Note: Read >>Lessons/ Lesson 3: Research before proceeding

Personal Identity System

Over the next several weeks you will be developing your own identity system.

An identity system is defined as: A visual system of design that leverages common characteristics of related elements to create a unique, memorable, and distinguishable “identity.” Identity systems represent a solid conceptual idea, summarized in a logo.

An identity system however encompasses much more than just a logo. In this case, because it’s a visual reflection of who you are and what you represent, every piece of promotional material that you produce should reflect and reinforce consistent visual characteristics. Well-designed identities convey strong visual messages by maintaining high level of consistency.

The first step in the process of creating your own identity is to understand who will be seeing your identity. In order to prepare yourself for your job search, you need to have a clear idea of what you are searching for. To help you do this, make sure you have read and completed Lesson 2 >>Lesson/ Lesson 2: Research and Lesson 3 >>Lesson/ Lesson 3: Self Assessment

Your Brand

In this case you are designing an identity for yourself, not a client. There are a number of details you will want to consider as you begin to design a logo. Note that your logo is just one component of your identity system, see the list below. All components should work together to put forth a consistent image and message about you. Here is a brief list of things to consider when designing your personal identity:

Your Name

Your name is already part of your identity, like it or not. Your name is how the world already recognizes you, and while many things about you may change in the future (including your name), your name will likely stick with you for a while. One of the main goals in branding is recognition. No need to reinvent what is already working in your favor.

Keep It Simple

Logos need to:

  1. Appear on a variety of content. You will want it to stand out, but you do not want it to interfere with the content it appears on. It helps to have a proportionate, contained design that does not take up too much awkward space.
  2. Resize well and still be visible and readable when small.
  3. Work in Black and White. Logos can be in color, but should not be color dependent. They need to work in black and white in case they get photocopied or printed in BW, etc.
  4. Reproduce well, i.e. the HR department that receives your resume with logo, might print in black and white before handing it to the Art Director who will likely be the one making the decision to hire you.
  5. Be memorable. You want busy people to recognize if they have seen it before. i.e You send your resume to an Art Director along with a PDF of a work samples, both have your logo on them, a month later you are at an industry event and the speaker is that Art Director. You now have an opportunity to introduce yourself and hand them your business card, with your logo that they will hopefully (like and) recognize!

Types of Logos to Consider

Show student samples or samples of a designer’s identity system

  • Logo mark
  • Monogram
  • Signature

What Does Your Logo Need To Say About You?

This of course is an open ended question that you need to answer. You should be very clear on how your logo is intended to serve you. Additional Blurb. Make a long list of adjectives that should be included. Here are a few to get you started:

  • Adjectives needed
  • Professional
  • Capable
  • Organized
  • Clever
  • Detail Oriented
  • Great Design Sensibility

Additional Components of an Identity System

  1. Personal Identity System (logo, logo mark/monogram, and signature)
  2. Optional: mini identity style guide (color schemes, typography, etc.)
  3. Resume
  4. Cover Letter
  5. Business collateral: digital letterhead and business card
  6. Social Media icons, or profile images (avatar): FB, IG, and LI
  7. Social Media cover images: FB, IG, and LI
  8. Social Media accounts: Linkedin, and IG
  9. Process Book: sketches, research, notes, and drafts
  10. Digital Portfolio
  11. PDF Portfolio
  12. Optional: Physical portfolio

Additional Resources

  1. >> How to create a graphic design portfolio
  2. >>How do I create a graphic design portfolio?

Next lesson >>Lessons/ Lesson 5: Marketing Collateral