Client
Paul Byrne & Betsy Leatherman
Overview
The Breakout Room, hosted by leadership experts Betsy and Paul, offers raw, unfiltered conversations on personal growth. The challenge was to create a brand identity that balanced spontaneity with professionalism. After an earlier design from another party failed to resonate with the clients, and with only a week to go, I was brought in to deliver a compelling solution under tight time constraints.
Client
Paul Byrne & Betsy Leatherman
Industry
Podcasting
Service
Brand Identity
Logo Design
Art Direction
Media Assets
Duration
1 week
The Challenge
The identity needed to reflect the podcast’s vibrant, personal nature while maintaining a professional tone. It had to capture the raw, conversational energy that sets it apart from other leadership-focused shows, while also being flexible enough for use in video editing and motion graphics.
The Process
I started by getting to know the podcast and hosts to capture their vibe and audience, while checking out competitors to see how we could stand out. The main idea was inspired by virtual breakout rooms, symbolizing personal conversations, with wayfinding elements added to show the podcast as a guide. I experimented with shapes, fonts, and colors that felt lively but clear, making sketches and mockups to see what worked best for motion animation. I created several logo options to keep things flexible and editable, and managed quick but effective feedback rounds between clients and animators. The final look uses bold lines and a fun yet professional color scheme, subtle background elements reference virtual meeting environments, adding a relevant, familiar touch. This cohesive visual language captures the podcast’s essence while remaining versatile across all applications.
The Result
The new identity gives The Breakout Room a distinctive and engaging presence that mirrors its authentic, conversational spirit. It works well across platforms and media, confirming that thoughtful, strategic design can be achieved even under tight deadlines, delivering a solution that is both creative and functional. The first episode is set to be launched soon.
