Latest Projects Pt. 2

A project that began in June has come to an end. It was the logo and brand development for Madrona Grace Church. What really threw me on this project was that here I was developing a brand identity for something I was personally invested in. Madrona church is historically an African American congregation, open and affirming of LGBTQ individuals, and has strong ties with it's community through various mission programs. There is an excellent documentary about the church's history that can be viewed here.

I wanted to create something that celebrated the racial & ethnic roots of the church, but didn't limit it to a singular identity. My inspiration from the beginning was the Harlem Renaissance movement, specifically this painting by William H. Johnson. I loved the bold lines, simplicity, and slant of the buildings.

There was hesitation at first from the "client" in terms of featuring the church's building as the primary graphic. The reason being, they didn't want to give the impression that they defined a church as being confined to a building. Though I completely agree on a theological level, I knew that with a building, I could communicate the message of acceptance and community. Furthermore, the actual building is beautiful and something to be celebrated (in my opinion).


So, after months and months of work from all three of us (myself, the pastor, and an elder), we arrived at a logo that we all love and are excited to share. What I personally love most about it is how it translates to black and white. I wanted to make it as easy to use and apply as possible.