UpVote Virginia: Modern & Forward Thinking for Democracy Reform Nonprofit
SERVICES
Naming
Brand Identity Design
Website Design
INDUSTRY
Nonprofit
AWARDS
Silver Ad Club Award
UpVote Virginia
UpVote Virginia is a democracy reform organization that believes civic engagement doesn’t end when an election is over. UpVote works to ensure voters have the tools they need to become active participants as their elected officials govern.
As a democracy reform organization, UpVote Virginia focuses on multiple issues related to making elections stronger and more equitable. Their analysis and advocacy always aims to answer one guiding question: Is this good for Virginia voters?
Goals for the brand included being synonymous with integrity, accuracy, reliability, and a catalyst for change. The organization wanted to be known for their ability to bring clarity to complex topics.
The design team started with an in-depth naming process that embraced simple but powerful language that embodied the mission, centered voters, and connected to the idea of networks.
The winning name UpVote plays on the concept of voting a comment to the top of a thread and embraces a positive term that shows solidarity, agreement and support.
These themes and concepts were core to the mission and carried throughout the design process as well.
The final brand mark features a bold and powerful sans serif typeface with an upward chevron icon filling the negative space. A ballot box, check mark and megaphone icons are designed to be interchangeable with the chevron, creating a dynamic and versatile main logo.
The color palette is a point of pride and excitement for both the design team and the organization as well. Wanting to connect with the political community but maintain a clear and obvious bi-partisan focus, color was an important signal to their target audience of who UpVote Virginia is and what they stand for.
