Final Process – Self Branding

The process of my self -branding project was a pretty up and down adventure from the very beginning. I was not ready to do a self-branding project for myself, instead it was suppose to be making a book of my friend’s photographs. However, due to unforeseen circumstances I had to think on my feet and work on this project instead. The part of this process that was difficult for me is that it has always been harder for me to design or do things for myself oppose to other people. I had to sit down and start brainstorming what exactly I was going for in my logotype design.

While brainstorming I decided that I wanted something that can work as an emblem and can be used in many different instances. I came up with ideas of using my initials as the main focal point of my design. I used different shapes and lines in order to try to make the logotype more similar to what I have seen recently (LOGOTYPE IDEAS). Then I realized that for me I think simplicity should be my approach while making this design. I decided to go with the typeface prokofiev in white with a solid black background. It gives a very clean and sleek design that I think represents me well (LOGOTYPE).

The next item to complete was the business card. I originally wanted to do an old fashioned rectangular shaped business. The designs were not complementing the logo very well
(Bus. Card Ideas). That is where I made the decision to make the business card squared shape with the logo on one side and my information on the other side with a white background with black text. That decision was made with the help of the professor and my classmates and it was very helpful. I really like the way it came out and it exceeded my expectation when I received the cards in the mail.

Another component that my classmates helped me with was deciding the right design for my envelope and letterhead. I was not sure how large I should make my logo or the placement for each of those items. I decided that by using a black bar going straight down the left side of each really gives a strong and sleek look. The bar really held the logo well and it really goes with the overall style and look of how I want my brand to be (LETTERHEAD) ( MB ENVELOPE).

The hardest part for me in this branding project was how to design my resume to go with all of my stationery. I had the decision whether or not just to use my letterhead as a template for it or go elsewhere with the design. I decided that I want my resume to look different but not lose the overall look and feel of my other works. I had designed several different versions and I could not figure out what worked the best (Resume Ideas). I also had to make the decision of typefaces to use and what not to use. One aspect that I wanted to keep was the bar had to be somewhere on this document so I placed on the top “header” where all my pertinent information went. It has a different look but it stays within the same look I wanted to keep throughout my designs. I personally liked how it came out (MB RESUME).

The final component of the self-branding project was redesigning my portfolio to go with my stationery. I decided to go with the same bar design I used on my envelope and letterhead. I also revamped the way certain works were on my portfolio. I always kind of thought my portfolio was a little boring and stale (Old Portfolio). When the class gave me some ideas of what to do I definitely kept them in mind in many of the layouts and I am very proud of how it came out. I never thought I would be able to do some of the things I have done to enhance the look. It was a great learning experience that will benefit me in the future (Final Revamped Portfolio).

This project has helped me see more potential in my work than I ever have seen before. There were times when I wondered if my work is as good or as creative as other people in any of my classes. This helped me gain a great deal of confidence in what I am capable of. It was definitely a step in the right direction for me. Switching projects might have been a blessing in disguise for me

As for my internship the ability to work on the firm’s intranet was a major step forward in my career at the firm. Not only did I get the opportunity to work on something creative it has helped opened the doors for me to other projects in my firm. I enjoyed doing the edits and maintaining the information and content of the website. It was definitely a change in pace what I usually do at my regular filing duties. It gave me a feeling that I was working on something that matters and something that people appreciate. It feels good to have that sense of accomplishment in hard work you put into something. From my efforts they have included me in some new projects that have given me more responsibility to go along with a feeling of success.

I wish I did have more input and stuff to work on the intranet, but it is was a good learning experience in many ways. I have become more comfortable communication with my supervisors and certain other coworkers who I have never communicated with before. I also learned that sometimes you cannot make everyone happy and there are times when you have to say the word no. I usually find it hard to say no to people because of fear of the ramifications. However, now I know when is the right time to say no and who to say no to.

The entire semester was a good way for me to start moving toward my goal of finding a better job. This experience has made the world of difference in the person I am today. Whether it was learning how to actually design something for myself, or gaining confidence in talking to one of my bosses it was all beneficial. With the help of the professor and all my classmates it has been a very productive semester.