Detroit based communication
designer, visual storyteller, and friend.
About
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01_826 VERDANT VEIL
Role:
Ideation
Logo Creation
Mockups
Brand Guidelines
Overview:
826 Verdant Veil is a fantastical brand identity created for a literacy center storefront in Portland, Oregon, a playful “witchy apothecary” designed to capture the spirit of a city known for its lush greenery and magical subcultures. The goal was to build a cohesive brand world where young witches could craft potions, collect charms, and, most importantly, strengthen their literacy skills in an imaginative environment grounded in Portland’s natural mystique.
Process:
The design process began with deep research into Portland’s unique character, from its richly forested surroundings to its embrace of the occult and the whimsical. Early concepting focused on translating these traits into a visual system that felt enchanted, serpentine, and nature-driven. Dozens of logo explorations were developed, eventually narrowing into a set of marks inspired by wrought-iron gates and twisting snake forms. These elements were then extended into a full brand ecosystem: storefront signage, apparel, delivery vehicles, and themed retail items such as a “Hold Your Snakes!” tote, lanternshade seed husks, and bottled snake elixir. Brand guidelines codified the identity, documenting how the marks interact with products, the use of earthy color palettes and intricate patterns, and a playful narrative voice woven throughout every touchpoint to reinforce the magical storytelling.
Outcomes:
The biggest challenge in this project was preserving consistency across such a wide range of brand applications while ensuring all assets stayed aligned with the original mission: to celebrate both literacy and imagination. Extensive iteration ultimately led to the strongest visual components, solidifying 826 Verdant Veil as a bold and cohesive brand rooted in Portland’s witchy, natural charm.