Cleveland Institute of Art
Shift the dialogue from institutional to personal.
Ask better questions — on purpose.
Setting graduates up for careers in the working world has always been part of the value proposition at Cleveland Institute of Art. And while that remains an important aspect of what CIA offers, we asked whether it was its highest purpose? Or could there be something that feels more aspirational, a little idealistic even, that speaks to the way graduates hope to contribute to the world?
Talk to me like a person.
To connect with the next generation of creative thinkers, you need to be able to speak their language. So yes, language was paramount throughout the branding initiative at Cleveland Institute of Art. We crafted a brand voice that puts the individual first and aims to meet the audience where they’re at.
Campaign — on purpose.
Cleveland Institute of Art finds itself in an enviable position: launching a comprehensive campaign from a place of strength to transform our future—on purpose. Ever since the College first started educating creative individuals 140 years ago, CIA has always dreamed big. Cultivating creative leaders who inspire people, strengthen communities, and contribute to a sustainable world is CIA’s purpose. The new campaign is designed to pursue this purpose with intention.
Services
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An immersive study investigates quantitative data and qualitative evidence from a variety of stakeholder groups. This audit helps identify how far your organization has come as well as understand what may stand in the way of progress.
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Ideation workshops offer a variety of hands-on exercises tailored to your organization’s unique situation. The group experience is strategically designed to test readiness for change and to help envision how quickly your organization can pivot.
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A strategy for change is not always easy to deploy as it often challenges old habits. Brand evolution permeates throughout your entire organization and we work together as a team to cultivate opportunities as well as navigate challenges.
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A strategic brand positioning clearly declares what sets your organization apart vis-à-vis the audiences you target and the competitors you face. Building consensus helps build enthusiasm and trust in the future.
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Your brand identity is much more than the sum of a logo, a set of typefaces, and hex codes pleasing to the eye. It can be a living, breathing, flexible system that is both open enough to communicate across your varied audiences and focused enough to cultivate a united brand experience, full of intent.
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Every organization has a voice. And every brand voice has a purpose: to distill your collective personality and ethos into a coherent expression that is accessible across many audiences.
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Organizations deserve websites that strive to satisfy visitors’ needs and deliver a delightful experience—nailing both aspects yields superlative UX. Guided by accessibility and current best practices, we develop award-winning websites that balance simplicity and depth.
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Compelling brands can only go so far without a proper deployment plan to put them to market. We architect strategic communication roadmaps across social, digital, print, experiential that achieve measurable results.
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Brands are driven by people, and people are driven by principles. We coach individuals within your organization to speak their truths while simultaneously seeing themselves as brand advocates. This training builds up collective values unique to your brand, and empowers everyone to do their part in sustaining them.