Project Overview

Client Background: "The Talent Next Door" is a podcast that shines a spotlight on the diverse and vibrant talent found right here in Canada. Each episode takes listeners on a journey through the stories, experiences, and creative processes of Canadian artists in music, theatre, and film. From emerging talents to established names, the podcast celebrates the rich tapestry of Canadian creativity and explores what makes our artists truly unique. Through engaging interviews, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and thoughtful discussions, "The Talent Next Door" invites listeners to discover and connect with the incredible talent that lies just beyond their doorstep.

Objectives:

  • Enhance brand identity and visibility within the Canadian music scene.

  • Expand audience reach and engagement.

  • Strengthen connections with emerging Canadian artists and industry professionals.

  • Maintain authenticity and integrity while evolving the brand's online presence.

Scope: The branding project encompasses various aspects, including:

  • Logo design and visual identity development to reflect the brand's values and personality.

  • Website optimization and user experience enhancements to improve accessibility and engagement.

  • Content strategy and social media marketing to increase brand awareness and foster community engagement.

  • Collaborations and partnerships with Canadian artists, venues, and industry influencers to amplify brand reach and impact.

Brand Identity/ Guidelines

Primary Logo

Secondary Logo

Typface

Logo Usage / Partner Application

These guidelines serve as a central reference to steer the direction of The Talent Next Door brand going forward. The principles set forth here aim to establish a unified and consistent aesthetic across all interactions.

Adhering to the guidelines outlined in this document will guarantee that the Pop-Up Conversations brand maintains its strength, uniqueness, and clarity.


The Pop-Up Conversations primary logo consists of two distinct elements: the phrase "Pop-Up Conversations" written across two lines, and an exclamation mark stylized to resemble speech bubbles, symbolizing an ongoing dialogue. Together, the logo acts as an invitation to a realm of artistic conversation open to all creatives.

The Pop-Up Conversations logo was created to work across a variety of platforms and applications at various sizes. To ensure the logos integrity, only the supplied artwork should be used at all times.

The secondary logo for Pop-Up Conversations features the lower half of the exclamation mark-styled speech bubble from the primary logo. Inside this bubble, there are two single armchairs arranged in an interview-style setting. Positioned above the primary logo, this secondary logo visually represents the environment where artistic conversations take place.

When using the Pop-Up Conversations logo alongside partner logos, it is crucial to maintain the visibility and hierarchy of the Pop-Up Conversations logo. The Pop-Up Conversations logo should always be displayed first to ensure its prominence.


The Pop-Up Conversations logo was created to work across a variety of platforms and applications at various sizes. To ensure the logos integrity, only the supplied artwork should be used at all times.


The primary typeface family for the Pop-Up Conversations brand is Built Tilting. This typeface forms the basis of the logo and offers a range of weights to provide flexibility across various communications. It is recommended to use upper case for maximum impact,

employing it for headlines, names, and other key elements. The family includes Black, Bold, Semibold, Medium, Regular, Light, and Thin weights in both Standard and Italic styles.


The partner logo should be positioned to the right of the Pop-Up Conversations logo, separated by a 0.25-point keyline. The clear space between the Pop-Up Conversations logo and the keyline should be equal to half the width of the exclamation mark stylized speech bubbles.

Brand Story

In 2019, amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the Greater Toronto Area's open mic scene, Efe found himself immersed in a world where talent sparkled in the most unexpected places. Each night, as he took the stage, he witnessed the extraordinary abilities of performers who could easily blend into the fabric of everyday life, the talents next door.

From soulful singers to captivating poets, from mesmerizing magicians to skillful storytellers, Efe marveled at the depth of creativity hidden within his community. Yet, amidst the applause and shared moments, he sensed a yearning for something more—a desire to delve beyond the surface and unearth the stories, inspirations, and dreams that fueled these remarkable talents.

It was during a pivotal moment, as Efe stepped into the role of hosting his own open mic event at The Make Cafe in Milton, Ontario, that the vision for something greater crystallized in his mind. Surrounded by the eclectic mix of performers he had come to know and admire, he realized there was a profound need for a platform where these artists could not only showcase their gifts but also engage in meaningful dialogue and connect on a deeper level.

And so, fueled by his passion for both performance and community, Efe embarked on a journey to create The Talent Next Door as a podcast show. More than just a stage for showcasing talent, it became a sanctuary—a space where artists could share their stories, support one another, and foster a sense of belonging within a tight-knit community.

With each episode, The Talent Next Door blossomed into a hub of creativity and camaraderie, drawing in artists and audience members alike who sought not only entertainment but also a sense of connection and inspiration. Through interviews, performances, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the lives of artists, Efe's vision flourished, empowering artists to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate the diverse tapestry of talent that thrived in their midst.

