Brand strategy blog — Let's talk branding

Hi.

I’m Stef Hamerlinck. A brand designer and strategist. I founded Let’s talk branding so I can help other designers learn more about strategy, design and branding.

Will AI replace designers?

Aug 1

Aug 1 Will AI replace designers?

Stef Hamerlinck

In a recent article, we saw that big corporate bank Chase will start working with AI to write it’s messages: “Chase is getting more creative with its marketing language—by tapping machines to write it. The bank announced Tuesday it has signed a five-year deal with Persado, a New York-based company that applies artificial intelligence to marketing creative.” In the light of this news and the rise of Logo-generators, AI-driven marketing and more. Do we need to fear our jobs as creatives?

Jonathan Stark - Value-Based Pricing

Jul 29

Jul 29 Jonathan Stark - Value-Based Pricing

Stef Hamerlinck

In this episode, we mind wrestle with Value-based pricing specialist Jonathan Stark. We debunk a lot of myths and take a hands-on approach on how to transition from hourly billing to value-based pricing. After you have listened to Jonathan talk, one thing will be certain: “Hourly billing is nuts!”

Jenni Romaniuk: Building Distinctive Brands

Jul 22

Jul 22 Jenni Romaniuk: Building Distinctive Brands

Stef Hamerlinck

In this episode, I talk with professor Jenni Romaniuk, author of books like How Brands Grow 2 and Building Distinctive Assets. We talk about distinctive assets, how to develop them and the psychology behind branding. It’s a deep dive into the science behind branding.

Jonathan Staines - Gaining Insights

Jul 15

Jul 15 Jonathan Staines - Gaining Insights

Stef Hamerlinck

In this episode I talk with Jonathan Staines, a brand specialist. Jonathan has a lot of experience with big brands and agencies (such as Orange). We talk about gaining insights, innovation, customer experience and a lot more. Enjoy!

Stef Hamerlinck - Sell Your Thinking

Jul 8

Jul 8 Stef Hamerlinck - Sell Your Thinking

Stef Hamerlinck

In this episode, I want to show you how to ‘sell your thinking’. Selling your thinking is crucial once you know how to think on a more strategic level and solve bigger problems for your client. I walk you through the brand strategy presentation and how to build-up a narrative that gets your clients excited.

Calle Stenqvist - Audio Branding

Jul 1

Jul 1 Calle Stenqvist - Audio Branding

Stef Hamerlinck

In this episode I talk with Calle Stenqvist, founding partner of Plan8. Plan8 is an innovation design agency for music and sound. We talk about the future of branding, how in a ‘screenless’ area audio will become a key part of branding.

Jun 24

Jun 24 Stef Hamerlinck - Brand Workshop

Stef Hamerlinck

In this episode, I walk you through the ins and outs of a brand workshop. Why and when you do it, how to do it and what outcomes to expect. I hope you enjoy! If you are interested in learning more, you can find my course here.

Wouter Sel - Brands In Motion

Jun 17

Jun 17 Wouter Sel - Brands In Motion

Stef Hamerlinck

In this episode I talk with Wouter Sel, co-founder of Volstok, an award winning animation studio. We talk about the intersection between motion and branding, the return of the mascotte and much more. How we can create brands that are moving, breathing things that connect with their audience. Enjoy!

Stef Hamerlinck - Customer Research In Branding

Jun 10

Jun 10 Stef Hamerlinck - Customer Research In Branding

Stef Hamerlinck

In this episode, I take a deep dive into customer research. What it is, how to do it and how to build better brands from it. I also answer a community question related to positioning and customer research.

Mackey Saturday: Crafting Visual Identities

Jun 3

Jun 3 Mackey Saturday: Crafting Visual Identities

Stef Hamerlinck

In this episode I talk with Mackey Saturday; he created some iconic visual identities such as Instagram, Oculus and Luxe. We talk about how he creates visual identities with his studio, what he learned from working with design legends Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv and much more.