Digitial Politics Podcast Case Study
& My Design ProcessFour R’s for Rhymes & Reasons
1. Research
The “FiNC Tank” podcast by the Future is Now Coalition (FiNC) was designed to foster civil discourse among people from all political backgrounds. The project aimed to address political divisiveness and restore meaningful conversations about government and democracy. My goal was to create a brand identity that reflected a grassroots, “for the people” aesthetic—blending polished professionalism with a grunge, underground feel.
To begin, I conducted market research to analyze the podcasting landscape. I found that most political podcasts relied on minimal editorial styles or straightforward photography paired with bold typography. Many used the standard red, white, and blue color scheme, reinforcing traditional political imagery. However, there was a clear gap in the market for a neutral, engaging brand that welcomed diverse political perspectives. This insight drove my approach to creating a brand identity that felt fresh, inclusive, and distinct.
2. References
I sought inspiration from grassroots political movements, street art, and visual elements that represented change and unity. The concept of using a lightbulb as a central logo element resonated with me—it symbolized fresh ideas and enlightenment. To root the design in a political context, I incorporated the Capitol building into the base of the bulb, reinforcing the idea of political discussion. Additionally, I added a jagged, missing piece to the bulb to symbolize a broken system in need of change.
For color, I explored alternatives to the traditional red, white, and blue. After gathering feedback from the team, I settled on a soft, desaturated purple, a color that blends red and blue to represent unity and bipartisanship. The goal was to move past traditional political divides and emphasize a collective approach to problem-solving. This choice set FiNC Tank apart from other political podcasts while aligning with its mission.
3. Rough [Design]
With a clear direction in mind, I began sketching out ideas for the logo and brand elements. My focus was on balancing gritty, underground aesthetics with professional polish—ensuring the brand felt approachable yet credible.
To test my ideas, I experimented with different applications, including:
- Social media assets to see how the logo and colors performed in digital formats.
- Podcast thumbnails to ensure the brand identity was strong and recognizable in small-scale imagery.
- Typography and layout tests to determine the right balance between boldness and accessibility.
Client and team feedback confirmed that the purple palette and grunge elements created a fresh and unique take on political branding. The risk of stepping away from traditional colors paid off, making FiNC Tank instantly recognizable while reinforcing its mission of unity.
4. Refined [Design]
Once the design direction was solidified, I focused on refining the final brand assets. This included:
- Finalizing the logo, ensuring its elements worked seamlessly across different applications.
- Enhancing the intro sequence, which needed to be engaging both visually (for YouTube) and audibly (for Spotify).
- Designing secondary logos, patterns, and promotional materials to create a cohesive identity across platforms.
Throughout this process, I used tools like Figma for easy client collaboration, allowing them to see the brand come to life in real-time. The end result was a down-to-earth yet professional brand identity that successfully captured FiNC Tank’s mission.
Result
One of my biggest learnings from this project was the impact of color psychology on brand perception. Initially, I leaned toward conventional political colors, but moving away from tradition created a more engaging and emotionally resonant brand. The grunge aesthetic also played a key role in reinforcing the “for the people” message.
If I were to redo this project, I’d emphasize early feedback even more, ensuring the balance between professionalism and grassroots energy was dialed in from the start. This experience reinforced how thoughtful design decisions—especially in color and symbolism—can shape a brand’s ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level.