aaaaand WE'RE BACK!!!

Hope your week has been amazing! We're getting back to our scheduled programming with a value-packed edition of the 5to9 Creator Newsletter. Happy reading! :)

Highlights for this week:
​❇️ How to build your personal brand (without feeling fake).
🦄 Creator of the week: @mahaonsocial
🤖 ChatGPT Prompt: LinkedIn Headline Builder
💡 2025 Graphic Design Trends
🖼️ Fun AI-Generated Images of the week

❇️ How to build your personal brand (without feeling fake)

I used to think “personal brand” meant curating a perfect online persona—like a highlight reel, but shinier. The problem? It felt… off. Like I was performing instead of just showing up.

(And I did this for a while but then I burnt out)

Here’s what changed everything: Your brand isn’t what you say about yourself, or a perfect curation you this you're always in control of. It’s what people remember about you.

And people remember consistency. Not just in posting, but in how you show up—your voice, your values, your perspective.

So instead of trying to be strategic with your personal brand, try being recognizable. Simply share what you think, what you learn, what you notice. The more “you” it is, the more magnetic it becomes.

And honestly, I get it. Personal branding gets a bad rap. 🤷‍♂️

The phrase alone makes it sound like you need to craft some larger-than-life persona, post perfectly polished content, and “sell” yourself every day. But here’s the truth: Your personal brand isn’t something you create—it’s something you uncover.

Your brand already exists in how people experience you. It’s in the way you write, the way you think, the way you show up. Trying to be someone you’re not? That’s exhausting. But doubling down on who you already are? That’s powerful.

So if building a personal brand feels fake, here’s what to focus on instead:

1. Be Recognizable, Not Perfect. People don’t connect with perfection. They connect with patterns—your way of thinking, your quirks, your tone of voice. Instead of curating, focus on consistency. Whether you’re sharing insights, stories, or lessons, let it feel unmistakably “you.” For example, At first it might feel "off" to write on LinkedIn. So, start by writing about something simple you observed online or in your industry via a news article.
2. Share Before You’re Ready. A lot of people overthink personal branding. They wait until they have a polished message, a perfect niche, a clear strategy. But the best brands evolve through action, not planning. Share what you’re learning, what you’re noticing, what you believe. The clarity comes from doing. That "Monday" will never come and you know it. So might as well just hit publish today and figure the rest out along the way.
3. Own Your Perspective. People don’t follow you because of what you say. They follow you because of HOW you say it. Your personal brand isn’t about having the “right” opinions—it’s about standing for something in a way only you can.

Here’s the takeaway: Stop trying to build a personal brand. Just start showing up, sharing your thoughts and experiences in a way that is insightful or helpful to people, and letting people get to know you. Over time, the brand takes care of itself.

🦄 Creator of the week @Mahaonsocial

If you're looking for inspiration, this week you can look to Mahadi.

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mahaonsocial/

He creates content on Filmmaking and videography. His content is all about how you can make your videos better. In today's day and age to build your personal brand you need to be able to activate video content. Good videos are made with good lighting. Check out his page and his videos on how you can level up your content.

🎨 Graphic Design Trends for 2025

Design is SO IMPORTANT. No matter what it is that you do, understanding basic graphic design can be extremely helpful in your execution. So, I wanted to share this detailed article I found that was shared by the Adobe Express team on the Top Graphic Design Trends for 2025.​

As you know I'm an Adobe Express Ambassador so I love spreading the word when it comes to cool things I find in Adobe Express or articles that I feel you might be interested in checking out.

In my past article "How to make your first dollar with your personal brand", I had highlighted some of the top features I liked about Adobe Express, which some of you said you found insightful. Since then a lot more new features have be launched especially in the category of "Video Editing". Let me know if you would like me to share some cool tips and tricks on video editing in the next edition of our newsletter. Meanwhile here are some fun articles to get you started.​

🤖 Prompt: LinkedIn Headline

Your LinkedIn headline is the first thing someone reads when they land on your profile. Try the below prompt for a quick refresh of your profile headline.

Prompt: You are a LinkedIn personal branding expert with years of experience. Help me create a LinkedIn headline that effectively communicates my experience, qualifications, and unique value. Consider incorporating keywords relevant to my industry as mentioned in the resume below and showcasing my passion or mission. My headline should be a snapshot that captures attention and encourages visitors to explore my profile further. Give me 10 different headlines.
My Resume: [Paste Your Resume]

Source: Careerflow

🖼️ Fun weekly AI Generated Images

"Funny seeing you here"

🧞‍♂️Your wish is my command

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Thanks for reading.

Until next time!

​​VJ​​

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