How to fix your face.
A lesson in branding from an unlikely source.
Approximate read time: 3 min.
TL;DR: Your logo is your face. Your brand is your reputation. This post, inspired by a comedy clip shared between our founder and her husband, breaks down how your logo and overall brand identity work together to create real, lasting connections with your ideal customers.
Our founder, Megan, recently brought in her husband, Brandan, as a part-time Director of Sales and Marketing. He has a knack for sending Megan video clips throughout the day, usually without any context. It’s a simple way of saying, “hey, this made me think of you.”
One recent gem was a stand-up bit from comedian Pat Burtscher, where he says:
“Some of you look like you’re having a good time, and some of you look like you’re not. And I don’t know if the people who look like they’re not having a good time aren’t having a good time, or they just don’t know how to use their face. Some people don’t know how to use their faces, and that’s why their lives suck.”
Funny, but then came the caption Brendan sent with it:
“Your logo is your face. Your brand is your reputation.”
Boom. It landed. He seamlessly connected comedy to branding in a way that made Megan’s heart swoon. So, let’s dive into the comparison.
Fix your face.
Have you ever met someone who made a poor first impression because they looked like they were scowling the whole time? Or maybe you’ve had to whisper to a friend, “Fix your face,” because their facial expression was inappropriate for the setting.
Heck, Megan (ORS founder) is often told she’s hard to read because her face isn’t always the most expressive.
Unfortunately, we may not always be in control of our face, but we are in complete control of how our brand shows up in the world. 🥳
Your logo is how your brand says hello.
It’s your first impression. Your handshake. Your eye contact across the room. It doesn’t need to shout, glare, or stare, but it does need to resonate with the people you’re trying to reach. Maybe even with a slight wink and a nod.
We’ve seen thoughtful, hardworking business owners put incredible energy into their products but not get the response they hoped for. And it’s often because their visual identity isn’t connecting with the right people.
The good news is that your logo is relatively easy to fix. And once it’s done, it will last for years. No scapel required, and no more accidentally sending the wrong message to potential customers.
Make lasting connections.
Nobody gets by for very long with just a pretty face. There has to be some substance below the surface to make real connections with people. And that’s where the rest of your brand comes in.
Your brand is the full experience: the colors, the fonts, the tone, the copy, the packaging, the way your business shows up and makes people feel. It reinforces that first impression and builds trust over time. Done right, your brand tells your ideal customer, “You belong here.”
It speaks directly to the folks who share your values, get your vibe, and need what you offer. It doesn’t have to wow the whole world, just the people who matter most to your business.
And that’s the goal. Not to cast the widest net, but to build real, lasting connections with the people who matter most to your business.
Because when your branding feels like an authentic reflection of the business you’re building, your reputation starts to speak for itself.
Building a brand is like building your personal reputation, but for your business. Over time, people learn what to expect from you and whether or not they can trust you. The more authentic you are, the easier it is for people to feel connected, and the faster you can earn their trust.
Ditch what’s not working.
If you’re ready to “fix your face” and build a more authentic brand, we’ve got you covered. At Olive Ridley Studios, we create thoughtful, strategic visual identities that connect with the right people and grow with your business.
If you’re not sure if your logo is sending the right message, let’s find out together!
We’re offering a free brand audit to help you figure out whether your current branding is helping or holding you back. No pressure, no judgment, just expert eyes on your brand and honest feedback you can use.
Click here to request your free brand audit.
If you’re ready to dive into change,
Grab our BYOBrand Strategy Workbook,
or reach out to start a full-service design project.
Either way, we’ll help you make big waves with your small brand.