NSLM: Social Media Post & Flyer
I have to admit, I was a little disappointed not to hear back from the National Sporting Library and Museum. Even a quick update would have been appreciated. It wasn't just a random application for me; my connection to sporting life, history, and art is really personal, especially growing up in this area. I've long admired what they showcase. However, this experience has been a good reminder of how much the job market has changed. It feels so different from when I was hired at Old Bust Head back in 2016 – that was such a quick and positive process! Now, it's clear I need to adapt and learn how to navigate this new landscape. I'm taking this as an opportunity to re-evaluate my approach and refine my strategies. I know resilience is key, and I'm really looking forward to finding the right fit when it comes along. I'm hopeful and excited for what that future job opportunity holds!
Despite these observations, I firmly believe they can still take their online presence to the next level. Although they've made strides in posting more frequently, the visual quality remains inconsistent, and this can dilute their overall message.
To be more specific, their Instagram post announcing a recent exhibition extension didn't effectively communicate the excitement and popularity surrounding the event. It lacked the visual elements and strategic messaging that would have perfectly captured the 'by popular demand' energy, which is a missed opportunity to connect with their audience on a deeper level.
Original Post
This image beautifully showcases a piece from the Gwynne McDevitt collection—the exhibition's focus—but the font choice feels a bit flat. To really make the flyer pop, we could use some typography tricks. Think about creating visual hierarchy: varying font styles (like serif vs. sans-serif), weights (bold, regular, light), and sizes to guide the reader's eye. For example, the exhibition title could be in a bold, larger font, while supporting text is smaller and lighter. Also, the text overlay lacks key exhibition details—dates, location, etc. Adding those would make the flyer much more informative and engaging. From a technical standpoint, this ensures readability and information retention.
As for the missing information in the text overlay, to keep things clear and on-brand, let's pick a text strategy for image posts. Either use consistent text overlays, or rely on detailed captions. Just make sure it's the same approach every time!
Thanks to my established NSLM flyer guidelines, this redesign was done in just 15-20 minutes. That's the power of consistent branding—it makes everything faster, more efficient and visually appealing!
As an Instagram curator—a role essentially focused on strategically presenting key information to attract visitors—I would prioritize both high-quality content and consistent visual execution. The museum possesses a wealth of compelling artwork that could be used to significantly enhance visitor engagement. I've created an example Instagram feed below to show how consistent branding can boost their visual appeal!
My Example Feed
Their Current Feed
There's so much potential to make their social media shine! Sharper images and thoughtful cropping are key—blurry images can be distracting, and good cropping guides the viewer's eye. Consistent branding also plays a big role in creating a smooth, enjoyable user experience. It helps people recognize their content instantly and builds a sense of trust.
One piece of advice I'd give them is to develop a social media strategy. I know their graphic designer and marketing coordinator have a lot on their plate, but planning out posts in advance, ensuring they're on-brand, using high-quality images with consistent branding, and using text overlays or captions in a consistent manner, would lead to a more organized and visually impactful feed. Saving them time in the long run.
