Portrait

About Me

My name is Michael Geiger. I am currently a student at Texas State Technical College (TSTC). I am studying to get my degree in Digital Media Design. I'm in my last semester and I'm due to graduate mid-August.

Since I was a kid, I always liked art and drawing. A lot of my free time was used with paper and pencil. As I grew up, I realized I could use these skills in the real world. An Art degree seemed like a nice way to go, but it would be a risk that I didn't want to take. I decided a degree in graphic design was the way to go. It merged my love for art with a practical degree for me to build off of. I hope to be able to make art that inspires others.

Fun Fact: I am 6 foot 5 inches tall

Software

Interests

Art

Video Games

Computers

Photography

Urban Exploring

Writing

Case Study: Rebranding My Online Persona - Lil Mango

Introduction

Like many young people today, my dream is to pursue content creation on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, or TikTok. The allure of waking up and playing games for a living is undeniably appealing. Having watched YouTube for many years, I understand that presentation is important in attracting and retaining viewers. Just as a shopper might choose a product with better packaging, viewers on YouTube are more likely to click on a well-presented video. In a highly competitive space, every advantage counts, starting with how you present yourself.

Evolution of Usernames

DragonSlayer: My first username was inspired by a mobile game from 2012 that I played a lot.

Michael_lastname: This name was chosen out of a desire for privacy. By using "lastname" as a placeholder, I aimed to protect my personal information when signing up for websites.

DeltĪ”: As my interest in streaming on Twitch grew, I adopted this edgy name to maintain some level of anonymity.

Lil Mango: Originally a joke to match a friend's username, this name resonated with me due to its uniqueness and the fact that both "Michael" and "mango" start with "M." Positive feedback from others solidified my decision to keep this name permanently.

Why Lil Mango Works

The name "Lil Mango" works well because of its phonetic appeal, with "L" following "M" in the alphabet, creating a pleasing sound.

Mangos are generally well-liked, making the name approachable and non-abrasive.

The "Lil" prefix adds a softness and friendliness to the name.

Logo Development

First Logo: At around 15, I created my first logo using my finger on a phone. It had some appealing elements but wasn't perfect and was lost when I got a new phone.
Second Logo: Found on Google, this logo featured a simple mango on a white background. However, it was often mistaken for an egg.
Final Logo: In 2021, after graduating high school and starting college for graphic design, I realized the need for a more distinctive logo. The initial design looked more like an orange than a mango and lacked personality.

Revisions and Improvements:

Adding a Face: I created around 20 different versions before finalizing a face that added a personable touch to the logo.

Gradient Color: I incorporated a gradient from red to green to better match the appearance of a mango.

Although I initially preferred a version without the face, I recognized that the revised logo was better for branding. Over time, the new design grew on me, and I am pleased with the change.

Feedback and Reception

Conclusion

This case study demonstrates my journey of rebranding my online persona, emphasizing the importance of presentation in content creation. The evolution of my username and logo reflects my growth and commitment to establishing a unique and recognizable online presence. The process involved thoughtful revisions and a willingness to adapt, ultimately leading to a brand that resonates with both myself and my audience.

Mockups

Examples From Social Media