Welcome back, rockstars! I hope you’ve been well & thriving while I was away, but I am BACK with more brand insights for your biz (because I can only stay quiet for so long).

And this topic is SO important because of the weight it has on the status of your sales.

Picture this: You’re running your business like the powerhouse owner that you are, but you haven’t been getting as many sales since you first started. You’re about 5 years into your business now, and you feel as though you provide a DOPE product/service, and you don’t understand why more people aren’t finding you (particularly finding you online) or choosing to invest in you.

Miraculously, your disco-retro-rockstar fairy godmother (me) shows up on your shoulder to give you some advice! Because I have a feeling I know what may be contributing to your lack of sales…

So… Today we are going to be yapping about STORYTELLING and using retro vibes to attract your dream clients!

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For female entrepreneurs and creatives—whether you’re a photographer, wellness coach, artist, or designer—building a brand is about more than just having a visually appealing logo or a beautiful color palette. Yes, we’ve been over this. But if this is your first time, DON’T FORGET IT! It’s about crafting a story that resonates with your audience and makes them feel connected to your mission.

People connect & invest in people aka a story. If your brand is lacking that story, that’s where you’ll lose them.

One way to create this connection is through a thoughtfully designed brand aesthetic. The visuals. The vibes. The story. Retro design, with its nostalgic appeal and distinctive character, can be a powerful tool in storytelling specifically for creatives.

In this post, we’ll explore how you can use retro vibes to weave a compelling, authentic narrative into your brand and attract your dream clients.

WHY RETRO WORKS

For all my retro lovers, it’s simple. Nostalgia & emotional connection are the secret ingredients.

Retro elements bring to mind the styles of the past, ranging from the elegance of mid-century modern to the groovy patterns of the ‘70s, or even the bold, geometric aesthetics of the Art Deco era. These styles are rich with connotations and history, making them ideal for storytelling.

If we’re getting technical, nostalgia is a powerful tool in marketing because it evokes emotions and transports your audience to a particular time and place, which helps foster a deeper emotional connection. Time traveling, if you will – Feeling the same emotions of the time, hearing certain styles of music, or seeing a particular type of fashion popping off, all stemming from viewing a particular brand.

For female entrepreneurs aiming to stand out in the digital space, using retro-inspired design elements can signal creativity, authenticity, and a playful spirit. It’s about creating a “brand mood & vibe” that feels both timeless and tailored to your audience.

1. Define Your Vibe & Connect it to Your Brand’s Core Values

Getting right into it, identify what type of retro aesthetic aligns with your brand’s story. Each era has its own unique personality, mood, and message!

Are you a wellness coach who wants to inspire a sense of calm and holistic living? A 1960s bohemian vibe with soft, earth-toned palettes and flowing patterns could be your style.

Or, if you’re an interior designer with a bold, innovative approach, a 1980s-inspired aesthetic with Memphis-style geometric shapes and vibrant colors might be the right fit.

Once you pinpoint your retro vibe, tie it into your brand’s core values and mission. For example:

• 1950s Modern Retro: Communicates optimism, simplicity, and innovation.
• 1970s Boho: Speaks to freedom, authenticity, and a love for nature.
• 1980s Neon: Showcases boldness, creativity, and unapologetic confidence.

Choosing a vibe & era that complements your biz core values will make your brand story more cohesive, relatable, and strengthen your connection to your ideal audience.

2. Create a Vintage-Inspired Color Palette

The right color palette sets the tone for your ENTIRE brand. I’m gonna ask you to think beyond the standard pastel or monochromatic schemes.

If you want to capture a retro aesthetic, consider using:

• Muted Tones: Burnt oranges, mustard yellows, and sage greens for a ‘70s-inspired boho aesthetic.
• Neon Accents: Hot pink, electric blue, and bright yellow for an ‘80s pop culture feel.
• Soft Pastels: Baby blues, mint greens, and blush pinks for a playful mid-century modern vibe.

Pairing retro colors with modern layouts can create a unique juxtaposition that feels fresh yet familiar—making your brand BOTH visually interesting and memorable. Because let’s be honest, there are so many other businesses online & in life trying to capture our attention, so how are you going to stand out?

3. Incorporate Retro Typography to Reinforce Your Story

Typography can make or break your retro look. Whether it’s a groovy, swirly font reminiscent of 1970s album covers or a strong, blocky typeface evoking the boldness of 1980s arcade games, retro fonts instantly set the mood.

To get it right:

• Choose display fonts that are iconic to the era you want to emulate. For example, use serif fonts with soft, rounded corners for a 1960s vibe or geometric sans-serif fonts for a mid-century modern feel.
• Mix retro fonts with more neutral body text to balance readability and maintain a polished appearance.

4. Use Nostalgic Imagery and Patterns to Add Depth

Adding retro patterns and images can further transport your audience into the narrative world you’re creating. For a 1950s feel, use polka dots, atomic patterns, or vintage-inspired illustrations. For a 1980s aesthetic, incorporate grid patterns, neon gradients, and pixel art.

When choosing imagery, consider:

• Vintage Photos: Consider a vintage style photographer for your branding photography. These can convey a sense of authenticity and timelessness.
• Retro-Inspired Graphics: Use custom illustrations or photo filters to give a modern twist to vintage styles.
• Old-School Textures: Add a subtle grain, paper texture, or noise effect to your backgrounds to make your digital designs feel more tactile.

5. Tell Your Brand Story Through a Retro Lens

Your website is your digital storefront, and it’s where you can use these retro elements to tell your story in a way that feels intentional. Each page should speak to your brand’s mission while immersing visitors in the retro world you’ve created.

Consider how to strategically place your brand’s backstory on your homepage or “About” page. Using retro iconography, like old-school microphones for a podcast host or vintage cameras for a photographer, can add personality to your content.

In addition, weave in storytelling language that ties into the era you’re evoking. For example, if you’re going for a 1970s-inspired vibe, use terms like “groovy,” “vibes,” and “far out” in your copy to make your messaging consistent with your visual aesthetic.

6. Balance Retro Aesthetics with Modern Functionality

While retro design can be visually stunning, it’s essential to balance it with modern web design practices to keep your site user-friendly. Make sure your retro fonts are legible, your layouts are responsive, and your imagery doesn’t slow down page load times.

Adding subtle animations, like hover effects on buttons or retro-style transitions between pages, can elevate your site’s functionality without compromising on style. The goal is to create an experience that feels nostalgic but functions seamlessly.

Make Retro Yours

If you’ve made it this far, you’re a REAL retro lover (like me)! The magic of retro branding lies in its ability to blend the past with the present. As a creative entrepreneur, incorporating retro vibes into your brand’s story allows you to build a distinctive and memorable identity. When done well, your brand will resonate with your audience on an emotional level, making them feel like they’ve found someone who truly understands their tastes and values – and even further, investing in your biz.

So whether you’re a photographer wanting to evoke the romantic elegance of the 1950s or a candle maker channeling 1970s bohemian vibes, work with a designer and lean into the retro style that speaks to your brand’s edgy, retro soul. By combining design, color, typography, and storytelling, you’ll create a badass brand that NOT ONLY attracts your dream clients but keeps them coming back for more.

So what are you waiting for, rockstar?!

Until next time… aka next month!

xoxo, KP VIRTUALLY

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