Union is a creative & performance marketing agency that creates omni-channel campaigns, unleashing creativity on a data-driven world, helping brands produce memorable, measurable and repeatable results.

Archetype Casting: The 12 Master Archetypes | Union

Archetype Casting: The 12 Master Archetypes

There are many different ways to look at and define a company’s brand. My personal favorite is covered in the book The Hero and The Outlaw, written by Margaret Mark and Carol S. Pearson, Ph.D. This hefty tome outlines a system for identifying brands by comparing them to archetypal personalities.
So what’s an archetype? Well, it’s a universally understood symbol or pattern of behavior that’s used in myths and storytelling across different cultures. It’s sort of like a stereotype or a generic personality. For example if I talk about a hero, it doesn’t matter if I’m thinking about Harry Potter and you’re thinking about Luke Skywalker, because we’re both thinking about the same archetypal qualities like bravery, action and expertise. In the 20th century, Carl Jung (his work inspired the Myers-Briggs personality test) wrote extensively about how we can use archetypes to illuminate personality and literature. Since brands have personalities, it makes sense that we would be able to categorize them by archetype.
Here’s a list of the 12 master archetypes from The Hero and The Outlaw with real life examples from Union (formerly Studiobanks)’ own portfolio.
<big>The Innocent</big> Think: Coca Cola, McDonald’s, Ben &amp; Jerry’s Core Desire: To experience paradise Goal: To be happy Real Life Union Example: We celebrated Blynk Organic's healthy lifestyle with a website design that fits the Innocent archetype, oozing goodness and wholesomeness.
<big>The Explorer</big> Think: Starbucks, Rockport, Jeep Core Desire: To define one's self by exploring the world with freedom Goal: To experience a better, more authentic, more fulfilling life Real Life Union Example: Only in Old Town, a website dedicated to supporting the growth of the historic downtown area of Rock Hill, SC, is a call to action to fellow explorers, encouraging them to experience new places.
<big>The Sage</big> Think: Barnes &amp; Noble, PBS, CNN Core Desire: To discover the truth Goal: To use intelligence and analysis to understand the world Real Life Union Example: The Sage is a fitting archetype for the Charlotte Nature Museum's website, with a focus on capturing the fun of learning in a hands-on, creative environment.
<big>The Hero</big> Think: Marines, Nike, FedEx Core Desire: To prove one’s worth through courageous and difficult action Goal: To exert mastery in a way that improves the world Real Life Union Example: The website of Hendrick Motorsports embodies the Hero archetype with a brand identity that celebrates their need (and ability) to win.
<big>The Outlaw</big> Think: Harley-Davidson, Diesel, Apple Core Desire: To seek revenge or start a revolution Goal: To destroy what is not working (for the Outlaw or the society) Real Life Union Example: As one of NASCAR's top drivers, Greg Biffle has a reputation to live up to. His site is unconventionally sleek and helps him flaunt his rebel persona.
<big>The Magician</big> Think: Chanel No. 5, Polaroid, Oil of Olay Core Desire: To have knowledge of the fundamental laws of how the world or universe works Goal: To make dreams come true Real Life Union Example: With a contemporary animation style and tranquil music, the website for Charlotte’s premier upscale salon and spa, Varji &amp; Varji echoes the salon’s ability to create magical moments and transformational experiences.
<big>The Regular Guy/Girl</big> Think: Purdue, Wendy’s, IKEA Core Desire: To form a connection with others Goal: To belong, fit in Real Life Union Example: Dilworth Billiards' website fosters a sense of belonging in a comfortable, laid-back atmosphere where people can relax and be themselves.
<big>The Lover</big> Think: Guess Jeans, Godiva, Jaguar Core Desire: To attain intimacy and experience sensual pleasure Goal: To be in a relationship with the people, work, experiences and surroundings that one loves Real Life Union Example: Specializing in luxurious massages in a relaxing environment, Urbana's website is a serene and intimate reflection of their elegant brand culture.
<big>The Jester</big> Think: Pepsi, Hampton Inn, Fanta Core Desire: To live in the moment with full enjoyment Goal: To have a great time and lighten up the world Real Life Union Example: Bojangles’ website speaks to their loyal, wacky and passionate fans with an infectious, irreverent attitude.
<big>The Caregiver</big> Think: Marriott, Johnson’s Baby Shampoo, GE Core Desire: To protect people from harm Goal: To help others Real Life Union Example: In partnership with BooneOakley, we tapped into our inner Caregiver to create JapanSaver.com, a site designed to sustain awareness and encourage donations to the earthquake and tsunami victims.
<big>The Creator</big> Think: Lego, Movado, Crayola Core Desire: To create something of enduring value Goal: To give form to a vision Real Life Union Example: Reaching Quiet's website is a reflection of the firm's forward-thinking products and innovative designs.
<big>The Ruler</big> Think: Microsoft, Mercedes, American Express Core Desire: To control Goal: To create a prosperous and successful family, company or community Real Life Union Example: Edgeview Partners' website exudes brand characteristics similar to that of the Ruler, including leadership and responsibility.

Archetype Casting: The 12 Master Archetypes

Union is a creative &amp; performance marketing agency that creates omni-channel campaigns, unleashing creativity on a data-driven world, helping brands produce memorable, measurable and repeatable results. Obsessed with data-driven performance, we believe every marketing dollar should be viewed as an investment. Our clients expect a meaningful return and we prove the ROI of our work with quantifiable data.