Immerse
With 40 years of on-the-ground experience, The Freshwater Trust is a group of bold problem solvers designing and implementing data-driven solutions to protect and restore America’s freshwater ecosystems. As the largest restoration-focused organization in the Pacific Northwest, TFT is pioneering the next generation of conservation.
This year, TFT approached me to brand Immerse, the organization’s flagship annual fundraiser and a celebration of shared commitment to safeguarding one of our planet’s most vital resources – water. Partnering closely with their communications team, I crafted an elevated and extensible event identity that enabled TFT to engage their supporters, communicate their mission, and generate essential financial support for years to come.
Art Direction, Design: Laura B Stull
The event’s brand was inspired by the freshwater ecosystems TFT preserves and enlivens. I referenced the form of a salmon for the event icon, sourced the color palette’s bright but earthy blues and greens from aerial views of rivers, and generated monoline secondary pattern based on the diverse behavior and movement of freshwater in the wild. When paired with a gregarious humanist type system, the event identity evolved to visually communicate the dedication, sophistication, and success of The Freshwater Trust’s mission and impact to supporters and donors alike.
The brand extended across myriad digital and print platforms while maintaining its energy and diversity. Additional executions included beer labels, social ads, digital banners, a digital and print program, invitations, a sponsorship packet, raffle templates, and event signage and graphics. The brand is also variable enough to allow TFT’s communications team to vary its expression for future benefits, leaning into different color expressions and pattern to keep the event feeling fresh while aligning with the larger organization’s identity.
In June, supporters, donors, and staff gathered to celebrate TFT’s mission and continued impact, and the event was so successful that the evening’s final donation tally greatly exceeded expectations. As a result, The Freshwater Trust will continue its tireless mission to ensure we have plentiful, resilient, freshwater systems now and for future generations.
