Makersquare Logo Design, Branding & Marketing
Year
2013-2014
Overview
MakerSquare, now known as Hack Reactor, required a comprehensive branding overhaul to reflect its standing as a premier coding bootcamp. The challenge was to create a visual identity that would resonate across its locations in Austin, San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles, and solidify its brand in the competitive coding education market.
As the Lead Designer, I was tasked with developing MakerSquare's new branding, which included creating a logo, updating the branding and style guide in collaboration with the marketing team. and designing interior wall installations for each campus.
My Role
Logo Design
Branding
Marketing Design
Product Design
Interior Design
Process
I undertook the creative process to craft MakerSquare's new logo and visual elements, ensuring they aligned with the brand's educational philosophy and appeal to a tech-savvy audience.
I collaborated with the marketing team to develop a cohesive branding update and style guide that would be integral to MakerSquare's identity.
The original Makersquare campus was in Austin, Texas on busy, central Congress Avenue. An early iteration of the logo and wordmark were emblazoned on a custom sign.
I designed and executed various branded materials, including fliers, business cards, letterheads, and banners, which played a critical role in the brand refresh.
I also facilitated community engagement by designing promotional materials and orchestrating the venue for a talk by Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, at the MakerSquare Austin campus. This event was a testament to MakerSquare's growing influence and commitment to tech education.
In addition to developing the branding and style guide, I played a key role in MakerSquare's recognition at a national level, contributing to our invitation to a White House summit focused on tech education.
The rebranding and my contributions to MakerSquare's educational mission were validated by the company's trust in my leadership and vision, demonstrated by my relocation to San Francisco to spearhead the launch of the new campus.
My design work supported MakerSquare's positioning as a leader in the field, aligning with the high standards required for such prestigious recognition.
Result
My efforts culminated in a successful brand update that was instrumental in MakerSquare's market presence, significantly contributing to its recognition and growth.
The branding was critically acclaimed and was involved in most design choices the company has made since its inception, showcasing the lasting impact of my work.
My work directly influenced the school's growth trajectory, leading to increased visibility and enhanced reputation within the tech community. The brand refresh was not only aesthetic but served as a springboard for MakerSquare's expansion and its engagement with thought leaders in the industry.