The HEARTHSTONE JOURNAL 

WELCOME TO THE blog

  • How AI is Deciding Who Makes the Buyer Shortlist

    Featured Blog Post

    READ NOW
  • A designer drawing a brand illustration next to swatches of color on a dining room table.

    Your “Good Enough" Branding is Costing You

    Featured Blog Post

    READ NOW
  • A young woman with brown hair sitting on a beige couch, using a laptop. She is wearing a rust-colored sweater and light-colored pants. The living room has a glass cabinet with a wooden horse statue inside, a dining area with chairs, and large windows with white curtains.

    Does My Start-Up Need Branding Right Away?

    Featured Blog Post

    READ NOW

Insights for small business owners who want to learn about branding, strategy, marketing, and more.

ALL BLOGS

Branding, Business Tips, Behind the Studio, Brand Design, Brand Photography Aliya Mooney, Brand Identity Designer & Strategist | Founder, Hearthstone Creative Branding, Business Tips, Behind the Studio, Brand Design, Brand Photography Aliya Mooney, Brand Identity Designer & Strategist | Founder, Hearthstone Creative

Your Guide to Font Licensing as a Small Business

You just received your brand identity files. Your designer hands you a gorgeous typeface palette, and a link to purchase the fonts. Now you're wondering: did I really need to buy this? Here's what you actually need to know about font licensing.

Read More
Branding, Business Tips, Behind the Studio, Brand Design, Brand Photography Aliya Mooney, Brand Identity Designer & Strategist | Founder, Hearthstone Creative Branding, Business Tips, Behind the Studio, Brand Design, Brand Photography Aliya Mooney, Brand Identity Designer & Strategist | Founder, Hearthstone Creative

What's the Difference Between a Brand System and a Logo?

Most business owners start with a logo and assume that's enough. Learn what a full brand system includes, from color palettes and typography to brand guidelines and logo suites, and why each piece matters for building a recognizable, consistent brand.

Read More
Branding, Business Tips, Behind the Studio, Brand Design, Brand Photography Aliya Mooney, Brand Identity Designer & Strategist | Founder, Hearthstone Creative Branding, Business Tips, Behind the Studio, Brand Design, Brand Photography Aliya Mooney, Brand Identity Designer & Strategist | Founder, Hearthstone Creative

Your “Good Enough” Branding is Costing You

Your DIY brand got you started. But if you're hesitating before sending someone to your website, cringing at your business card, or watching competitors look more polished than you—it might be telling you something. Here's what you're really paying for when you hire a brand identity designer.

Read More