Brand Refresh
Interior Native Vote is a non-partisan effort dedicated to empowering Alaska Natives and tribal members within the democratic process. The existing visual identity lacked the cultural resonance needed to build deep trust and community engagement. To succeed, the brand required a sensitive, authentic representation that reflected the unique heritage of Interior Alaska while simplifying complex civic processes.
Discovery & Strategy
Three key demographics were identified to ensure the visual language was inclusive and effective:
- Alaska Native & Tribal Community Members: Doyon shareholders and tribal citizens within Interior Alaska.
- First-Time & Returning Voters: Individuals seeking accessible, culturally relevant information about registration.
- Community Leaders: Tribal leadership and village corporations promoting civic participation.
The Strategy
The goal was to modernize the brand’s identity by rooting it in the physical and cultural landscape of the region. I developed a localized visual language that moved away from generic political aesthetics and toward symbols that felt authentic and familiar to community members. This required deep cultural sensitivity paired with contemporary design principles.
The Solution: Custom Iconography & Logo System
I developed a comprehensive logo system and proprietary library of line-art icons from scratch. This iconography was designed to build immediate recognition and guide users through the voting process using culturally significant motifs. Key elements I illustrated include:
- Traditional Apparel: Custom illustrations of kuspuks, parkas, mukluks, and moccasins.
- Subsistence & Heritage: Visual representations of drums, drying fish, feathers, moose, and local berries.
Visual Systems & Execution
To ensure the brand felt contemporary yet deeply rooted in community, new foundations were established for the identity:
- Refined Color Palette: Inspired by the Interior Alaskan landscape and seasonal traditions to provide visual strength.
- Typographic Hierarchy: A clear typeface system chosen for optimal legibility across all campaign materials.
- Campaign Materials: Developed stickers, posters, and social media graphics to drive community awareness.
The Impact
Every design decision, from the custom iconography to the landscape-inspired palette, was intentionally made to foster stronger community connections. I then implemented the new identity across all social media assets, campaign swag, and print materials to ensure a cohesive and authentic brand experience.
