brand and strategy
Posted on Author Kemili Norman Categories Design, Marketing

Standing Out in a Noisy Digital World

In today’s digital landscape, it feels like everyone is fighting for attention. Some messages break through, while others fade into the scroll. So what actually makes a brand or even a person, stand out?

It isn’t just what we say. It’s the combination of strategy, design, and confidence in how we show up.

Building confidence through strategy 

The strongest brands (and professionals) don’t rely on luck. They think intentionally about where their message shows up and why.

In marketing, for example, premium ad placements aren’t just “expensive spots.” They represent alignment, context, and trust. Brands that take the time to place themselves in the right environments don’t just get seen, they get remembered.

The same lesson applies to career growth. Confidence doesn’t come from checking every box on a list of requirements. It comes from taking initiative, asking smart questions, reaching out to people you admire, and showing genuine curiosity. Sometimes it’s that first step that opens the door, not the resume.

Aesthetic Literacy: More Than “Looking Good

If strategy sets the direction, design is the vehicle that carries the message forward.

Aesthetic literacy isn’t just about making something pretty. It’s about understanding how visuals communicate meaning and how they shape perception. Here are three pillars that make the difference:

  • Clarity & Alignment: Does this design reflect what you or your brand stand for?
  • Emotional Impact: Does it make people feel something when they see it?
  • Relevance & Functionality: Is it accessible and meaningful to the audience it’s meant for?

Think of a clever ad that makes you laugh or a rebrand that instantly shifts your perception of a company. Design can completely reshape trust, emotion, and connection. And the same goes for personal branding. Your resume, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile speaks before you do. Clean, cohesive design isn’t just aesthetic, it’s strategic communication.

I asked yourself: Does this reflect who I am and the kind of roles I want?

Bridging Strategy and Design

Here’s the real insight: strategy and design aren’t separate worlds. They work together.

A campaign that’s strategic but poorly designed won’t connect. A beautiful design without strategic grounding won’t stick. The magic happens when the two come together—when clarity meets creativity.

This applies whether you’re building a marketing campaign or curating your personal brand. How you show up visually and strategically determines not just if people notice you, but how they remember you.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, marketing—whether for a brand or yourself—is about people. It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it, how it looks, and how it makes others feel.

If you want to stand out in a noisy digital world, bridge strategy with design, and deliver it with confidence. That’s what cuts through the clutter.

0
Posted on Author Kemili Norman Categories Technology

Navigating Italian Business Culture: Insights from My Latest Infographic Project

As part of a recent project, I created an infographic using Illustrator and Photoshop to help professionals navigate the unique nuances of Italian business culture. This visual guide is perfect for anyone preparing for a business meeting in Italy, offering key insights into the visible and invisible aspects of Italian professional interactions.

The infographic uses the metaphor of an olive tree, with the canopy representing visible behaviors, such as communication styles and etiquette, and the roots symbolizing deeper values like family, trust, and relationships. Together, they highlight how Italian business culture is a blend of tradition, emotion, and connection.

In Italy, communication is rich with expression. Conversations are often passionate, loud, and filled with humor, while non-verbal cues—such as hand gestures and facial expressions—play a crucial role in conveying meaning. Hierarchy is deeply respected, and first impressions matter. Titles like “Dottore” or “Ingegnere” are commonly used to show respect, and it’s customary to greet senior members first.

Beyond the surface, relationships and personal values drive business decisions. Family plays a central role, often blending personal and professional networks. Catholic traditions influence the business calendar, with holidays like Easter and Christmas being sacred times when meetings are avoided. Trust and personal rapport are more important than contracts, and building long-term partnerships takes precedence over quick deals.

Designing this infographic was a rewarding experience, allowing me to combine creative storytelling with cultural insights. It not only sharpened my design skills but also deepened my understanding of Italian business values. I hope it serves as a helpful guide for anyone engaging with Italian counterparts because in Italy, business is truly about relationships.

Read More
0
Posted on Author Kemili Norman Categories Digital Marketing

A guide to building a successful integrated communications and marketing plan

Ever wondered how some brands captivate audiences and build loyalty effortlessly? Imagine having the tools to amplify your message, attract dedicated followers, and create a memorable brand presence all with a strategic, streamlined approach. In this guide, you’ll discover the secrets that aglile teams and marketing experts use to craft a powerful digital presence, engage audiences meaningfully, and elevate their brand image.

