Entry 001: Welcome to the Reliquary
Welcome to the Reliquary
This is the first entry as I document my branding journey, from the initial concept to the official launch of The Reliquary.
I was honestly torn for a long time. Having an existing brand for my work made me question whether I should maintain the old foundations and slowly transition over as the brand developed, or start from the ground up. Ultimately, rather than waste time deliberating what I felt was an impossible decision, I chose a clean slate. With the turn of the new tax year, there was no better time for a fresh start, something I’ve needed for a long time.
The Current State of the Vault
At the moment, it is simply a name, an idea, a vague idea - there are no logos, no polished assets, and no finished branding.
A rebrand is, quite frankly, a logistical nightmare. The "correct" way to handle it is probably to have every detail - logos, packaging, website - perfectly polished before the grand reveal. For me, that would also mean:
Redesigning physical signage and tablecloths for markets.
Reimagining event layouts to reflect the new aesthetic.
Notifying every event and market coordinator of the change.
Having an endless pot of money to actually pay for all of that
It’s a lot in one go, it’s stressful, and it’s expensive.
Doing Things "My Way"
Conventional wisdom suggests waiting until the brand is "beautiful and finished" before making the switch, but I have always done things my way, even if it defies the "proper" methodology. By launching now, I reserve the right to change my mind if it’s not working, and this ensures I can do exactly that.
Why the Shift?
When I founded my original business during my MA, my focus was narrow: printmaking and macabre, witchy art. But art, like the artist, evolves.
Today, my work is centred on illustration and dark fantasy art. A completely new brand reflects this shift and provides the space to:
Experiment with new ideas and products without the weight of past expectations.
Cull older work that no longer fits the vibe.
Build something that truly feels like an extension of who I am now.
This is the first of many entries as I document the construction of this brand from scratch. Welcome to the Reliquary.