Happy Halloween to you all! Here we have a little workshop for you to adapt all our social medias to the Halloween theme. You can also do this to any holiday that you want! Following holidays and themes throughout the year shows your customers and viewers that you are being current and up to date with what's happening in the real world...and let's face, it's fun too.

 

Updating your social medias might seem like a long-winded job but once you have your imagery ready, it takes 5 minutes to upload them to all your new profiles and covers. Make sure your logos or pictures you want to use have a coherent look across them all for the different platforms.



Here I chose to make one new logo by adapting my original and making a similar 'Happy Halloween' banner style picture. I use a free photo editing software called GIMP (see website here) but you can easily use Microsoft Word, Paint or an app on your phone or tablet to create yours. You can download free fonts for your computer on Dafonts.com, just download it, then open the file and there's one that ends in .ttf (true type font), open that and then there should be an install button at the top of that new window, ta dah! You have a new font that you can use. I downloaded one called CF Halloween to use on my new logos. To add some extra halloween-ness I found a 'vector' image on google of a pumpkin to put in the corner and then added some stripes on the top circle for witches tights. In my photo editing software, I have an option to add drop shadows to different layers and fonts so I played around there to make it a little more darker. These are just a few simple ways to adapt your logo to the theme.

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Other ways are if you're a product business, find some items that are in a Halloween theme, maybe in the colours or a style of it that you could photograph in a set-up to put as your new banner. Or if you're a service business, maybe do some make-up looks or hair styles for it. Or you can simply change the colours of your logo for a green/orange/purple combo to create that feel. These can be really simple, you don't need to go all out if you don't want to.

Activities:

Now over to you! Here's a few activities to put all of this into action.

• Update your logos and/or imagery to fit your main social medias.


• Upload them to each one, making sure they all have a coherent look and feel.


• Let your customers know about it, make a post about how you've updated them and share your new pictures.

Let us know when you've done yours and we'll get sharing them for you!

Last month, Make-up Artist Nicola Whitfield commissioned a photoshoot with her husband Darren as the photographer and Hannah Elizabeth Fashion for the outfits. She used the dresses as her inspiration to create a 60's look and feel with the hair and make-up. You can see Nicola's website here and also see more of Hannah Elizabeth Fashion here.

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Darren & Nicola set up a home studio for the shoot, making it super easy and convenient to do it, 'For the home studio set up, we have a through lounge/diner so we set up a few freestanding lights either side of the backdrop which is set up on a stand either side and rolls down the wall like a projector screen.' said Nicola. Having the space and equipment to make a home studio can really benefit you, or even if you can create a small scale one just to take photographs of your products. Darren mostly does extreme sport (BMX) photography, actor's headshots and portrait shoots and they have done a few shoots together as a hair-and-make-up-photographer-husband-and-wife-team.

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Nicola created a Pinterest moodboard for her ideas on hair styles and make-up looks, as well as the designs from Hannah Elizabeth Fashion collection, pulling different 60's looks together. 'Hair was set on large rollers to get lots of volume into the hair to give it the classic big hair shape although it was more of a modern take on it.' Nicola also used her cruelty-free make-up products, 'The make up consists of Airbrush make up, 3 sets of lashes!! eyeshadow was Neve and blusher was Illamasqua, lips were Kryolan nude lip pencil.'. They also chose to keep the model barefooted as a nod to Sandie Shaw, an English singer from the sixties era who won the Eurovision for us.

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This shoot was on a TFP basis, 'TFP means time for prints so it is a collaboration between the photographer, model, dress designer and make up artist to give their services free of charge to get images to use for everyone's portfolio, although the images always belong to the photographer.', Nicola explains. A lot of businesses use this option so that everyone gets use out of it but it also means nobody gets payment from it. It can be a great way if you are a small business and just need to get your work noticed.

If you'd like to make your own collaboration photoshoot, use the contact form and we can get you in touch with the right people, or search through our facebook group.

