So I recently took an online business class for artists. It’s part of the Make Art That Sells series by Lilla Rogers and Beth Kempton called MATS MBA (MBA stands for “Money Bad Ass”) and they teach everything from how to charge, to how to prioritize, to how to manage your time, to how to find your creativity when the creeping crud takes hold and you can’t seem to do anything (hey, it happens to EVERYONE). I’m a creative, so every other regular “business class” I’ve taken has been hard for me to get through. This one was taught by creatives for other creatives and it was delivered in such a way that I could really get it… finally.

Well, one of the weekly lessons was all about your brand. Lilla said something during that “lesson” that I haven’t been able to get out of my head.

When I started my business back in 2015 (holy cow - has it been 3 years already?!!!) I drew under the business name of “Alabama Pen & Paper” and that was how I marketed my drawings, my stationary, my hand drawn journals, etc. and I kept my freelance design under “Laura Murray Creative”. Not only has that gotten super confusing, but it’s not a good business model for me. Since I am my brand and my brand is me - I decided to redo my ENTIRE business as Laura Murray Creative.

With EVERY new project I design, I start with my favorite part - my sketchbook. Here is how my “new” brand started…

At this point, I loved all of them, so I showed the sketches to a few close friends who all picked something different (thanks, friends). I decided to narrowed it down to my “portrait” as the main focal-point of my “logo” since I am my brand and my brand is me.

I’ve created a 1 color logo, a black/white logo, a 2 color logo and a full color logo - one for every situation! You’ll also notice that I flip-flopped the words “Design” and “Illustration” on the final logo. I decided to LEAD with my passion - drawing. This is what I want to do more of.

Ideas for new illustrations and new illustration projects… THAT’S what keeps me up at night.

So as I transition away from Alabama Pen & Paper toward Laura Murray Creative, bare with me if some links don’t work. I’ve already switched my Instagram account (go check it out @lauramurraycreative) and Facebook is next.

PS: If you see any broken links, I would appreciate it if you would shoot me an email and let me know.