Designing for Progress: The Importance of Branding and Design in Progressive Advocacy
In this session, graphic design and branding veterans will discuss key decisions they've made during high-profile projects—including work for the Democratic National Committee, presidential campaigns and other major sites—and explain the integral role played by branding and design in political communication. How great an impact does branding have on the perception and success of a candidate or organization? What challenges must be faced—and overcome—for a redesign or rebranding effort to succeed? What key mistakes have the panelists, in the course of their work, observed candidates or organizations making?
Greg Greene is the new media outreach manager at the Democratic National Committee, where he works with blogs and online media outlets as part of the communications team. Greg has held new media positions at the National Democratic Institute and Blue State Digital, and has worked in communications on federal and local campaigns and as a state-level advocate for progressive causes. A non-practicing attorney, Greg enjoys cooking, indie music and walks in the woods.
After a year as Creative Director of the Democratic National Committee and Organizing for America, Lucas became the New Media Director in late 2010. Leading a team of about 30 people, he oversees all aspects of the online organizing program.
Prior to joining OFA and the DNC, Lucas served as the Obama campaign’s Ohio new media director for the general election. He did new media work for the campaign in California, Texas, and Pennsylvania during the primaries, having signed up in ’07 as a field volunteer.
Lucas has been a web professional for 15 years (which makes him feel old), in addition to experience in the entertainment industry and one dreamy job selling cake. He grew up in Washington DC, is a graduate of Brown University, and hasn’t worn a watch since 1989.
Ted Severson is a designer and video editor at a political media consulting firm in Washington, D.C. He has edited election-winning and award-winning television spots for Senators, Governors, and Representatives at Struble Eichenbaum Communications since 2008. Working with their sister firm Bullseye Interactive, Ted is generally in charge of designing campaign logos, graphical identities, and websites. When not obsessing about politics, television, and the internet, Ted can be found making very loud noises with musical instruments.
Jessica Teal is the founder and creative director of Jjo Media, a design firm based in Royal Oak, MI. Jjo Media has a wide-range of political, non-profit, and government clients and serves as creative partner to Fission Strategy.
Prior to forming Jjo Media, Jessica served as Design Manager for the 2008 Barack Obama Presidential campaign where she oversaw the visual design and development of all web and print materials for the campaign.
Before joining the campaign, Jessica also worked for Blue State Digital, the National Gallery of Art, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives.
