Visual Identity

Author’s note: This blog was originally written in 2014 and was updated in 2020 to reflect current information and practices. In a previous post, I discussed elements to include when developing your brand guidelines, including both visual and messaging elements. Once these guidelines have been established it can be incredibly helpful to further support your colleagues… Read More »

Author’s note: This blog was originally written in 2014 and was updated in 2020 to reflect current information and practices. Your nonprofit does important work, serves people with needed programs and services, and enriches your community through the efforts of dedicated volunteers and staff members. Yet you feel your organization’s public profile isn’t as compelling… Read More »

First impressions make a strong impact. Creating consistent, branded, engaging communication materials to showcase your nonprofit is a must. But it’s not always easy to do. For marcom professionals, any tool that can make this easier is worth its weight in gold. When Canva was in its early days, I shared info about their “amazingly… Read More »

Logo development is a bit like an onion. When you delve into logo design with a qualified professional, you start to realize there are many layers involved in doing it right. The core of the matter is to make sure your logo is on point in terms of brand positioning and strategy. Secondly, it’s important… Read More »

Let’s say your nonprofit is going through a rebranding, and it’s time to review logo options from your designer or design firm. The ensuing discussion can easily become derailed and devolve into a subjective discussion of who likes blue and who hates orange. It’s important to move beyond personal judgements to ensure you end up… Read More »

For 25 years, the name “Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition” was right for our organization and its founding mission. But by 2012 we had a new executive director, new programs and an expanded vision. It was clear that the organization was growing beyond the confines of its existing brand. Our board and staff collaborated… Read More »