Madison Park Financial Corporation (MPFC) first approached Brand Design for logo design in the early '80s. By 2004, MPFC had grown substantially and moved into developing mixed-used projects that reused historic industrial and commercial spaces, such as the Sears building, the Tribune Tower, and Exchange Studios in Oakland, and Bakery Lofts in Emeryville. To remain consistent with that growth and change in focus, the company came to Brand Design for a new logo and graphic identity. MPFC’s new logo has a streamlined architectural look that is mirrored in its stationery, portfolio covers, business cards, and online communications.

A brand embodies and supports the values of an organization. But many organizations — businesses, nonprofits, and academic institutions — don’t apply their brands consistently. So, much of their marketing power is lost. Brand Design created a complete identity system for Windrush School, which included a new logo, color palette, type specifications, image guidelines, and comprehensive style guide. The system was applied to new stationery and admissions materials, while the school’s web developers relied on the style guide to create the Windrush website.

A conundrum for marketers with firmly established brands is how to stay true to the brand while giving specific campaigns recognizable identities. That was the goal for Brand Design when creating Expanding Horizons — Windrush School’s Capital Campaign brochure. The piece uses the school’s type and color palette but introduces new imagery, including architectural renderings, to emphasize the future potential of Windrush and its commitment to expansion.

The Association of Women in Alternative Investing (AWAI) fosters education and networking in the private equity and venture capital communities. The AWAI logo is bold and modern. Left-justifying the letters while placing the “W” above the “I” creates a visual tension between movement and balance that conveys innovative, unconventional thinking.

Cambridge Investments manages energy-sector hedge funds for individual and institutional investors. Brand Design and Ulicny, Inc., developed an identity for the company that reflects the movement, innovation, and forward thinking this type of investing requires. The “turbine” image conceptually integrates traditional and sustainable energy sources.

The Point Richmond Business Association sponsors and supports local businesses and service organizations, and serves as a liaison between the business community and other community groups. The logo incorporates Point Richmond’s historic skyline, showing several landmark buildings and the Native American sculpture installed in the town square.

Integrated with typography, the simple lines of an eye and eyebrow create the look and feel of glasses. At the company’s location in historic Point Richmond, the logo is engraved on a wooden sign that hangs above an inviting window display of the latest fashion eyewear.

Symmetry Capital Management offers hedge funds in the healthcare sector. The logotype’s iconic “S” combines the attributes of balance and proportion. The bright green and deep blue colors are commonly used in the healthcare industry. Brand Design worked with Ulicny, Inc., to create a logo identity, a stationery system, fund detail reports, and a PowerPoint presentation for the firm.

Apan offers handcrafted wine and personalized labels for special events, anniversaries, weddings, and corporate gifts. The logo is featured prominently on the company’s website.

The 2007-2008 credit crisis not only rocked the foundations of our economy, it also made investors take a long, hard look at their investment firms. Emery Howard saw this environment as an extraordinary opportunity to reposition itself and bring renewed focus to the firm’s personal, customized approach to investment management. Brand Design worked with Ulicny, Inc to create a new logo and identity package that put this approach front and center.