A Fun Journey of My Coastal Artist Website Rebrand Refresh with Help From Talented Friends
- paula33freeman
- Apr 30
- 5 min read
Exciting things are happening in my world of coastal art! After a few years of creating and selling paintings, I felt it was time for a refresh. With the creative talents of Rachael Reid Photography and the distinctive design skills of Sibyl Smith Enterprises, I set out on a delightful journey to rebrand my website. This transformation included everything from a brand-new logo to stunning photography that truly reflects my artistic spirit.
Let me take you through this adventure of transformation, showcasing how the new elements have added a vibrant splash of color to my coastal art brand.
Trusting the Process
As I embarked on this journey, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness about putting myself in front of the camera.However, I knew I could trust my talented friend Rachael. She has an incredible eye for lighting and a natural ability to put people at ease, which made the entire experience feel enjoyable and completely stress-free. Her ability to create a comfortable atmosphere allowed me to express myself authentically, and I was grateful for her support. With Sibyl's expertise in branding, I felt confident that my vision would be captured beautifully and effectively.
To kick off this rebrand, I got really clear on what I wanted. I pictured a vibrant, coastal feel—ocean blues, sandy tones, and a sense of calm that reflects the heart of my work. My goal was to create a brand identity that felt true to me and captured the creativity and coastal inspiration behind everything I paint. With that vision in mind, I was excited to dive in and bring it to life.
The Artist Website Rebranding Photoshoot
A rebrand isn’t just about the website—it’s about the whole experience and the story it tells. That’s why I knew I had to team up with my dear friend Rachael of Rachael Reid Photography for a professional branding session—and wow, did she deliver.
Rachael and I go way back—we taught high school art together and co-founded a study abroad program that took hundreds of students all across Europe. Over the years, she’s photographed every important milestone for my family—birthdays, graduations, family portraits—you name it. She’s been behind the lens for nearly every meaningful moment, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Now, she’s stepped into a beautiful new chapter: becoming a first-time mom and pursuing photography full time, just as I’ve embraced this new season of life as a full-time artist. It’s been so special to grow alongside one another—supporting each other’s creative dreams along the way.
At our branding session, Rachael captured it all—my painting process, the textures and colors of my workspace, and the quiet moments that reflect who I am as an artist. Surrounded by canvases awash in ocean blues and coastal light, I watched her work her magic. We even have a photo together from that day—one I’ll always treasure.
This session rekindled the joy that started my art journey in the first place. I’m so grateful to Rachael for helping me see my story through her beautiful lens—and for being part of it every step of the way.
The New Logo Design
As we wrapped up the branding photoshoot, I could hardly contain my excitement about what was coming next—working with one of my closest friends, Sibyl Smith, to design a logo that would truly capture the heart of my brand.
Sibyl and I have shared so many life moments together. We’ve traveled the world on study abroad trips with our kids, collaborated on creative projects over the years, and supported one another’s dreams every step of the way. My twin boys are even college roommates with her son—who's been their best friend since they were little! I truly feel so lucky to be surrounded by such talented, creative friends.
Not only is Sibyl an amazing designer, she’s a gifted artist in her own right. Working with her on this logo felt natural—like just another extension of the many beautiful things we’ve built together. We dove deep into my artistic journey, my vision for the future, and the vibe I wanted to share with the world. We played with beachy colors, clean typography, and my signiture to subtly reflect the coastal spirit that runs through all of my work.
After a few inspired brainstorming sessions and plenty of creative back-and-forth, we landed on a logo that feels like the perfect fit—fresh, elegant, and full of heart. I couldn’t wait to share it with all of you!
Revamping the Print Shop and Expanding Offerings
With my new logo and stunning visuals from the photoshoot, the next step was overhauling my online presence. I updated my website and social media to reflect the brand's fresh look, making it more user-friendly and visually appealing.
Moreover, I decided to expand my offerings. I launched an improved print shop, which allows customers to easily purchase prints of my artwork. This was not just about prints; I also introduced a gift shop featuring unique merchandise inspired by my paintings. Items like tote bags, coffee mugs, and puzzles with my art allow art lovers to carry a piece of my coastal world.
To create even more depth, I dedicated a section to original paintings, inviting buyers to view and purchase exclusive artwork directly through the site. This initiative has already attracted a growing group of art enthusiasts, leading to a noticeable increase in site visitors since the launch.
The Response & Reflections
When I shared my updated website, the response from my community was overwhelmingly positive. Everyone loved the fresh new look, the easier-to-navigate print shop, and the new gift shop and new products. The branding photos brought new life to my site—capturing not just my art, but the heart behind it.
This rebrand has been such a meaningful step in my journey. Collaborating with Rachael and Sibyl reminded me how lucky I am to grow alongside such talented friends. The updated visuals and expanded offerings have drawn more people in, while allowing me to stay rooted in the coastal creativity I love. I feel energized and more excited than ever for what’s ahead.
Embracing the Wave of Change
If you’re considering an artist website rebrand or thinking about refreshing your creative identity, I wholeheartedly encourage you to go for it. Surround yourself with talented people who can help bring your vision to life—just as I did with Rachael Reid Photography and Sibyl Smith Enterprises.
This coastal art brand refresh has helped me reconnect with my purpose and share my work in a way that feels true and exciting. Your brand should reflect your unique artistic voice, so don’t be afraid to step into your full potential.
I can’t recommend Rachael and Sibyl enough—they’re both creative powerhouses and dear friends who brought their heart, talent, and expertise to every step of this journey.
Let the waves of change wash over you, and allow your creativity to flow!
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