Stonetone Guitars
Mystic Brew Coffee
843 Teez
T. Stone Photography
Stoney's Taproom
Fat Cherry Soda Shop
Worksman Cycles
Logo Update
Who We Are
Back Pocket Studio started the way a lot of good things do: with a busted sketchbook, a great idea on a napkin, and a feeling that the best brands don’t come from boardrooms—they come from the back pocket.
It actually goes back to the late 1900s (yes, really) in Springfield, Ohio, where I got my start designing newspaper and Yellow Pages ads for a local internet service provider. What started as quick layout jobs turned into full-blown web design gigs—and before I knew it, I was a webmaster building digital homes for small businesses around town.
Over time, I sharpened my skills in Photoshop, dove into photography, and kept following the creative thread wherever it pulled. That journey eventually led to building my own brands—Stonetone Guitars, a custom guitar line with bite, and Mystic Brew Coffee, a concept coffee brand steeped in magic and music.
Now with Back Pocket Studio, I bring that same love for bold ideas and hands-on creativity to people ready to stand out. I’m not about templates, trends, or watered-down vibes—I’m about helping you craft something real, something sharp, and something you didn’t see coming.
We keep it small. We keep it smart. We keep it ready—right in the back pocket.
The Back Pocket Playbook
Branding, Storytelling & Product Presentation Tips for Small Businesses
Running a small brand means wearing every hat — creator, marketer, designer, and sometimes photographer. But the one thing that connects it all is how you show up.
At Back Pocket Studio, we’ve learned that a solid brand doesn’t come from fancy budgets or big marketing teams — it comes from clarity, consistency, and a little creative chaos.
This is the Back Pocket Playbook — real-world tips we use across all our GrizzBuilt brands, from 843 Teez to Stonetone Guitars, to help small businesses build brands that feel alive.
🧠 Part 1: Branding for Small Businesses
Most small business owners think branding means a logo and a color palette.
Truth is — your brand is the feeling people get when they interact with you.
Here are a few things we tell every client who walks through our (real or virtual) door:
1️⃣ Tell your story like a person, not a company.
People connect to humans, not corporate-speak.
2️⃣ Be consistent, not perfect.
Use your logo the same way everywhere. Keep your tone steady. Consistency builds trust.
3️⃣ Show the messy middle.
Don’t just share polished results — share process, progress, and passion. That’s where the heart is.
4️⃣ Good photos change perception.
Even a simple, well-lit photo can elevate how people see your brand.
5️⃣ Your vibe attracts your tribe.
Don’t try to please everyone. Build for the people who get you.
💬 If your brand looks like everyone else’s, it’s time to get a little weird.
Authenticity always wins.
✍️ Part 2: Storytelling for Small Brands
Most small brands forget the one thing that makes them unforgettable — their story.
People don’t just buy what you make… they buy why you make it. And the way you tell that story can turn casual followers into loyal fans.
Here’s how to start:
1️⃣ Share your “why.”
What sparked your business? Passion beats polish every time.
2️⃣ Be honest.
The messy middle is where connection lives.
3️⃣ Show it visually.
Photos and videos speak louder than copy.
4️⃣ Stay consistent.
Tell your story the same way across every platform until people can repeat it back.
5️⃣ Let it evolve.
As your brand grows, your story grows too — keep adding chapters.
💬 A brand without a story is just noise. A story told with heart becomes a legacy.
Start telling yours today.
📸 Part 3: Product Presentation for Small Brands
Your product might be great — but if it looks average, it’s getting scrolled right past.
In a world full of noise, presentation earns that first second of attention. You don’t need expensive gear — just intention and consistency.
Here’s what we focus on:
1️⃣ Set the Scene.
Don’t just show the product — show the lifestyle it belongs to.
2️⃣ Keep It Clean.
A simple setup lets your product shine.
3️⃣ Be Consistent.
Same lighting, tone, and editing style build recognition.
4️⃣ Add Context.
Show how it’s worn, used, or enjoyed — let people imagine themselves in it.
5️⃣ Use Real Photos.
Authentic beats overpolished every time.
We’ve been taking our own advice with 843 Teez, working on lifestyle photos that show real people wearing our shirts, not just flat product shots — but moments that feel like the 843.
💡 Presentation is silent storytelling.
It says who you are before you say a word. Make sure it says something worth remembering.
💬 Final Thoughts
Building a brand doesn’t start with a logo — it starts with a story, a feeling, and a consistent way of showing up.
Whether you’re crafting a product, designing a label, or shooting a photo, remember: every piece is a reflection of what your brand believes in.
That’s the Back Pocket way — a mix of grit, heart, and a healthy dose of weird.
