Expressing a Brand Through Storytelling Women's Foundation of California Annual Report
The Women’s Foundation of California is a statewide public foundation that supports women and girls who are creating change within their communities. As the foundation was going through a rebranding effort, Hot Studio was asked to create its annual report.
Designing for multiple partners and audiences
The report needed to communicate a new visual design and tone. We worked with multiple creative partners on a unique approach to producing the report, one striking a balance between data and human interaction and one that would engage both board members and community activists. In the report, we would tell real stories about an inspiring, diverse group of grant partners. At the same time, we would provide the summaries of information assumed in an annual report.
Crafting key brand elements and guidelines
By conducting a visual design workshop with the foundation and their direct-marketing partner, we identified key brand elements (logotype, color palette, photography style) and then developed multiple visual directions around them. When a custom photo shoot was approved, Hot Studio recommended Sacramento photographer Kent Lacin to produce imagery that was not only clean and consistent, but conveyed the unique spirit of the foundation’s work.
Clearly communicating the foundation’s work and purpose
The 2008 annual report we created is one you actually want to read. Each woman profiled in the report exudes confidence, emotion, and individuality. And key data is compellingly presented in informative, easy-to-digest graphics.
