
Brands We Love
Jessica- KS95
Branding is what I do; therefore, how can I choose just one. I find hundreds of brands fascinating in different ways from packaging to quality to philanthropy. Brands that ran through my head included: Ford – American made, Popzero – packaging, AT&T – quality of service, Melissa McCarthy – public image and values, Kind bars – mission, but the one that I kept coming back to was KS95. Yes, a radio station. To be honest, I am not crazy about their visual brand, however, their values align with mine, the on-air personalities are relatable, they grow from their mistakes, and they believe in giving back. Community is a big part of their culture and Clouds Choir, a part of KS95 for Kids Radiothon, is part of my holiday tradition. In my eyes, strong brands care more about their employees and the community than their bottom line. I know KS95’s why, what they stand for and they have never failed to deliver on their brand promise.
As designers, color is used as a tool for communication. In order to explore the depth of emotions red evokes, it is important to examine the psychology behind this fiery hue – from love to murder.
Jodie – Apple
There are so many brands that I find myself loyal to in my everyday life. For example, s’mores. Do I buy Food Club graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate? No way. While probably similar in taste, the off-brand would not give me the same cozy nostalgic taste of sitting around a hot campfire on a cool summer evening as Honey Maid Graham Crackers, Jet-Puffed Marshmallows, and Hershey’s Chocolate would. While I might be brand loyal when it comes to buying chocolate for s’mores, that’s not to say that I wouldn’t experiment with other chocolate brands for different occasions. However, there is one brand that supersedes the rest when it comes to brand loyalty that I would not consider diverting from, and that is Apple.
My trust has always been with Apple even through their ups and downs. I mean, what’s a relationship without a few road bumps anyway, huh? So even when they were fined for slowing down older iphones in 2017 because they weren’t the latest and greatest model, I still forgave them. Because in 2003 I bought into their brand promise, to think differently and to inspire. Apple had me at the iPod commercial featuring Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl,” where they used a dark silhouette jamming out against bright pops of color all while highlighting the ipod in white. It was edgy, simple, and changed the way I looked at music. They weren’t just selling a device to hold thousands of songs, they were selling a lifestyle. And as a college student studying design at the time, I felt they supported creatives and our own quest to inspire. To this day, I find it tough to even consider another brand when I’m in the market for technology. Apple has put the customer at the heart of everything they’ve created and has distinguished itself from its competitors. Although dated, Microsoft Re-Designs the iPod Packaging from 2006 illustrates this difference. In terms of Apple’s visual brand, less has always been more. I’ve identified with this extra “white space” as a place to breathe, improve, create and ultimately think differently.
Layne – Milk Makeup
Milk Makeup’s marketing is undeniably well done due to its remarkable ability to authentically connect with its target audience and successfully carve a niche within the beauty industry. Through a carefully curated blend of social media presence, influencer collaborations, and inclusive messaging, Milk Makeup has managed to cultivate a loyal and diverse community of beauty enthusiasts. Their commitment to cruelty-free, vegan products and eco-conscious packaging resonates with the growing demand for sustainable and ethically produced cosmetics. Furthermore, their emphasis on embracing individuality and breaking beauty norms empowers consumers to express themselves freely. By staying at the forefront of trends, utilizing innovative product launches, and consistently engaging their followers, Milk Makeup has set a benchmark for modern, progressive, and socially aware marketing strategies in the beauty world.