Introduction and Application

In 2023, while searching for design-based opportunities, I stumbled upon the FOSS Bitcoin Grant Initiative by Spiral.xyz. I had previously heard of Spiral.xyz in 2022 when Jack Dorsey shared a PDF link on Twitter of the Bitcoin Whitepaper by Satoshi Nakamoto. This recognition and rapport with Cash App and Spiral gave me confidence that FOSS Bitcoin Grant would genuinely help me achieve my goals. After reviewing all the available opportunities, I chose to pursue the Summer of Bitcoin program due to its focus on Open-Source Design, a new concept for me. I followed the program’s Twitter account, received notifications of open applications, and submitted my application as soon as I had time.

Bootcamp and Proposal

Upon receiving confirmation that I would be progressing through the program, I eagerly anticipated learning from other "Bitcoiners". During the bootcamp, we were required to complete reading assignments that enhanced our understanding of Bitcoin and the blockchain concept. Occasionally, we were divided into groups to discuss the assigned chapters, engage in conversations about the concepts covered and document the outcomes of these discussions. Those moments not only provided valuable knowledge but also served as networking opportunities for me as I often felt disconnected from the other designers. Personally, I think that the bootcamp is more beneficial for engineer-based interns and could improve for design-based interns as much of the content was technical or computer-oriented. This emphasis on technical aspects led me to frequently network with my cohort members, seeking to maximize my experience from the program. When it came time to write proposals, I decided to submit a proposal to two companies: The Bitcoin Layer and Bitcoin Design. Both of which seemed to align with my personal creative goals of brand and marketing design and overall contributions to the Bitcoin Community. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to secure an opportunity with Bitcoin Design which was my personal first choice of internship. I started to grow anxious as days would pass by and I hadn’t received any communication about my other proposal. Until one summer afternoon, I receive a call from a gentleman named Matthew Ball. After some formalities I learn that Matt is the Creative Director of The Bitcoin Layer and Lead UX/UI Designer at GE which aligns with my goals of learning how to communicate and operate within corporate spaces. Matt congratulated me on my progress thus far and then extended an offer to intern with The Bitcoin Layer for the Summer of 2024. I quickly accepted the offer as Matt further explained how impressed he was with my proposal and particularly my minimalistic style. Hearing that expression was incredibly affirming for me, as I had some feelings of being misplaced among the large amount of engineering interns.

Onboarding

After accepting Matt's offer and completing the required legal documentation with Adi it was official — this Summer I’ll be interning for The Bitcoin Layer as their Content Manager, orchestrating the brand’s various channels and managing social content. Although my onboarding was postponed due to a holiday weekend that didn't stop me from beginning my own journey. I began combing the various outlets The Bitcoin Layer used for content and curated a brief Brand Guide of-sorts that aggregated much of the current marketing and brand material.

Mid-Term Evaluation

My design process begins with going straight to sketching first impressions to help me relieve myself of eager ideas and even rid myself of bias before proceeding to the next step(s). After preliminary sketches were done I went ahead and moved forward with market research and competitor analysis. I was able to notice a trend that transcended all social channels after researching the other media outlets within the Bitcoin community. What I found was many social channels lacked a distinct style for their brand or marketing and often also lacked clear communication because of poor visual hierarchy. My solution was to create a brief typographic system that will help carry communication internally and externally. A clearly defined type system also allows the brand to appear more premium and reliable which is paramount for our growing financial community. After defining a clear typography system I was able to progress with creating a Brand System that was responsive to its medium as The Bitcoin Layer utilized several media outlets for content in addition to working on a Social Content Calendar. The goal of this work is to ensure that every touch-point a patron encountered was accurately represented and familiar regardless of the various visual elements and to pre-produce regularly occurring social content to engage our readers and patrons.

Final Evaluation

After a few weeks creating a Responsive Brand System for The Bitcoin Layer I believed that we were now in a perfect place to start building. This work gave me a sort of "brick" I could use to start building the content that would best align with The Bitcoin Layer's brand style and engage the community as well. Additionally, I created a few motion graphic animations that best express the thoughtful refinement of The Bitcoin Layer’s brand. Many weeks were spent on this project and I couldn’t have been more proud of the progress made. After meeting with Matt for the last time I was informed that my proposed Pattern would be considered for implementation however the rest of the work may not be utilized. Although it is a bit disappointing to see The Bitcoin Layer not utilize all my work, I am very appreciative of the relationships I made and the opportunity my pattern will have during it’s new life.

Proposed Brand Style Guide

Motion Graphics/Animations