Your group name and image is important … you might have developed a name associated with the area you perform in … something relating to the theatre/stage or maybe just a name that sounds good and isn't linked with anything! Whatever your group name is, there are a few handy hints on how to brand your group, develop a good name, Image, Logo and Brand.
• Think the name through … will it get abbreviated - does it spell an acronym … say you started the "Sheffield Amateur Dramatics & Dance Organisation" your acronym would be "SADDO" which, to be honest, isn't the best advert for the group! Avoid negative connotations and acronyms.
• Think about a logo if you don't already have one. Logo's are fantastic to help catch the eye of the general public. Think about the area you perform in and whether there is a famous landmark or place nearby, or if your name is of an object. For example "Rite Kite Dramatics" could use a red kite - simple and effective.
• Colours are fantastic within your logo. Again if your name associates with a colour then use that colour in the name or image. However if there are no colours, which are associated with your name then pick a colour/colours.
HINT
Use black and white to enhance a colour - you are best using either one or two colours - too many will confuse your brand and posters (and it can get expensive if you are printing in colour) - try to stick to common complementary colours (saves hassle in the future)
• Remember that a good logo can be used to identify the group without your group name being near it. ie we all know that the golden arches of an 'm' is McDonalds … now I'm not saying you need to go to that extent that they do - but a simple logo will re-enforce the group name, and you can also print T-shirts, balloons etc with the logo on it. See Merchandise.
• Keep all your Tickets, Posters, Programmes etc with the similar feel … same font type, font size, Image, wording … people will subconsciously associate your group with a poster before even reading your name … it brings familiarity to the public.
Good luck with writing your branding!
Other articles from Matt:
Advertising
Fund Raising
Gimmicks
Image
Posters
Press Releases
Starting a New Group