Interested in the latest in archaeological illustration, including cutting-edge techniques and software? Then subscribe to the archaeoINK newsletter. Here, you'll find updates on beautiful illustrations, insights into the methodologies behind them, and the tools that bring these historical visions to life. Join our community and you can unsubscribe at any time if you wish and visit archaeoink.com for more.
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#Issue 10 of the archaeoINK newsletter - Brand identity in Science and Archaeology
Published 6 months ago • 4 min read
Dear reader of the archaeoINK newsletter,
Branding. It’s a word that may seem out of place in the world of archaeology or science, where the focus is on discovery, evidence, and interpretation. Yet, the way our work is presented to the world can significantly influence how it’s perceived, remembered, and even supported.
Imagine you’re creating a research paper. You’ve meticulously developed your arguments, backed them up with solid data, and written it all up in a way that showcases the depth of your work. Now, think about using a cohesive colour scheme throughout your figures and diagrams. This simple touch doesn’t just make the paper look polished; it visually ties the research together and helps readers remember your work. If you extend that visual identity across multiple papers, people may start recognising your research just from the look of it.
Figure 1: Visual Brand Identity Overview. A cohesive colour palette can make your research instantly recognisable, both in academic work and beyond.
Branding, in this sense, becomes a tool to make your work more recognisable and memorable, not just aesthetically pleasing.
But the importance of branding doesn’t stop at academic publications. Social media platforms like Instagram or Twitter have become crucial for public engagement and peer networking. Here, a consistent visual identity—colours, fonts, and even the way you structure posts—can make you instantly recognisable. It’s about standing out in a crowded digital landscape and drawing attention to the valuable research you’re doing.
Figure 2: Word cloud of what your Brand should convey. Branding evokes emotions. Which of these values does your work communicate?
These are the feelings you want to evoke when people encounter your work online: curiosity, passion, a sense of wonder. A thoughtful brand identity can bridge the gap between complex scientific research and the audience you want to engage.
In an era where career paths can be unpredictable and affiliations with universities or institutions aren’t the lifelong guarantees they once were, having a strong personal brand becomes essential. It ensures that your reputation and work are associated with you, regardless of where your career takes you. Branding isn’t about turning your research into a product but about making it easier for people to connect with you and your work (Hotez, 2018). This approach provides a sense of professional continuity and identity.
Figure 3: Brand and Brand Elements: Branding in science isn’t just about looks; it’s about building a recognisable and trusted identity.
Branding in archaeology and science encompasses more than just visuals. It’s about your reputation, the actions you take, and the expectations you set. Everything from your interactions with colleagues to your social media presence contributes to how your brand is perceived. And while the idea of branding might seem secondary to the work itself, it can play a crucial role in growing public engagement and building support for your research (Newman & Beets, 2023).
The beauty of a cohesive brand identity is that it creates a ripple effect. Your research can become part of a larger narrative, one that’s easy to follow and engaging for people both inside and outside your field. Yet, it’s important to strike a balance. Branding should feel authentic and true to your work. It’s not about oversimplifying complex ideas or making research flashy. Instead, it’s about clarity, consistency, and ensuring that your research has a strong visual and emotional impact.
So, think about the story your research is telling. Are there ways to visually and emotionally connect your work across platforms? Could a thoughtful approach to branding give your research the boost it deserves? If you’re unsure how to make it all come together, perhaps there’s an opportunity here for collaboration.
Thank you for exploring this edition of archaeoINK. Until next time, consider how your research might be visually recognised and remembered in a world that thrives on connection.
Newman, T.P. & Beets, B. (2023). Exploring the brand of science: implications for science communication research and practice. Journal of Science Communication, 22(2): A05. https://doi.org/10.22323/2.22020205
Here are some of the latest news connected to visual expressions in archaeology
In the following section, I am sharing some of the last news which are featuring archaeological illustrations or ancient drawings left by past humans ages ago and cool illustrations of present humans to communicate archaeology.
This llustration shows the weapon strike with a leangle. (Image credit: B. Cornish, CC BY 4.0)
A pioneering biomechanics study of two traditional Aboriginal Australian weapons — the kodj and the leangle with a parrying shield — has revealed their exceptional power and efficiency. Using advanced tracking, researchers analysed the kinetic energy and wrist, elbow, and shoulder mechanics behind each strike. The kodj, a hammer-axe hybrid, offers flexibility and severe blows, while the leangle delivers devastating force. Remarkable illustrations vividly capture weapon swings, showing the biomechanics of strikes through detailed time-lapse sequences, illuminating their effectiveness in combat.
Stefan Gant, Fine Art Course Leader at the University of Northampton, has been Highly Commended at the prestigious Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize 2024. His archaeology-inspired piece, "Phygital Excavation," explores digital and physical mark-making influenced by excavation sites, particularly an Iron Age hill fort in Shropshire. Gant’s artwork transforms data and imagery from archaeological layers onto paper, creating a complex visual narrative. This achievement highlights the crossover between fine art and archaeological processes, showcasing interdisciplinary creativity.
Interested in the latest in archaeological illustration, including cutting-edge techniques and software? Then subscribe to the archaeoINK newsletter. Here, you'll find updates on beautiful illustrations, insights into the methodologies behind them, and the tools that bring these historical visions to life. Join our community and you can unsubscribe at any time if you wish and visit archaeoink.com for more.
Dear reader of the archaeoINK newsletter, When I joined Bluesky in September 2023, it was a step into the unknown even though I expected it to be like Twitter/X, I was also not really active on there. At the time, my posts generally were few and far between—introductions, a handful of #archInk2023 drawings, and the occasional update. Back then, engagement felt quieter compared to other platforms, and Instagram continued to dominate as the space for visual storytelling and illustrations,...
