This month, Metropolitan State University of Denver visual storytelling leaders have begun transferring photography, logos, templates and marketing materials to Brandfolder, a new one-stop shop for approved photos, logos, templates and branded visual resources.
The adoption of Brandfolder will simplify how teams find, use and manage critical media resources while improving access to assets and brand consistency. The consolidation of photos, videos and files formerly available on Photoshelter and in SharePoint sites to the new database is a targeted effort to streamline employees’ access to those resources.
“Great storytelling starts with easy access to the right resources,” said Amanda Schwengel, assistant director of photography and video production. “By bringing our digital assets into one centralized platform, we’re making it easier for staff and faculty to find, use and share approved content while strengthening consistency across our institution.”
Campus communicators and any other employees who work with University visual assets are encouraged to review details of Brandfolder adoption planned through July 1.
A smarter home for assets
Brandfolder will house photography, logos, brand templates, marketing assets, Advancement materials and supporting creative files in a centralized location.
Unlike traditional folder-based systems, Brandfolder relies on metadata, labels, tags and collections to make assets easier to discover through search and filtering tools.
The platform includes AI-assisted search and tagging capabilities to help users quickly locate approved resources.
Why the new platform?
Brandfolder offers a scalable long-term solution for asset management, housing a broader range than previous platforms.
The transition is designed to reduce duplicative efforts and streamline collaboration among campus communicators.
Benefits include:
- Faster access to approved assets
- Improved search and filtering capabilities
- Better version control and brand governance
- Easier cross-campus collaboration
- Reduced manual file sharing
- Greater consistency in University branding and storytelling
What will — and won’t — change
Photography assets from 2024 to present will move from PhotoShelter into Brandfolder, while approved marketing and Advancement assets — such as logos, templates, brand kits and illustrations that are currently stored in SharePoint — will also be consolidated into the new system.
Archived photography will remain accessible through University Communications and Marketing upon request.
Brandfolder implementation will not affect a broad range of other media management and processes. Video publishing workflows will continue through existing platforms such as Vimeo and YouTube. Brandfolder is not intended to replace SharePoint or serve as general file storage. Departments will continue to maintain ownership and approval processes for their assets.
Timeline
June
- Soft launch for UCM, Photography, Marketing and Advancement
- Workflow testing and initial content migration
- Quick-start guides and demo videos released
- Overview presentation at the June 24 Communications and Marketing Cohort meeting
July 1
- Brandfolder officially launches as MSU Denver’s digital asset platform
- PhotoShelter retires from active use
How to Access Brandfolder
Most campus users will need only basic access to search and download approved assets. Contributor and uploader permissions will be more limited and may require onboarding.
A Brandfolder training video is available to guide users through basic functions.
Additional information about creating accounts, training registration and support resources will be shared during the June 24 CMC meeting and in future Early Bird coverage as the July changeover approaches.
