the spark...

Youtalk Branding

TEAM (The European Atlantic Movement) is an independent educational foundation which promotes understanding and discussion of European and world affairs.

They approached Brightspark to design an entirely new brand called Youtalk – a social media website that would act as an interactive hub for students and young people to debate UK and international issues. 

The project began by nailing down the brief, making sure the target market was clearly defined and identifying exactly what the aims of the site were and how best to achieve them. 

Once established, the next step was to create the logo. My logo process involves brainstorming ideas, writing down related words, visual connections and sketching. Everything is done with pen and paper before going anywhere near a computer. Once I am happy that I have several workable ideas, I develop them further and create digital versions.

I sent five distinct concepts to Youtalk with a rationale for each. The feedback was extremely positive, although one version was a clear favourite. After further development we arrived at the finished result below:-

The colours are vibrant and striking, the font is bold and distinct while the soundwave bars represent the debate and exchange of ideas the site hopes to encourage.

Running concurrently with the logo design was the development of the site itself. I believe that it is vital that the structure and framework of any site, particularly a site like this, is fully understood before any visual design work begins. The visuals should be led by the architecture, not the other way around.

Having agreed a list of features and elements and how they would all combine effectively to achieve the overall goal, I provided the client with a layout for the home page:-

To make sure the work process is as efficient as possible, I always provide my client with a flat jpg before any coding begins. It means amends and changes can be made much more easily and ensures the coding runs smoothly. This is an example of the design I sent for the home page:-

Although pleased with the design, the client wanted to try a version that was more clearly aimed at a younger audience:-

It was decided that the original version was nearer the mark but could be improved further by introducing some elements of the second version. 

Once approved, work began on building the site. You can see the final, live version at www.youtalk.org.uk.

An important part of the brief was to ensure there was a straightforward, easy to use CMS in place. I made certain this was the case and provided a comprehensive instruction manual to cover all eventualities.

Youtalk was launched at a large conference and I designed printed promotional material to make as big an impact as possible, including a 2m banner which can be seen below:-

At the end of the project, the client was kind enough to write a few words:-

“The team at Brightspark Creative were able to offer a complete service:  branding, design, web development and marketing and advertising advice and support. They are great to work with – they communicate clearly, motivate their choices, meet deadlines and their output is relevant and of an exceptionally high standard.

They tackled the development of www.youtalk.org.uk – a website to get teenagers involved in politics and current affairs – by getting into the complex mind of a sixteen-year old. The site they delivered ticks all the boxes of being young yet serious, light but deep with an effective interactive platform for debate. More than that, it looks good and functions well.

 I won’t go anywhere else for all future projects.”

Cherilyn Ireton
Presslinks