss. Find my body of work at http://specialmoderndesign.com. —I'm a former Creative Director for various design firms in Los Angeles. Back in the 2000s, I decided to work with clients one-on-one skipping the diluted "telephone-game" process. I know what it takes to find that one thing that makes something SPECIAL to motivate purchases.

Give me a brief description of what you are working on and allow me to have a discussion with you to share ideas.

No jargon, No rules... just ideas

$3.33/min

7

7 Calls

4

4 Reviews

26 minutes
Avg. call

Brand Strategy Branding Naming Small Business Brand development Logo Design Corporate Identity Branding & Identity Creative Concept Development Emotional Branding

Call me to talk about

Changing an Architectural Firm's Reputation

brand identity for architectural company, re-branding, re-inventing...see how it all works; http://bit.ly/2sXBv99
#branding #brandidentity #brandstrategist #logo #logodesign #losangelesbranding #brandidentitydesign #ineedabrand #entrepreneurs #corporateidentity #bestbrandidentity #brandidentitydevelopment #losangelesbranding #logoswithsoul #specialmodern #moderndesign

Bakery Branding Story

Your story provides a framework of understanding and an emotional tone that demonstrates how all of the other elements work together.

How was this brand was conceived? Clearly a product of its time. Cake Monkey represents a trilogy of pop culture of the time. Mixed together created the feeling I intended to demonstrate graphically once approved. The hipness of Carrie from Sex in the City; the excitement of Cathy (comic strip) as she hysterically screams “CAKE” when she spots some in her place of work; and The retro-ness of Ms Betty Crocker always telling us to “enjoy” with a smile.

see this at: https://specialmoderndesign.com/projects/01-cake-monkey-bakery
where I show how we make the connection to the consumer through her HEAD, GUT, and HEART.

Take a peek at just one of the pages of the Brand Development Document that you will get when you let me brand your business.

Before and after logo designs that mark the brand identity.
https://specialmoderndesign.com/before-and-after/

Don't SideStep Around a Bad Name

I didn't realize I was a 'namer' until it was part of the whole branding solution. People get very close to their company’s name. Even more, if they feel there is equity already attached to it. It's a fine line to walk to get key stakeholders on-board, show the evidence of why it is an obstacle then DO IT RIGHT. Some companies need upgrades, others just start with a name that they created after a little wine with friends (ode to the paper napkin). This may not be the best approach. There is a method to it and it comes in baby-steps: choose the style, feeling, and impression you want to make as a company before throwing out ideas that may cause stumbling blocks ahead. Call me for naming tips. #naming #branding #specialmoderndesign

Emotional Branding

In an increasingly competitive world, a quality product is no longer enough to be a success in the marketplace. It is the emotional connection that makes a loyal customer. How does your company make people feel? There are subtle tricks and hints that the customer sees and feels. Go for the gut.

Answers 8
Reviews 4

Answers

Karen Barranco answered

Is it ok from a brand perspective to have different color schemes for your logo for different purposes?

If the logo is distinct enough-- I say break the rules. This kind of codification could show flexibility, confidence if done right. I suggest keeping it in the color family-- all cool --- or all warm colors. Maybe charcoal vs black?

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Branding & Identity

Graphic Design

Marketing

Karen Barranco answered

What are some important things to keep in mind before opening a startup?

For a simpler reply, my answer would be branding. This is a way to communicate what you intend to do in a credible way. Learn what the core of the start up is; Where your passion lies as a founder; Figure out what the competition is doing — or not doing; Impress investors and communicate the vision you have. I've seen branding prior to start of business work its magic.

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Start-ups

Karen Barranco answered

As a freelance marketing, I currently offer a plethora of services. Should I scale back to offer one service?

I like to think of those 'Donuts and Chinese Food Restaurant' hybrids. Can you promote yourself as just a mainstream social media expert? that would be perfect. You can still take other work-- just don't promote it.... I prefer my Chinese food sans donut grease.

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Social Media Marketing

Social Media Strategy

Digital Marketing Strategy

Karen Barranco answered

Looking to hire a partner to avoid burnout—should I hire within or outside?

I can only say what helped me when I was feeling that way (not long ago). You may have read this book by Tim Ferriss, the 4-hour work week... I have used some of the outsourcing contacts he wrote about and it change my stress level. You would be surprised what can be done for you by someone on the other side of the world.

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CEO coaching

Succession Planning

Online Business Management

Karen Barranco answered

Is it feasible to start a company that offers three services under one umbrella?

I love the serendipity of that! I suggest keeping it separate since the industries most likely won't cross over. Start a new brand....name it something "hype" since that is the word you used to describe the new offering. Hypeshot or something fun. Best of luck- if you inspiration: http://specialmoderndesign.com

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Branding & Identity

Karen Barranco answered

How costly is it to develop a name and brand identity for local business?

Here's a tip- when putting your Agreement/Proposal together never say you will DELIVER a name. Word it so they understand they are paying for your CONSULTING on that. (What if they don't like the names?) You are being paid for what you are doing- "Name Consulting". I also add a clause that explains if a name is derived in the course of this project by any other person, you still get compensated for the consulting i.e., time, and ideas you put into it. (I feel like I am writing this too late- anyway-- good luck)

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Naming

Company Naming

Branding & Identity

Karen Barranco answered

How do I best validate my idea?

show case studies

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Mobile applications

Mobile Devices

Mobile Apps

Karen Barranco answered

If I am trying to start an unlimited design services business, how can I figure out pricing?

Very tricky. I never heard of this. I hope you can work out a profit in there somewhere when you do figure out pricing, Unlimited scares me.

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Professional Services

Graphic Design

Reviews

Thanks Karen. A great call with lots to think about. Will call again as needed. Thank you!

libby mills Source: Clarity

Karen did a great job of asking me the right questions about my brand and providing my helpful feedback when selecting a logo. I would recommend her for anyone looking to get clarity on branding and design.

Drew Crawford Source: Clarity

After speaking with Karen I felt much more confident about the direction I needed to go with my new logo.

Tammy Vohs Source: Clarity

What a great call for our firm to have with Karen. Thank you for your time, will use again. ;)

Mark Johnson Source: Clarity

Member since March 2017