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Last week I purchased a beautiful choker necklace from Chic-yCow and did a product review of it just in case you were on the fence of buying from her. I was attending a wedding and needed a necklace to complete my outfit and knew I had to have a leather one in my life, so I approached them with my idea and it went from there. Check out their facebook page here www.facebook.com/chicycowdesigns/

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I asked about having a choker made but I wasn't sure what kind of style I wanted, so I searched through their Facebook photos for different styles they had done before to see what inspired me. I came across a bracelet that had a row of circles on it and that struck out to me as to what I could have on mine. We chatted back and forth about the technicalities, the sizes of these circles and also the colour as I was needing a turquoise colour but metallic and more a green-turquoise, so was a little tricky to get all the details straightened out. Once we were sorted, Jo of Chic-yCow began making it and sent me a photo the next day and it was perfect! Exactly how I'd imagined it.

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The necklace came in this sweet little box with some soft wadding and the Chic-yCow branding, packaged up simply to show off the necklace. I know that if I saw this necklace in the shop, presented this same way, I'd still buy it! Beautiful items like this don't need to be overly packaged and presented, just straight forward simplicity.

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Wearing the choker was super comfortable, I sometimes get aggravated when I have things around my neck and feels itchy, but not this! The circles were on a soft black leather strap with the suede side touching my neck so it was nice and soft, not once during the night I felt itchy or overly aware that I had something round my neck.

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The cost for this necklace was £20, which for a customised commissioned piece I expected it to be more so I was pleasantly surprised at the cost. I really cannot wait to wear this again as I think it would definitely suit plenty more outfits. I highly recommend Chic-yCow, from the customer service, packaging the item, quality of it and the cost all come round to the conclusion that I'll be back ordering more!

All photos belong to Barnsley Fashion Creatives.

Sunday 16th October Nomad Atelier held their first anniversary celebration at their shop on George's Yard, Barnsley town centre. We headed over to see what was happening and see their lovely garments and the gallery & homeware on the top floor.



We headed in through the Quintessential Kitchen on the bottom floor, which was packed! The food smelt and looked gorgeous but we continued through and headed upstairs where the Nomad Atelier is nestled in. We decided to go straight upstairs to the top floor (that's where the champagne was!) to see the gallery with items from Dyehouse, Audio Room, Joshua Ellis and more. Some beautiful large canvas paintings, wooden furniture pieces, decorative vases and soft furnishings were being shown by the respective business owners, showcasing their artisan pieces and explaining the processes in their products.

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After finishing the complimentary glass of champagne, we went to back in the Nomad room. They style of the garments have a very fluid feel with luxurious fabrics like silks, suedes and leathers, cashmeres and wools. The silhouettes all have a soft feel with a lot of draped fabrics, relaxed knitted jumpers and flowing silk shirts.

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They also have a number of accessories to complete your outfit, leather handbags and clutches all with the Nomad stamp for a fine detail. You could purchase some suede ankle boots, which I loved the white ones but there's no way I could keep them that colour! Joshua Ellis scarves were also among the mix that are made from 100% cashmere so are incredibly soft and snuggly and for some wrist eye candy, Issey Miyake watches with beautiful simplistic designs.

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The was a really lovely atmosphere around the building, wonderfully light and airy that showed off all these beautiful items and felt very welcomed by the staff members. If you are looking for something extra special and highly unique for christmas, here is definitely worth the visit. Take a look on the website for more details www.nomadatelier.co.uk.

All photos belong to Barnsley Fashion Creatives.

Klue Doll is the new klue by kellyann, we had a chat with her all about why she's changing her business' name and branding and what she suggests to others about finding your brand and what you can do. See her Facebook page here.

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BFC: Why did you decide to change the name of your clothing business?

