Darren Jasieniecki

Logo Desgin/Brand Development – NIC Academy

Overview:
Led the brand development and launch of NIC Academy, a new education platform designed to expand NIC’s offerings and create a scalable learning experience across digital channels.

The focus was not just to create a strong visual identity, but to build a flexible brand system that could support a successful product launch, drive awareness and engagement, and scale as the platform grew.

A key challenge was balancing consistency with flexibility across multiple program types. I chose to build a modular system that allowed each offering to stand on its own while still reinforcing the overall brand.

 

My Role

  • Led brand strategy and creative direction for a new product launch
  • Partnered with senior leadership and the NIC Board to define goals and establish creative direction
  • Presented final creative to executive stakeholders and secured alignment and approval
  • Defined the visual system and structure for multiple program offerings

 

  • Designed and executed the identity across digital, lifecycle, and marketing channels
  • Directed external partners including videography and instructional design agencies
  • Partnered with marketing to align creative with performance and launch goals
  • Ensured brand consistency across all learning content and delivery formats

Approach

Built a Scalable Product Brand System:
Developed a flexible brand system that could support multiple program types under one unified structure.

Each offering was assigned a distinct color and visual treatment, allowing for clear differentiation while maintaining consistency across the platform.

Created a Clear and Meaningful Visual Language
The identity was built around growth and learning.

  • The book icon represents education and knowledge
  • The upward chart shape reinforces progress and advancement
  • Color variations create a clear hierarchy across offerings

Aligned with Leadership and Business Goals
Worked closely with senior leadership and the NIC Board to ensure the brand aligned with business objectives and long-term growth strategy. Presented the final creative direction and secured strong stakeholder buy-in, enabling a confident and unified launch.

Led Cross-Functional and External Collaboration
Partnered across teams to bring the product to life:

  • Directed an external videography partner to capture and produce course content while maintaining consistent branding
  • Collaborated with an instructional design agency to translate subject matter into structured online courses aligned with the brand
  • Worked cross-functionally with marketing and content teams to ensure alignment across all touchpoints

Impact

  • Successfully launched NIC Academy as a new education-focused business line contributing to a $7.5M+ revenue stream
  • Expanded the platform to include a Level II certificate program and 7 individual course-based certificates, supporting continued growth and adoption
  • Enabled performance marketing campaigns through a scalable and consistent creative system
  • Improved clarity and differentiation across offerings, supporting stronger awareness and engagement
  • Increased visibility of programs across digital and lifecycle channels
  • Established a flexible brand foundation to support ongoing expansion

The result was not just a successful launch, but a system that continues to support growth, expansion, and ongoing program adoption.

Completion announcement and LinkedIn badges.