Today, The Talent Next Door stands as a testament to the power of community and the transformative impact of shared creativity. From humble beginnings in the heart of Ontario to a beacon of artistic expression, it continues to shine a spotlight on the talents next door, reminding us all that within every neighborhood lies a wealth of untapped potential and extraordinary stories waiting to be told.

The brand story of The Talent Next Door resonates deeply with its target audience of Canadian emerging artists and music enthusiasts for several reasons:

1. Relatability: The story's focus on ordinary individuals with extraordinary talent resonates with emerging artists who may see themselves in the performers featured on the podcast. It reinforces the idea that talent can be found in unexpected places and inspires them to pursue their passion.

2. Aspirational: The journey of The Talent Next Door, from a small open mic event to a successful podcast, is aspirational for emerging artists. It shows them that with dedication, hard work, and a supportive community, they can achieve their goals and make a name for themselves in the industry.

3. Community Building: The emphasis on community and collaboration in the brand story appeals to emerging artists who are looking for a supportive network to help them grow and succeed in their careers. It shows them that they are not alone in their journey and that there are others who are willing to help and support them along the way.

4. Authenticity: The authenticity of the brand story, rooted in Efe's personal experiences and passion for showcasing local talent, resonates with music enthusiasts who value genuine, heartfelt storytelling. It creates a connection between the audience and the brand, fostering loyalty and trust.

5. Inspiration: The brand story is inherently inspiring, showing emerging artists that it is possible to turn their passion into a successful career. It motivates them to take action and pursue their dreams, knowing that there are opportunities out there for them to showcase their talent and connect with like-minded individuals.

Digital Assets

Brand Launch

Launch Strategy:

Logo Reveal: The new logo and visual identity were revealed through a series of teasers on social media, leading up to a grand reveal on the website and social media platforms.

Website Redesign: The new brand identity was implemented across all digital platforms, including a redesigned website that showcased the new logo, color scheme, and brand message.

Social Media Campaign: A targeted social media campaign was launched to generate buzz around the new brand identity, with engaging content such as behind-the-scenes videos, artist interviews, and teaser images.

Email Marketing: Existing subscribers were notified of the brand identity change through email marketing campaigns, highlighting the reasons behind the rebrand and inviting them to explore the new website.

Launch Event: A virtual launch event was held, featuring performances by artists who had been featured on Pop Up Conversations, as well as interviews with key stakeholders and influencers in the Canadian music industry.

Reception and Impact:

Positive Feedback: The new brand identity was well-received by the audience, with many praising the modern and vibrant look that aligned with the brand's values of creativity and inclusivity.

Increased Engagement: The launch campaign resulted in a significant increase in engagement across social media platforms, with higher interaction rates and more shares and comments than previous campaigns.

Brand Recognition: The new brand identity helped to increase brand recognition and awareness, with more people identifying and engaging with Pop Up Conversations as a leading platform for emerging Canadian artists.

Overall, the launch of the new brand identity was a success, helping to reposition The Talent Next Door as a fresh and innovative brand within the Canadian music scene.

Client Testimonial

8. Include testimonials or quotes from the client, showcasing their satisfaction with the branding project and its outcomes. Discuss how the new brand identity has contributed to their success and growth.

  • Monet Goode

    FOUNDER

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • Emmett Marsh

    DESIGN DIRECTOR

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • Eleanor Parks

    SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTOR

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

Results and Metrics

9. Provide data-driven insights into the impact of the branding project, such as increased brand awareness, customer engagement, or sales. Share any key metrics or KPIs that demonstrate the project's success.

Future Direction

Future Plans and Recommendations

  • Consider expanding beyond music to include other forms of artistic expression, such as visual arts, poetry, or dance, to appeal to a broader audience and showcase a wider range of talent.

  • Introduce interactive elements on the website or social media platforms, such as live Q&A sessions with artists, polls, or contests, to increase engagement and create a more immersive experience for the audience.

  • Develop a stronger sense of community by creating forums or online groups where fans and artists can interact, share content, and collaborate on projects, fostering a sense of belonging and loyalty to the brand.

  • Organize live events or concerts featuring artists showcased on Pop Up Conversations, providing an opportunity for fans to experience the music in person and further connect with the brand.

  • Explore partnerships with other brands, festivals, or organizations within the Canadian music industry to increase exposure and reach new audiences.

  • Offer resources and support for emerging artists, such as workshops, mentorship programs, or recording opportunities, to help them further their careers and strengthen their connection to Pop Up Conversations.

Evolution and Growth:

  • As the brand expands, it's important to stay true to its core values of supporting emerging artists and fostering creativity, ensuring that all initiatives align with these values.

  • Continuously monitor trends in the music industry and digital landscape to adapt the brand's strategy and offerings accordingly, staying relevant and appealing to the target audience.

  • Regularly seek feedback from the audience and artists to understand their needs and preferences, and use this insight to refine and improve the brand's offerings.

  • Encourage innovation and creativity in all aspects of the brand, from content creation to marketing strategies, to maintain a fresh and engaging presence in the market.