BRANCHING OUT EDUCATION
Brand guidelines for an outdoor education program
This project involved creating a comprehensive brand guideline book for Branching Out Education, a fictional alternative outdoor education program. Designed for a growing after-school program, the guidelines aim to ensure consistency in branding as the institution establishes itself in the local market.
These comprehensive guidelines facilitate effortless implementation and adherence to the brand’s core principles, enabling all organizational members to uphold the brand’s ethos, regardless of their design expertise.
The concept was inspired by a conversation with a child who regularly attended a similar summer camp. Intrigued by the challenges educational institutions face when developing a brand, I decided to explore this as a design project.
After conducting research and reviewing style guides from institutions like the University of Essex in the UK and Bellevue School for Children, as well as open-source resources, I identified the essential elements to include in the guidelines.
Design Process:
- Logo Design: Created multiple logo variations that reflect the program’s natural and childlike themes.
- Visual Identity: Developed a cohesive mood board featuring earthy tones, playful typography, and imagery that highlights outdoor learning and exploration.
- Brand Guidelines: Compiled a detailed guide outlining logo usage, color schemes, typography rules, and tone of voice to maintain a consistent brand identity.
This project allowed me to experiment with designing for educational institutions and tackle unique challenges, such as balancing professionalism with the playful and nurturing spirit of the program. It was an opportunity to create a brand identity that feels approachable, reliable, and rooted in the values of outdoor education.