With a decade as a popular Forest School for preschool-aged children behind it, Common Digs was adding to its programming to reach the broader community. This social enterprise needed a brand that could reflect this evolution, and foster a sense of excitement and belonging among its team.

The first step to this project was to articulate messaging. This was anchored on ideas of ecological thinking, community well-being, and a life filled with curiosity and joy. It reflected the Common Digs ethos, as well as its programming that includes the forest school, workshops for developmentally disabled youth, and partnerships with local ecologically minded organizations.

From there, we created a visual identity. The logo integrates ideas of  “togetherness” (circular shape) as well as the “land we live on” (line). This distinct symbol of the logo can be used in combination with other imagery, as shown on this page. The primary colour palette reinforces the idea of “ecological thinking”. Secondary colours are inspired by natural dyes, since Common Digs is now in partnership with local organizations to grow plants to produce fibre and pigments for ethical textiles.

One of the brand’s most distinctive features is a set of animal illustrations, bringing to the brand creativity, whimsy, and a welcoming tone that speaks to audiences of all ages.

Together, these elements create a brand that is grounded in place, alive with curiosity, and welcoming to all ages — just like Common Digs itself.