iab:
The picture of you is also a little intimidating. Knowing you through core77 and instagram I know it suits your personality, but think this is the first time someone is introduced to this concept and to you. You want to imbue them with confidence and trust. I would go with a more conservative picture of yourself.
While I understand your pov, and I don’t know the shoe market in any way, shape or form, I think it should be that picture or no picture at all.
This is a new company brought up by the little guy, not some corporate goliath trying to be hip. The picture used is genuine, and that is what I think is important to the success of any startup. Phony can sustain a brand for only so long. That picture can be a great representation of the brand, and while I agree there can be risk with it, there also can be reward.
I would make sure everything aligns to the “mad scientist” value proposition. I personally think you have a good start, but it is something that should always be in the design process and go through a lot of change in the early years.
I think the “Mad Scientist” positioning is another great way to go. I love that idea actually. I’m not getting that though in anything other than that one pic. You could carry that through everything, the branding, proposal put your photoshoots with beakers filled with plastic 3d printer material, calipers. Giffs of the 3d printer in action. Play it up. Make it a story. Make it so people share the website.
holtag:
And I’d actually prefer going the bespoke craftsman route. I guess the website doesn’t convey that huh? Hmmm, that is definite food for thought. Thanks again for chiming in, I need all the help I can get!
Another good way to go. Again, play this up though. Show images of yourself measuring peoples feet with a denim apron on. Get the branding to align with that.
What I get from the current branding and website with lots of 3d renders is clean and designerly. Even the name, Fused, is very trendy designer sounding. Just make sure all of the elements align, from the design of the product itself to the brand mark in the upper right corner of the site. Tell one story.
It will never be perfect, nor should it be, but I think the presentation can be more aligned to your vision. Look for ways to minimize cognitive dissonance.
it is interesting to see the different perspectives/takes, didn’t really consider the branding angle…mad scientist, bespoke craftsman either could definitely give a little more flavor to the site, does it really need to be consistent? both would add/convey something interesting but not necessarily at odds with the other…though assuming a good/thorough representation of either, how much would it change the perception of what is actually on the site? would either make people more likely to go in on a kinda expensive proposition? should what is being sold, customizing a product, be tied to a “personal brand” at all? why not create multiple personas to showcase what is possible?