Creating a successful communications and marketing strategy doesn’t have to be expensive or complex. In my experience in communications and design, I’ve found that even non-profits and small corporate teams can make a powerful impact by combining focused messaging with streamlined processes. With the right approach, you can boost your digital presence, engage your audience, and establish a professional brand image all while optimizing resources. Here’s my step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Read More
0
Posted on Author Kemili Norman Categories Digital, Marketing

From classrooms to networking events: A semester that sparked change

This semester wasn’t just another series of lectures and assignments, it was a game-changer. Through the Marketing Seminar series, I found myself immersed in conversations, ideas, and real-world insights that reshaped how I viewed my future in marketing.

One moment that stands out is Qashif Effendi’s session, it was a powerful reminder that marketing isn’t about going viral, it’s about delivering impact. His emphasis on aligning campaigns with real consumer behavior echoed everything I’ve recently come to value in performance-driven marketing.

Here’s what I learned, and how I’m already putting it into action.

Lessons that shifted my mindset

Qashif Effendi reminded us that marketing is about making an impact. His message about aligning marketing with consumer behavior shifted how I viewed content and strategy.

After his session, I went back and reviewed my social media posts. I asked myself, “Does this reflect what I want to be known for?” That moment of clarity led me to redesign my Linkedln content strategy, shifting my focus from attention-grabbing to value-adding. Now, I create posts that are built around intention and purpose, not just likes and clicks.

Design with intention

John Cardoso introduced the idea of aesthetic strategy, the connection between design and perception. He taught us that design isn’t just visual; it’s emotional and functional. Every font, color, and layout tells a story.

Inspired by his talk, I:

  • Redesigned my résumé to make it clean, minimalist, and easy to navigate
  • Began storyboarding a future “About Me” deck to present who I am visually and professionally

Every element now reflects my evolving brand, and more importantly, who I’m becoming.

How I’m building my network

This semester, I didn’t just sit and listen. I took action, building real connections and refining my presence online and offline.

  • GBC Job Fairs: I engaged with fellow students, employers, and professionals who generously shared their career advice and experiences.
  • Networking Mixer with Entrepreneurs: I introduced myself and mentioned I was looking for a co-op opportunity. That’s where I met the founder of Monkey Lingo, who later offered me a co-op role as a Digital Marketing Specialist for the next semester.
  • I connected with a few professionals from the talks and stayed connected with them on LinkedIn.
  • I attended career connect at George Brown and followed up with one of the speakers on LinkedIn.

These small steps helped me turn ideas into action, and conversations into opportunities.

How networking opened new doors

One meaningful outcome from this semester was growing my LinkedIn network from 432 to 899 connections. That growth wasn’t just about numbers, it led to real conversations and new opportunities.

At one point, a marketing and HR professional reached out, impressed with my résumé, and asked if I was open to work. I let them know I had already accepted a co-op position at Monkey Lingo, a role I found through networking at an entrepreneur event I signed up for via Eventbrite. I connected with one of their team members during the event, followed up on LinkedIn, and that connection ultimately led to the opportunity.

It was a great reminder that networking doesn’t have to be formal,  just intentional. Being present and open to conversation can lead to unexpected opportunities.

 Where I’m headed next

I’m excited to begin my co-op as a Digital Marketing Specialist at Monkey Lingo next Semester. I’m not just showing up to work, I’m showing up with intention.

Thanks to everything I’ve learned this semester, I now have:

  • A clear, intentional personal brand
  • A digital portfolio that reflects my strengths
  • A networking strategy based on real connection, not cold applications

This journey isn’t just about landing a job, it’s about building a meaningful marketing career, one conversation at a time.

 Final thought: Build a brand that feels like you

This isn’t about trying to impress anyone, it’s about being present, staying consistent, and showing up as myself. I’m still figuring things out, but I’ve come a long way. That progress came from listening, learning, and taking small, intentional steps. At the end of the day, the most important thing I’m building is a version of myself I can be proud of.

Written by

Kemili Norman-William

0