Welcome to the BRAND new Catherine Walker Photography space
Here we are in my own little corner of the internet - isn’t it great?! Here’s the story of my new branding, colors and website, so read on if that interests you! And if it doesn't, that’s fine - just check back another day for more interesting stories :)
This website and full rebrand has been something floating in the back of my mind for YEARS, and to collaborate with an amazing designer and see my brand come to life has been a wonderful thing!
shoutout
I worked with the kind and talented Julia with Doula Design Co. - her focus is on doula work, so having her tie my whole brand together was fantastic! She was wonderful to collaborate with and has so much talent and wonderful suggestions (and is so patient!). If you are a creative and/or birth worker, PLEASE follow her for amazing business tips and design work! Instagram: @douladesignco
Plus, A WHOLE BLOG?! ME?! That’s been a lofty dream for a while and now I have a pretty one that I understand how to use and I’m so excited. I plan to blog about sessions, stories, clients, and my life, too! So stick around :)
Now, we started this project a year ago, then I was thrown into the most tumultuous year of my life and took a leave from my business and all things concerning my business. When my bereavement leave ended, this sweet designer was ready to pick up where we left off and has brought the vision I didn’t know I really had, to life. I’m so thankful!
Now, allow me to tell the story of my space and “new look” here!
The Logo
My original logo was somewhat designed by a friend 10 years ago (wow, how have I been in business so long?!) and I had tweaked/changed it over time to fit in each fad - I had chevron prints around it, decorative borders, paisley things, watercolor inlays, floral elements, stripes - you name it! But it’s never felt LIKE ME. Until now. My Mom helped me to brainstorm and tweak this new logo and colors and elements, and she loved being a part of that process! That’s so special to me.
I learned a logo should have a few variations, work in multiple colors and include submarks/sub logos and stamps/stickers! So many things, and I love each and every one of them <3
To very very briefly summarize my year (2022) - my Mom was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in March, and after a brave and beautiful few months she passed away in July. My Mom has always been my supporter, my best friend, my prayer warrior, my travel partner, my talk-about-anything-and-nothing person, and I still cannot believe that this has happened. I’m sure I’ll use this space sometimes to share more about her incredible life and story, as well as my grief journey (I hate that that’s even a thing), but for now, for today, I will focus on my brand.
The magnolia
My logo/branding was complete before my website, and once I began coming out of the fog of bereavement time I contacted my designer about adding a new element to my brand - a magnolia.
Mom and I spent some time in the pottery studio at the monastery this summer and created a pottery piece of a life-size magnolia flower. We LOVE magnolias! My MawMaw had a huge tree outside of her house that we always admired, it’s the Louisiana state flower (that’s us!) and there are so many large magnolia trees at the monastery! It’s one of our favorites, so we wanted to try making one - and we did! It’s a long process, we enjoyed it SO much, and she did see the final product! It’s now such a treasured piece to me. This designer made a drawing based on the flower WE created of pottery, and now that’s incorporated into my branding :)
the colors
I went with neutrals and earth tones - colors that are in most of my work/editing - with a blue/green color element I can use, too! And they happen to be colors that are so similar to that magnolia Mom and I made together. And now I have these lovely colors to use in different ways for a consistent look. It all blends so beautifully :)
Incorporating the doula work
Since completing my doula certification in early 2020, I’ve been trying to figure out how to make that fit into my business and brand. I’ve worked with many families during this time and am happy to say I’ve figured out what works best for all! So some of my logo variations include the doula side of my business, and that makes me so happy! EEK!
thank you
If you stuck around this long, thank you for your interest in my story!
I love to write, and this year I’ve found an even deeper love for it than I’ve had before. Writing has helped me with channelling my emotions and process all the things we’ve gone through this year. I am excited to have this tool (this blog!) to use and organize the personal and business stories in one space - feel free to read whatever interests you when I share it!
And of course, thank you! If you’re here (and still reading, c’mon Cat, wrap it up already), then you’ve been a part of supporting me, loving me, encouraging me, praying for me, cheering for me, following me, and all the positive things not just this year, but over time. I am thankful for what you’ve already done for my business, and I’m excited to move forward doing and sharing what I love!
Now feel free to click around and enjoy my new website :)