Background
Having built and sold businesses across categories from mining services to software Graham Van Damme is positioned firmly in the category of consultants who have been there, done that and are now sharing their passion, wisdom and experience with a new generation of business owners.
Challenge
To build a brand that reflected Graham’s entrepreneurial mindset, contemporary approach to business building and professionalism. Graham had developed the descriptor; Chief Exit Officer (a play on CEO) and was keen to weave that into the brand, as well as to achieve a balance between boutique advisory and personal brand.
Insight
The right brand architecture solution was to develop a personal brand mark for Graham using his initials ‘GVD’ with a secondary type mark; Graham Van Damme, Chief Exit Officer. This approach allowed us to leverage the visual language of boutiques advisories, whilst linking Graham’s name and personal brand moniker all in one identity system.
Design Solution
We selected a contemporary sans serif font to reflect Graham’s confident, fresh and professional persona. the ‘/’ element represents the concepts of both ‘exit’ and ‘growth’, reflecting Graham’s philosophy for unlocking the value in a business to maximise the return from sale. The bright flash of colour reflects the entrepreneurial energy Graham brings to the table, paired with black red and grey to reflect the commercial credentials that are also part of his brand.
Deliverables
To begin we created a suite of stationery, a presentation folder, email signature and web site. As the brand grows, so-too will the number of applications for this flexible and contemporary brand identity.