Branding

“Branding, by definition, is a marketing practice in which a company creates a name, symbol or design that is easily identifiable as belonging to the company.” (Smithson, 2015)

Ahead of creating the visual identity for “Let’s Talk” I felt it was important to initially research the basics of branding to familiarize myself with common methods and practices in order to create a successful and cohesive brand for the project. It is important to create a visual identity that translates the project’s goals while simultaneously creating a professional, distinguishable and memorable impression on both clients and competitors. Graphics and visuals associated to the project will aim to work together and create a unique, cohesive and competent identity.

Branding is an important aspect in the development of a product or business, there are many benefits to a strong visual identity.

A strongly established brand can help generate business and increase the value of the product or business. Recognising and outlining the business requirements of “Let’s Talk” were essential in creating a strong branding identity. Establishing the commercial viability of “Let’s Talk” is heavily reliant on a successful and strong branding identity.
A successful branding identity will establish a professional impression among clients and competitors, which will create business and opportunity for investment.
A well established brand inspires a professional tone and will be essential in inspiring trust with users and potential users of the application. A polished portrayal will insight more customers and will give the impression of expertise in the industry.
Successful branding allows for the creation of a cohesive and appealing advertising strategy that aligns with the project goals. “Advertising is another component to branding, and advertising strategies will directly reflect the brand and its desired portrayal.” (Smithson, 2015)

Brand Strategy is how, what, where, when and to whom you communicate and deliver your brand message. What you communicate visually and verbally, and where an how you do it are all important aspects of your brand strategy. It is vital to have consistent and strategic branding. Successful branding adds value to the product or business. Evoking emotion and perceived quality are intrinsic to creating added value to a product.

When defining the branding identity of “Let’s Talk” it was important to consider various aspects of the project, such as, the goal of the project, target market and customer expectations, and the qualities associated with the project. It was essential to research the target market and become familiar with the expectations they have for an application like “Let’s Talk”. It was also essential to research the current competitors of the application to gauge the level of professionalism and gain further insight into how to reach customer expectations.

Creating a logo for let’s talk was an essential step in the development of the branding identity. When developing a logo for the project it was vital to keep the project aim an essential part of the logo, as it will be the visual that is most associated with the project. Creating an open and honest conversation about puberty and sex education is the main aim of the “Let’s Talk” and it was important to incorporate this into the logo design.

Initial Sketches were drawn up

Finalised initial logo design.

As the branding and project evolved it became apparent that the initial logo no longer represented the project in a successful way. So it was decided to revisit the logo and develop a new logo the portrayed a more professional tone. A further two logos were designed and developed.