SUMMERANA MAGAZINE| DECEMBER 2018

SUMMERANA
MAGAZINE
MORIAH RIONA
INTERVIEW BY SHANNON SQUIRES
BRANDING FOR SUCCESS
Moriah Riona is an award winning graphic designer and brand strategist
who empowers creative female entrepreneurs with visual branding that
gives them the confidence to succeed. Moriah believes that together we
can create a new paradigm for business — one of compassion,
kindness, cooperation, and community.
Hey Moriah! How did you become a branding
expert for creative entrepreneurs?
I was a wedding photographer for almost 10
years! I didn’t know what I was doing in the
beginning. I branded and rebranded myself
along the way, desperate to get my business
off the ground. After many DIY attempts, I
became obsessed with the concept of branding
and went back to school to earn a B.A. in
graphic design.
I have been designing and branding ever
since. It’s now my mission to empower other
female entrepreneurs with visual branding
that gives them the confidence to succeed.
Not gonna lie... it’s the best job in the world!
They have a comprehensive brand, and it
works. We’ll go out of our way, and part with
our precious dollars just to have some of that
Starbucks-branded goodness.
What is your absolute favorite thing about
your job?
My fave part is seeing my clients’ transformation
and success. That may sound corny but I
love seeing their brands come together and
really work for them. I truly believe that confident
and successful women will change the
world.
Tell us the biggest transformation that your
clients see from working with you.
Hmm… I’d say the biggest transformation is
that they become busier and attract their
ideal clients. Their brand appearance is
higher end which attracts higher end clients.
They tell me that they’re shocked at how
busy they are (and how clients no longer tell
them they’re “too expensive”)!
When should someone hire a professional?
What are some branding mistakes that
photographers make?
Inconsistency! Whether it’s your visual components
(colors, fonts, design) or your written
voice, if it’s not consistent, it’s not a
strong brand. Your online presence (website
and social platforms) should look and read
the same as your printed materials.
Tell us something unique about you.
I’m a nerd and I love my branding colors.
My Christmas decorations are even branded...black,
white and gold everywhere! I’m
not even ashamed about it.
What/Who are you influenced by?
When I went back to school to get my graphic
design degree, I took a lot of art history
classes and fell in love with them. They influence
my design work now.
Favorite way to unwind?
Glass of red wine and Netflix binge.
What are some misconceptions about
branding?
Girl, don’t be duped by a new trendy logo
and think that that’s all you need! Too many
times I’ve seen photographers buy a logo off
Etsy and think that their business is branded.
Truth is, that’s barely the beginning. You need
a comprehensive visual branding system.
Think about Starbucks — they don’t just
have a logo. They’ve got colors, style, fonts,
design...etc. all grounded in a solid brand
foundation.
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Right away. But...save up and invest in a
complete branding experience versus the
piecemeal DIY approach. Ideally, you want
to brand completely and correctly the first
time to avoid multiple rebrands which will
degrade your business overtime.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been
in business for awhile, the fact that you have
a business means you have a brand. It just
may not be cohesive. Everyone can benefit
from hiring a professional at any stage.
What’s your advice for photographers who
need help honing their brand?
Be yourself. Don’t be tempted by today’s
trends and spend money on gimmicks. Invest
in your brand. Even if it’s a slow process, I
promise you, you will see success.
Start now by grabbing the Brand Blueprint —
your free 20-page workbook to help you build
the foundation of an epic brand:
https://moriahriona.com/brand-bluprint-sign-up/
www.moriahriona.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moriahriona/ (@moriahriona)
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/moriahriona/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoriahRiona/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MoriahRiona (@moriahriona)