Storm Wiggett on why you should learn brand design with LABASAD, Barcelona School of Arts & Design

The leader of the school’s new Online Master in Brand Design explains why it’s the ideal launchpad for aspiring brand design leaders.

If you want a career in a creative field, then brand design is very much considered, not least because it’s a skill that’s very much in demand right now. Why? Quite simply, in the world of 2025, even the biggest and best-known companies are finding it difficult to stand out in a world dominated by digital noise.

This is where the power of strategic brand design comes into play. And it’s a skill set that LABASAD, the Barcelona School of Arts and Design, is perfectly positioned to cultivate.

We’ve previously told you about their superb motion design course. So we were excited to hear about their new Online Master in Brand Design, which launched last November.

This innovative new course promises to be a real game-changer for aspiring brand designers. Developed in collaboration with industry leaders, it equips students with the complete toolkit needed to thrive in the dynamic world of branding.

The course is led by Storm Wiggett, a strategic brand and packaging design specialist who’s worked with some of the biggest brand names in the FMCG and CPG industries. We chatted to her to find out more.

Depth and rigour

Storm begins by emphasising that the new course is unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. “What differentiates it is the sheer depth and rigour of the curriculum,” she explains. “Many online design programs focus narrowly on core creative skills such as graphic design, web design or UI/UX. In contrast, this course takes a truly comprehensive approach, weaving together strategy, research, psychology, and a diverse array of design disciplines.”

Consequently, students will gain a level of expertise unmatched by typical online offerings. They’ll master both theoretical and practical aspects of brand design, equipping them to tackle the complex, multifaceted challenges of brand building in today’s landscape. As Storm puts it: “This new Master’s is specifically focused on developing the complete skill set needed to be a successful brand designer in today’s competitive market.

“By combining strong theoretical grounding with hands-on practical training across a range of disciplines, the program equips students with unparalleled expertise,” she adds. “This level of depth and breadth is unique compared to LABASAD’s previous course offerings.”

Some key highlights include:

An in-depth exploration of brand history, psychology and the science of consumer behaviour, giving students a deep understanding of how brands connect with people.
Training in cutting-edge brand strategy and research methodologies, empowering students to develop data-driven, strategic brand positioning.
Mastering a diverse range of creative disciplines such as typography, illustration, logo design, stationery design and packaging to elevate brand identity.
Learning to craft compelling brand stories and present and launch new brands.
The culmination of a major final project where students create, implement and launch an end-to-end brand identity.

Industry focus

The Online Master in Brand Design is also noteworthy for its practical focus. This was of prime importance to the LABASAD team when they originally designed the syllabus.

“Our primary goal was to reflect the real-world demands and best practices of the brand design industry,” Storm explains. “We wanted to give students the exact toolkit that professionals use to conceptualise, build, and launch distinctive, impactful brands.”

As such, the program is structured around five core modules, each led by a renowned specialist in their field. From brand psychology and strategy to packaging design, typography, and launch planning, every aspect is imbued with relevance and applicability.

The art of storytelling

Take, for instance, the brand strategy and research methodologies module led by Dr. Jaqui Hiltermann. “She is a Ph. D.-level expert in human geography and cultural studies, and her ability to translate complex research principles into actionable brand insights is a major asset,” stresses Storm. Jaqui believes that the best way to change people is to change their environment, and the best way to learn is to tell a good story.”

Or consider the packaging design module led by the celebrated Frederick Peens, founder of MARK Studio. “Renowned for his unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, Frederick has garnered global acclaim, establishing new standards in the packaging design field,” notes Storm. “His outstanding contributions have been celebrated with prestigious awards such as Bronze, Pentaward, D&AD Yellow Pencil Award, and the World Brand Society Gold Award, to name but a few.”

Importantly, the program also devotes significant time to developing students’ presentation and launch skills – an often overlooked but crucial aspect of successful brand rollouts.

“Dr. Ron Irwin, our Presentation and Launch instructor, is a seasoned brand management consultant who has taught at the University of Cape Town since 2009,” says Storm. “He brings extensive experience in brand strategy and creative writing to the course.”

Expert instructors

As you’re probably sensing already, the calibre of instructors assembled for the Online Master in Brand Design is pretty exceptional. Boasting decades of collective experience, these industry pioneers have shaped the visual identities of some of the world’s most recognised brands.

Another leading name on the list is brand psychology and strategy specialist Haldon Burns. “He’s an independent creative powerhouse with over 32 years of expertise in brand positioning, naming and copywriting,” says Storm. “Having worked with prestigious brands such as Bang & Olufsen and Aston Martin, he brings that high-level, luxury brand perspective to the course.”

Then there’s Tyrone Beck, the creative director instructor. “He boasts a rich 22-year career as a designer and art director, spanning diverse industries,” says Storm. “He has earned acclaim for his innovative solutions, successful campaign executions, and strong collaborative approach.

By learning from this esteemed group of practitioners, students will gain a 360-degree perspective on the art and science of brand design. As Storm explains: “Each instructor brings a unique area of specialised knowledge and real-world case studies to elevate the learning experience.”

Why you should apply

Ultimately, the Online Master in Brand Design at LABASAD is designed to produce the next generation of industry trailblazers—individuals who can think strategically, create distinctively, and launch brands that captivate audiences in an ever-evolving landscape.

“Successful brand designers are part strategist, part visionary, and part cultural anthropologist,” Storm reflects. “The ability to anticipate change, create distinction and connect with audiences in fresh, compelling ways is the hallmark of the most impactful brand work.”

Whether you aspire to work in-house at a global agency, build your own brand consultancy, or make your mark as a solopreneur, this program will equip you with the skills and mindset to thrive. And with LABASAD’s track record of producing design leaders who have made significant industry impact, the future looks bright for those who seize this opportunity.

More broadly, LABASAD offers a wide range of educational programmes, including the Online Master in Art Direction, Online Master in Motion Graphics, Online Master in Interior Design and Hospitality, Online Master in Editorial and Advertising Illustration, Online Master in Graphic Design and Applied Typography, Online Master in Graphic and Digital Design, among others.

And if you want to know why these courses are worth taking, just listen to LABASAD’s graduates.
Take Fleur Willems from the Online Master in Graphic and Digital Design. “My journey through the master’s program in graphic design has been an incredible adventure,” she enthuses. “With a background as an art director in advertising, I decided to specialise in graphic design to explore new creative avenues. This master’s program was the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into the field.”

Or there’s Zuzanna Wasążnik, who graduated with a BA in Graphic Design & Art Direction from NABA in Milan, and later pursued an Online Master in Graphic and Digital Design at LABASAD. “My year at LABASAD was especially transformative, helping me evolve and become more conscious as a creator,” she recalls. “I’m grateful to LABASAD and my teachers for giving me the tools and freedom to express my ideas visually and find my own voice. This experience has deepened my commitment to using design to drive positive change in the world.”

We could go on, but you get the idea. These are just two examples that showcase the calibre of designers and brand professionals that LABASAD has produced. “And we’re confident that our new brand design course will continue this tradition of excellence, equipping the next generation of industry leaders with the skills and mindset to elevate brand experiences worldwide,” says Storm.

So, if you’re serious about future-proofing your career and making your mark as a brand design visionary, look no further than LABASAD’s Online Master in Brand Design. The world of branding is yours for the taking.