Challenge
How might we brand a student-driven job platform for sustainable industries that feels authentic, non-corporate, and visually reflects Gen-Z internet culture through a playful, scrapbook-inspired aesthetic?
This is the moodboard I created to kickstart the brand. It went through several iterations as we explored different color palettes, ultimately leading to this expanded selection, which reflects Shreya's desire for a variety of colors. In addition to visuals, the moodboard also emphasizes the tone of the copy, since most of the text would be written by her. I wanted to ensure our visions were aligned throughout the process.
The logo exploration and guidelines so keep the visuals consistent between us. After this was approved, further color iterations were made to the main solid & outline logo to use throughout the website and on social media.
The results of the photoshoot to create founder imagery that aligns with the brand since it was connected to Shreya's influencer persona. It was my first time managing the three point lights and camera all alone while directing the shoot, but I would say it went pretty well. Snuck a little photo of me on the job ;)
Here are a few images from the final website. The design aligns with the brand's youthful and playful aesthetic while incorporating visuals that emphasize sustainability. It utilizes Wix databases for the opportunity search function, ensuring it can grow over time and remain manageable for Shreya in my absence. The footer embodies the initial vision of resembling a patch of grass and encourages visitors to sign up for the mailing list, which is one of the company's key differentiators.
-- What I Learned ----
① The Importance of Iteration
I’ll never forget my vision of having the landing page resemble the sky to complement the grass design in the footer. When I mocked it up, Shreya and I both immediately agreed that we hated it. It was frustrating in the moment, as reimagining the design felt disorienting. However, I’m genuinely grateful we decided to start over because the final design captures the brand much more effectively.
I’ll never forget my vision of having the landing page resemble the sky to complement the grass design in the footer. When I mocked it up, Shreya and I both immediately agreed that we hated it. It was frustrating in the moment, as reimagining the design felt disorienting. However, I’m genuinely grateful we decided to start over because the final design captures the brand much more effectively.
② How to Manage Time
With both Shreya and I juggling full-time studies and other jobs, managing everything was a challenge. This experience taught me the importance of being realistic when launching something of this magnitude and understanding that it doesn’t happen overnight, especially with just a two-person team.
With both Shreya and I juggling full-time studies and other jobs, managing everything was a challenge. This experience taught me the importance of being realistic when launching something of this magnitude and understanding that it doesn’t happen overnight, especially with just a two-person team.
③ It's a Work in Progress
As of now, we are still refining the website. When launching a brand with a small team, sometimes you need to start with a viable product and continue iterating based on feedback. There’s no such thing as a perfect launch on the first try; that’s why iterations are essential, and designers are always in demand.
As of now, we are still refining the website. When launching a brand with a small team, sometimes you need to start with a viable product and continue iterating based on feedback. There’s no such thing as a perfect launch on the first try; that’s why iterations are essential, and designers are always in demand.
