NIEH Creative Studio: Redefining Brand Identity

A Personal Journey of Self-Expression and Innovation

What inspired Jonathan Nieh to create a logo that represents his true self?

Jonathan Nieh, the talented designer behind NIEH Creative Studio, embarked on a personal journey of self-discovery and self-expression when he decided to create a logo that would reflect his identity. As a freelance designer, Nieh saw this as an opportunity to delve deep into his own psyche and answer questions that had long eluded him - Who am I? And how do I want to present myself to the world?

The result of this introspection is a unique brand identity that encapsulates Nieh's personal history and aspirations. The logo prominently features the letters "NIEH," which not only represent his name but also pay homage to his proud family heritage in Taiwan. Upon closer inspection, the letter "i" stands out, accentuating the "EH" from the rest of the letters, symbolizing Nieh's connection to Canada, where he spent twenty years of his life.

The design process for the NIEH logo began with brainstorming and generating ideas on paper. Nieh challenged himself to answer each idea in a simple and clear manner, ensuring that the logo would effectively communicate his identity. The initial concept designs were sketched with pencil, allowing Nieh to explore different possibilities and refine his vision.

The NIEH logo is designed in two colors - Pantone Black 6C as the primary color and Pantone Orange 2010C to add a vibrant touch. The logo's minimum size is 0.5 inches (approximately 1.27 cm), ensuring its versatility across various applications. To further enhance the brand identity, Nieh created business cards using letterpress on wool paper, providing a soft and tactile experience.

While the NIEH logo serves as a representation of Nieh's personal brand to the public, it also acts as a constant reminder to himself. The transition from sharp to round corners in the letter "i" symbolizes the importance of flexibility and adaptability in unlocking innovative designs. It serves as a testament to Nieh's commitment to embracing new ideas and approaches.

The NIEH logo project was carried out in Taipei, starting in June 2016 and concluding in April 2017. Throughout the design process, Nieh conducted extensive research to find the perfect typeface that would truly capture the essence of NIEH. Experimentation and constant questioning were key elements in the journey towards creating a logo that would authentically represent his personal brand.

Creating a logo that represents one's personal brand comes with its own set of challenges. Nieh had to analyze his answers from a third-person perspective and navigate through the dilemmas of conveying his desired message effectively. However, these challenges were overcome through perseverance and a commitment to self-reflection.

The NIEH logo is a testament to Jonathan Nieh's creativity, innovation, and dedication to his craft. It embodies his unique identity and serves as a visual representation of his personal brand. With its distinctive color accents and thoughtful design elements, the logo sparks a sense of new beginnings and endless possibilities, much like the early moments of a sunrise.

Jonathan Nieh's NIEH Creative Studio has been recognized for its outstanding design with the Iron A' Design Award in 2018. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that demonstrate excellence in practicality, innovation, and adherence to professional and industrial standards. The NIEH logo is a shining example of a well-designed creation that brings fulfillment and positive emotions, contributing to a better world.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Jonathan Nieh
Image Credits: Photographer / Illustrator / Designer: Jonathan Nieh
Project Team Members: Jonathan Nieh
Project Name: NIEH Creative
Project Client: Jonathan Nieh


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