NYC Peace Corps Association

2021

Brand & Visual Identity for a Global Volunteer Community

The NYC Peace Corps Association is a non-profit organization that supports returned Peace Corps volunteers in the New York City area.

The NYC Peace Corps Association is a non-profit organization that supports returned Peace Corps volunteers in the New York City area.

The organization needed a cohesive visual identity and brand style guide to reflect its mission and values, differentiate it from other nonprofits, and provide consistent guidance for print, digital, and merchandise applications.

The organization needed a cohesive visual identity and brand style guide to reflect its mission and values, differentiate it from other nonprofits, and provide consistent guidance for print, digital, and merchandise applications.

Role

Lead Designer

Brand Designer

Team

Founder, NYC Peace Corps Association — Client Stakeholder & Strategic Direction

Impact

Cohesive visual identity reflecting mission and values.

Consistent brand guidelines for all materials.

Stronger recognition and differentiation from peers.

Role

Lead Designer

Brand Designer

Team

Founder, NYC Peace Corps Association — Client Stakeholder & Strategic Direction

Impact

Cohesive visual identity reflecting mission and values.

Consistent brand guidelines for all materials.

Stronger recognition and differentiation from peers.

Problem area

Bringing Unity to an Inconsistent Visual Identity

NYC PCA lacked a unified visual system. Materials varied in colors, typography, and logo usage, reducing brand recognition and professional appeal.

Opportunity 1: Establish Consistency

Create clear brand rules for all materials.

Opportunity 1: Establish Consistency

Create clear brand rules for all materials.

Opportunity 2: Differentiate the Organization

Stand out among similar nonprofits and better communicate the mission.

Design goals

What I aimed to achieve

Simplify decisions

Turn complex data into clear, actionable insights that drive business decisions.

Simplify decisions

Turn complex data into clear, actionable insights that drive business decisions.

Build trust

Design a clear, reliable dashboard that keeps business owners in control.

Drive adoption

Add a test space so business owners explore freely, see wins, and stay engaged.

Design decision 01

Brand Strategy

Defined NYC PCA’s visual identity to align with its mission, values, and target audience, emphasizing community, volunteerism, and professionalism.

Brand

NYC PCA is community-focused, approachable, and mission-driven, reflecting its support for returned Peace Corps volunteers.

Tone

Friendly, professional, and inspiring communicating trust, collaboration, and volunteer impact in all communications.

Tone

Friendly, professional, and inspiring communicating trust, collaboration, and volunteer impact in all communications.

Design decision 02

Visual Identity System

Developed a cohesive system including logo, colors, typography, and custom icons to guide future design work.

Design decision 03

Applications & Guidelines

Created a comprehensive brand style guide with examples for print, digital, and merchandise, ensuring correct usage and consistency across all touchpoints.

Retrospective

Strengthening Nonprofit Communication Through Design

I created a full visual identity system and style guide, including logo, color palette, typography, iconography, and imagery guidelines. This system ensures consistent and professional application across all channels, from business cards and social media graphics to merchandise and digital communications.

Impact

Consistent Visual System

Brand style guide ensures proper logo, color, typography, and icon usage.

Consistent Visual System

Brand style guide ensures proper logo, color, typography, and icon usage.

Time & Cost Savings

Streamlined design process for future materials, estimated $4,212 saved.

Time & Cost Savings

Streamlined design process for future materials, estimated $4,212 saved.

Positive Stakeholder Feedback

Leadership reported the visual identity accurately reflected the organization’s mission and values.