Kellyann: There isn't a dramatic story of why I'm changing, I just feel as my business has grown and now my focus if primarily on bridal & occasion wear, Klue doll just seems like a natural progression for me, it's a name I refer too often when describing my clients, my style and my way of drawing illustrations as well. The new launch is the start of many changes with KLUE by Kelly-Ann will still be around but more of a sister brand featured on my website.

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BFC: What other changes are you making to your business, other than a new logo?

Kellyann: Within the next month I will have a lovely new website and I will be opening my first online shop where clients can order anything from bridesmaid dresses, that one off night out outfit and children's wear. I am also working on a collection of Team Bride accessories for hen parties and wedding essentials such as personalized dressing gowns, t-shirts and much more. And finally I'm planning on attending some wedding shows in 2017 so very exciting times ahead.

BFC: What impact does a good business name and strong branding have? And what does 'branding' mean?

Creating a brand identity is giving people a sense of who the brand are and what they represent. Your brand is telling a story of your style and the products your going to create. I feel that having a name that stands out or is memorable is very important not only so people remember it but also so when your name is searched on google or any social media platform it's easily found. Strong branding makes it so the customer can easily recognize your work and the more cohesive your branding, the more professional it comes across. Fashion is ever evolving so change is inevitable but as long as you have a strong brand signature it will still be recognisable to the clients that it's your brand. Here's an infographic I liked about brand identity.



BFC: How did you decide on this typography and style for your new logo?

Kellyann: I wanted something that was a bit industrial/chic looking that was bold lettering but had a hand drawn look so when I found this I was in love! I created a foil effect myself to get the perfect copper, metallic shade. Combining foil colours like copper and gold against a white and gray marble is something I'm really loving at the moment and something that blends well with all the different elements to klue from Bridal wear, women's fashion and children's wear.



BFC: How did you find your new brand identity and style? Did it just happen organically or did you just decide on the new changes?

Kellyann: I moved house a year ago so I've been doing a lot of interior design so my love of copper has been my major love for 2016. So naturally while I've been pulling together ideas and it's been things I love and I'm sure many other people are obsessed with at the moment.

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BFC: Your doing a Facebook competition to raise awareness of the new branding, right? So what else are you hoping to achieve from it?

Kellyann: Yes I'm doing it to make a bit of a 'ta darr' moment of the new name and look but I'm also doing it to say thank you to all my clients old and new for the ever-growing support.

Here are the 3 dresses I will be giving away, Dress 1 is a fitted black dress with ruffle hem, razor neckline and a portrait back cut out. Dress 2 has a slash neck, high low swing dress with contrast V panel detailing. And dress 3 is a Ruby red statement dress, full sheer mesh bodice and sleeves with textured lace detail over the bust, V-waist seam, fitted mermaid skirt with extra full train and key hole exposed back. This dress will be tailored to fit the winner. You can enter the facebook competition here!

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BFC: How would you advise other people on finding their business' brand and style?

Kellyann: I think with fashion especially its personal style, what you want to portray, what best reflects the style of clothing you make and sell. And if in doubt there is Pinterest and hiring a professional. But for many years I kept to a clean black and white look which will stand the test of time and always look chic.

BFC: What other ways can people do to raise awareness of their business' branding on social media?

Kellyann: Doing professional photoshoots not only do you get amazing images to promote your work but you also get to connect with other creatives. Contacting bloggers, vloggers and online influencers can elevate your brand and it goes without saying but promote all your work across all social media platforms.

As we progress through the details of planning the first Barnsley Fashion Creatives project with Spirit Original Designs, I'm getting more and more excited! The main updates since we first released the brief are that we have two confirmed models with a possible third, we have a photographer sorted and make-up and hair are all good to go. We almost had our location confirmed but we've had to find another place due to the last one pulling out but hey, these things happen. This is why we do all this planning and prepping before the day to make sure the photoshoot runs the smoothest possible for us to get the most photographs from it.

