The POWER of Human-made design.
Why your customers are craving human-made design in an AI saturated world
and 4 amazingly powerful ways that you have the upper hand.
What is even REAL anymore?
Tell me- am I the only one who is getting frustrated by this?
Click bait. AI Generated bait videos. Deceptive emotional triggers. Ugh. We don’t even know what to trust anymore.
That’s why hand-crafted artwork matters more than ever. Eye catching designs aren’t just about colour palette, placement and subject matter anymore. They’re about capturing the textures and imperfections and SOUL that only a design made from scratch can truly bring. I’ve been reading some recent sales articles and data gathered and believe me- customers ARE developing an eye to seek out what is real and what is soulless, computer generated and unremarkable.
Customers crave connection. You have probably heard it said more than once that customers aren’t just buying your product, but they are buying the way it makes them feel. Which is why YOU have a product development superpower. You, my friend, have a heart!
Here are 4 ways that you can draw customers to your brand through human connection:
Get clear about your unique style and the heart behind your products. What is that one thing that sets you apart and makes you unique? If a customer was to describe your brand to a friend, what words would they use? It might help to even ask. Put a survey out there. Ask your friends if they would honestly give you feedback about what makes you and your brand special. I did this once. It was actually a bit frightening and I had to be brave. But I’m so glad that I did now because I know who I am and how others see my style. It’s not a bad idea to do this a few times as your brand grows and evolves over time.
Engage the services of a surface pattern designer who is the right fit for your brand and style. It really helps if you share the same ‘vibe’ and have a great connection and understanding. You may love the artist’s work, but if their style doesn’t align with your brand vibe, it may not work. Many skilled surface pattern designers are able to adapt and are happy to work with you to come up with the perfect vision, though! I have some great tips for finding the perfect fit HERE.
Collab with your surface pattern designer to share the process work of your design! THIS is the key to creating the connection that makes your customers ‘add to cart’. An artist that is happy to take snap shots of their process work and little videos in their studio isn’t only producing a unique design for you, but unique storytelling content, too. This is marketing GOLD. This sets you apart. This is something that no other brand has- glimpses of your products lovingly and thoughtfully being dreamt up in an artist’s studio and brought to life on your beautiful products. Your customer will feel like they’ve been there on the journey from day one and THAT is the emotional connection that will have them purchasing and sharing your products with their friends.
Include the artist’s bio and logo on your product packaging and/or listing info. If your customers haven’t been following along the product’s marketing journey, they can still gain that connection by reading the special story about how the product came about and how much care and attention went into producing it. You have created something special together. Tell everyone about it wherever you can! Make the most of this amazing marketing opportunity.
With these four tips, your customers will have no doubt how genuine and trustworthy your brand is. They will take pride in purchasing your products and you can scale your brand with the confidence that you are sending products out into the world that have truly been made thoughtfully with heart. TRUST is the difference between items being purchased or left in the cart or on the shelf. Bringing customers in on the journey of seeing a beautiful, tangible, organic design being developing in a surface pattern designer’s studio is where trust is formed.
Would you like to work with me to make something special?