Creative personal branding in action: how Katy transformed her professional image
- Sarah Tulej
- Jul 8
- 4 min read
Returning to work after having a baby is a BIG DEAL, especially when you work for yourself.
Designer Katy Jackson got in touch for some fresh photos to give her a confidence boost as she re-entered work.
In this article I share how we used photography to bridge the perception gap between her experience and her online presence, how we designed the creative photoshoot, and why personal branding isn't vanity, but a strategic part of running a successful business.
The challenge: bridging the gap between reality and perception
Katy is the founder of Sun in the Corner, providing design for climate positive start ups, and co-founder of Abracademy, offering unconventional training and workshops.
Her old headshot was taken a good while ago, and her online presence didn't match the fact that she works on two businesses and has over 15 years experience.
When Katy first got in touch out, she was facing a common problem that many entrepreneurs encounter - her visual brand wasn't telling her full story. Here was someone running two successful businesses, with a wealth of experience in design and training, yet her professional image suggested someone just starting out.
"This was something I had in mind for a while - getting some photos that felt like me. I had it in my sights since my maternity leave that returning to work would be the perfect time. I had a lot in mind I wanted to achieve for the shoot and Sarah Tulej deftly got us through it all in a whirlwind session. 💥"
This was all the more pressing as she prepared to re-enter the professional world after maternity leave. She needed her creative personal branding to work harder, communicating both her expertise and her personality to potential clients who might only have seconds to form an impression.
The solution: a strategic creative personal branding session
Together we designed a personal branding session to convey her trustworthiness and experience AND her creativity and playfulness. This wasn't just about getting a new headshot - it was about creating a visual toolkit that would support her business goals.
Together we planned the shots we wanted to capture:
A headshot that would work in any scenario
Working shots at her desk - showing designs, pitch book, sketches
Casual shots across the table with coffee
A photo with the baby (face not showing) to announce her return
A playful shot for her 'Chief of Wow' role at Abracademy
The creative process: authentic storytelling through images
Each shot was taken with intention. The headshot needed to work across LinkedIn, speaking engagements, and client proposals. The working shots would highlight her process and expertise - showing rather than just telling potential clients about her capabilities.
The casual coffee shots were about approachability, showing she's someone you'd actually want to work with. And the playful 'Chief of Wow' shot captured the energy and unconventional approach of Abracademy.
Creatively directing a 5 month old was an (adorable) curveball. I applaud Katy (and her partner) for keeping calm while managing feeding, naps, and being photographed simultaneously.
The results
After receiving her photos, Katy wasted no time in using one to announce her return on LinkedIn, and has had a very warm welcome back so far. Next stop - updating her websites and social media profiles with the new assets.
The change went beyond just having prettier pictures. Katy now has a cohesive visual identity that represents her dual roles as both creative designer and business trainer.
Why this approach works
Your personal brand photos aren't just pictures - they're your first impression, build credibility, and can play an important role in whether someone chooses to work with you.
Katy's case study demonstrates three key principles of effective creative personal branding:
Authenticity over perfection. Rather than trying to look like everyone else in her industry, Katy embraced what made her unique - her creativity, her dual business roles, and her new role as a mother.
Strategic variety. One headshot isn't enough when you're building a creative personal brand. Different platforms and purposes require different images, all working together to tell a complete story.
Confidence as a business tool. The right images didn’t just change how others saw Katy—they changed how she saw herself. That confidence translates directly into how she presents her services and prices her work.
The bigger picture
Katy's experience demonstrates something important about creative personal branding: it's not vanity, it's strategy. When your visual brand accurately represents who you are and what you're capable of, everything else becomes easier.
Networking feels more natural, clients understand your value faster, and opportunities align more closely with your actual goals.
For entrepreneurs juggling multiple ventures like Katy, this kind of strategic approach to personal branding becomes even more crucial. Your photos need to work across different contexts while maintaining a consistent thread that ties everything together.
Your creative personal branding journey
What's your biggest challenge with your professional image? Let's chat about how the right photos can give a boost to your business.
Whether you're returning to work after a major life change, launching a new venture, or simply ready to ensure your visual brand matches your professional reality, creative personal branding can transform how the world sees your business.
I'm taking bookings in Brighton and London for personal branding sessions, as well as headshots and team photos.
Book a free consultation call or fill in my contact form and let's explore how photography could support your business goals.
Here's where to find Katy and her work:
See more images from Katy's personal branding photoshoot below...
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