Brand imaging at its very best!

Dateline: 1239 marbles

This post is for my friends at Sparks Grove.  The is about he amazing power of branding and imaging.  I have learned something about this in Nicaragua.

The FSLN is the political party of the Sandinistas.  It is lead by Daniel Ortega, or Daniel as he is know and promoted throughout Nicaragua.  This post will not address his politics, rather the incredible branding around his party and himself.

One thing to keep in mind is that Nicaragua remains a poor and largely illiterate country.  While they have made significant strides in literacy for the children, the rural adults remain illiterate or at least largely illiterate.  This creates a unique reality regarding how to communicate to this audience. 

The colors of the FSLN are black and red.  You see these colors everywhere and I mean everywhere.  The simple red and black strips are painted on everything.  From rocks to bus stops to lampposts.  If paint will adhere to it, it is covered in a red and black stripe.

Another key symbol is Sandino, the revolutionary leader from the early 1900's who lead a revolt to kick out the US Marines who occupied the country.  The Sandinistas take their name from him.  His symbol is ubiquitous for revolution and independence.  Its simple form can be seen everywhere as well.

Perhaps the best form of communication is the Daniel 2 symbol.  It associates the paternal Daniel and the party's election number.  Remember, much of the population is illiterate so the simple name and number is driven into everyone's collective memory.  Quite an advantage to already know your ballot number years and years in advance!

You gotta hand it to Daniel.  He is a survivor.  His brand messaging could rival that of the world's very best!