Personal Brand

“Today is the first day of the rest of our life, and it is our opportunity to be the best we can be.” I had no idea when I opened my mouth and said those words at my high school graduation that I would be creating my personal motto and brand. Fortunately, it was one that must have been at the core of who I am and what I believe because it is one that I have not had to try and hide.

You see, your personal motto or brand is the impression people have of you, based on your skills, values, and actions. I have been able to carry this with me in all areas of my life and have, in fact, built training programs, classes, and speeches around it.

When I meet a person for the first time or connect with someone whom I will be working with on a project, I usually ask what their personal motto or brand is. Why? Because if they have taken the time to distill what they stand for and believe in down to a key phrase, then I know that they have taken time to evaluate what they stand for and have a set of values that they will not diminish just to get the job done.

For creatives, a personal brand is especially vital. It is more than just a tagline or a logo—it is the essence of who we are, what we create, and how we impact others. In a world saturated with talent, our personal brand distinguishes us, making our work recognizable and our presence memorable. It communicates our unique artistic vision and the values that guide our creativity.

Building a personal brand requires authenticity. It is not about crafting a false image to please others but about aligning our external presence with our internal truths. When we show up as our best, most genuine selves, we attract the right opportunities, collaborators, and audiences. People trust consistency, and when our brand reflects our true selves, we create deeper connections and lasting impact.

Additionally, a strong personal brand serves as a foundation for growth. It gives us clarity in decision-making, ensuring that we take on projects that align with our purpose rather than simply chasing fleeting success. It also provides resilience—when faced with challenges, our brand reminds us why we started and will fuel our perseverance.

As creatives, we must remember that our personal brand is not stagnant; it evolves as we grow. Each new experience, project, and lesson refines our vision and deepens our impact. However, the core—the values we stand by and the authenticity we bring—remains unwavering.

To be the best we can be is not just about personal achievement but about the impact we have on others. When we commit to our brand with integrity, we inspire, uplift, and empower those around us. That is the most rewarding aspect of personal branding: not just defining who we are but using that identity to help others be the best they can be.

Not sure where to start to create your own personal brand statement or identity? Join me for an upcoming Workshop: 5 Steps to Turning Your Creativity into a Sustainable Career. We will begin by looking at your Unique Artistic Identity and Your Personal Brand.

For more information and register follow this link .  Questions, email me at coachcyndi@cyndithomsen.net.