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We had a fitting with the two confirmed models, Sarah & Sammi, which was a lot of fun. The reason for doing fittings ensures that your clothes will definitely fit them, but it also helps to figure out what colours and styles suit them so that on the day you have a good idea of what other items would look great without wasting time.

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We also got to play about with some styling options like adding some Spirit Original Designs jewellery and handbags and mixing with cape ponchos and neck wraps, making sure we can make a complete outfit that customers could wear themselves.

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If you have a project in mind that you'd like to do but not sure how to do it, let us give you a helping hand and find the people you need to connect with and get the project off the ground. All we ask in return is to be able to share the project on our blog and social medias, that's it! Drop us an email using the contact form.

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Crafty Business is a local networking group connecting all kinds of crafty people together and they had their first official Makers Market on Sunday 2nd October at Penistone Market Barn. The beautiful old barn with modern glass inserted sides provided the backdrop for the event and held many local crafters from jewellers, artists to sewers and bakers. We also enjoyed the live music and saw some great demonstrations, one that I actually joined in on too.

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Cottonarts leather accessories had a wonderful stall of her leather bags, purses, knitted gloves and more. They also run their own shop called Junction 36 Boutique based on Hoyland Road. It's also home to other local handmade designers for clothing and accessories.

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One of the demonstrations was by Pam Goodison who creates lots of glasswork items such as home decorations, framed artworks and sculptures. It was a great demonstration creating a snowman christmas tree decoration and then I also got to join in and have a go. She runs regular workshop days if you are interested in learning the craft for yourself!

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Touchy Feely Textiles by Jill Malloy creates quirky tactile and typographic items such as cushion covers, keyrings, badges and more. As well as some stunning bags created in recycled fabrics and Harris Tweeds. I myself bought one of the badges that simply said 'Sewaholic' on it, I just couldn't resist.

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There were a few different jewellery makers there and all were of a different style, from wire wrapping, contemporary styles and gemstone types. We got some photos of the Brownfish Designs stand, I really liked the way it was all presented using a lot of wooden elements next to their silver jewellery.

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And lastly we met Man Knit, a business all around knitting and ran by a man, it's all in the name. There was some lovely wools that were locally made, bags and scarves that you could purchase and also kits that you could get with everything it in for you to create a hat or scarf or more. There was also a very dashing skeleton friend manning the stall...

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We had a great few hours out at the fair and seeing the artisan businesses all selling good quality items. There will be another Crafty Business Makers Market in December that we'll also definitely be attending, you can see more information about that here.

The Cooper Art Gallery on  Church Street in the town centre is a glorious little place with its changing exhibitions, cafe and gift shop. We had the chance to visit and see its newest exhibition '45 rpm' by Terry Brookes, the permanent pieces from the Cooper Collection, new pieces in their newly built extension and the 'Expressed' exhibition showcasing the best of Barnsley College end-of-year shows. There's a lot packed into this deceivingly 'small' gallery and really worth the visit.

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The Terry Brookes 45 rpm exhibition is all about mod type artworks and 3D objects. Also includes a wooden sculpture of a Vespa accompanied by a green parka and bike helmets for you to dress up and play on! We had much fun on this. My model boyfriend showed this off perfectly, in which I couldn't resist and had to join in too! Our favourite painting was the one of the tapes, on our forever wish list.

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Their permanent exhibition from their Cooper collection looks more beautiful than ever since the area has been renovated and now includes more interactive elements for a friendlier visit for all the family. Next to them is the newly built extension with more amazing pieces as well as some ceramic, pottery and sculptures. We also enjoyed the interactive games like the hexagonal jigsaw and re-building the magnetic pot.

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Then finally I headed upstairs into the Sadler room to see the 'Expressed' exhibition from Barnsley College. The Cooper Art Gallery chose their favourites from the end of year showcase that all Art & Design students do in the final projects. There was a nice range of paintings, 3D sculptures, graphic design and Fashion garments.

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Have you visited the gallery recently? What was your thoughts?