On October 21st, 2022, Taylor Swift released her Midnights album. The timing couldn't have been more surreal for me. I was deep in the messy middle of my grief, having recently lost both of my parents, and I had stopped using my camera for anything—no work, no fun, no "just for me" moments. The camera that had always been a part of me felt heavy and foreign in my hands.
But there was something about Midnights that brought me back. I think, in many ways, that album kept me from completely disappearing into myself. The haunting vulnerability of the lyrics mirrored everything I felt but couldn’t quite express. Slowly, I began using my camera again, capturing photographs of my dad’s things mixed with my own. It was a way to heal—quietly, through imagery.
Fast forward to now, I realized I needed my own branding refresh. The last time I did a personal branding session was in 2016, and I’m not the same person I was then. The loss, the grief, and ultimately, the transformation that followed has shaped me into a more vibrant, more authentic version of myself. I don’t feel bound by who I used to be. This new version of me—untethered, colorful, raw—deserved to be seen and celebrated.
And what better way to do that than through the lens of the album that helped guide me out of the darkness? Midnights became the inspiration for my branding session, specifically songs like “Anti-Hero,” “You’re On Your Own, Kid,” “Mastermind,” and “Dear Reader.” These songs spoke to different parts of my journey—feeling like my own worst enemy, realizing my independence, understanding my power, and trusting my intuition.
The set design was a nod to the late ’70s, an era that feels like home to me. It was filled with objects from my childhood, nostalgic moments frozen in time. I fixed the giant clock to the exact time I was born, a subtle but powerful reminder of how far I’ve come and how I’m still that same girl—just transformed.
This session wasn’t just a refresh of my images; it was a celebration of my journey. It was deeply personal, filled with meaning, and, above all, authentic to who I am today. Because the truth is, you’re never the same person you were when you started. The magic lies in embracing that evolution and letting the world see it, too.
Why Brand Refresh Sessions Matter
Just like people, brands evolve. Your personal or professional brand should reflect who you are right now, not who you were years ago. A brand refresh session is the perfect way to align your visual identity with your current story, goals, and values.
Over time, life events, new skills, and personal growth shifts how we show up in the world. If your brand is stuck in the past, it can feel out of sync with the person you’ve become. Refreshing your brand, whether for personal or business purposes, lets your audience see the real, present-day version of you. It creates a stronger connection because people resonate with authenticity.
For me, this session marked a shift from the woman I was in 2016 to the vibrant, unapologetic version of myself today. And for anyone going through their own transformation, a brand refresh can be the key to showing up with confidence, clarity, and authenticity in a world that’s always evolving.
In a competitive market, it’s not enough to have good visuals—you need visuals that tell your story.
When you update your brand’s visual elements to align with who you are now, you’ll not only feel more connected to your work, but you’ll also attract the people who align with your vision.
Because when your brand evolves, your audience does too. Keep them on the journey with you by letting them see exactly where you are now.
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