Learning Objectives Covered

1. Discuss the role personal brand identity plays in overall digital identity

Background

Because we live in an increasingly interconnected digital world and it is assumed clients need a web presence, it is no longer enough to design a single logo, business card, etc. Rather, we must also be aware of how our designs can seamlessly translate into a digital environment. A digital identity often refers to how one is perceived on the Internet. From websites to social media to professional networking sites, it is important to intentionally design and present a digital identity that is cohesive.

As designers, because we help establish the visual identity of our clients, we also play a key role in helping our clients establish their own digital identities. For example, when visiting a company website with many pinks, reds, and yellows, viewers will feel the company has an upbeat energetic digital identity. Conversely, when visiting a company website with many blues and grays, viewers will feel the company has a more formal, corporate digital identity. Though it may not initially be in the scope of a logo design or redesign project, it is worthwhile to discuss how you as a designer can help a client consider and implement visuals in such a way as to best develop and maintain their digital identity across diverse digital platforms.

Things to consider when designing are:

• How the color scheme and overall logo message will carry over from the website to social media avatars/cover banners and graphics.
• How the perception of the logo will change from a large desktop computer screen to a small handheld mobile device.
• How color perception shifts when colors move from being seen on a printed page to being seen on a screen.
• How type perception shifts when type moves from being seen on a printed page to being seen on a screen.

Prompt

For this discussion, imagine a freelance writer looking for help designing a logo has approached you. They would like to use the logo across many diverse digital platforms including a personal website, a personal blog, and several different social media accounts. They are looking for your guidance in what type of logo design might work best and how to best create a unified message across so many different digital platforms. They have never heard of the concept of a digital identity but are very open to guidance and learning from you.

In approaching this task, how would you explain the concept of digital identity to them? Why is a cohesive digital identity important and how might it help their freelance career? In approaching the design of their logo, what considerations must you make to ensure that you are creating a consistent look and feel across all platforms? Do you think it would be beneficial to steer them toward a certain type of logo (all typographic, all symbols, etc.) or a certain logo orientation (vertical, horizontal, etc.)?

For your citation, you might use articles that show examples of creative social media design solutions. You can also find articles from experts that suggest the value of using a cohesive digital identity to build trust.

Your initial and reply posts should work to develop a group understanding of this topic. Challenge each other. Build on each other. Always be respectful but discuss this and figure it out together.

Reply Requirements

Per the Due Dates and Participation Requirements for this course, you must submit 1 main post of 150+ words, 1 IWG citation, and reference, as well as 2 follow-up posts of 50+ words. Responses can be addressed to both your initial thread and other threads but must be your own words (no copy and paste), each reply unique (no repeating something you already said), and substantial in nature. Remember that part of the discussion grade is submitting on time (20%) and using proper grammar, spelling, etc. (20% per post).

Remember that part of the discussion grade is submitting on time and using proper grammar, spelling, etc. You’re training to be a professional—write like it.