Raven & Thunderbird is an Indigenous-owned arts advisory firm based in Vancouver, commissioning Indigenous art for both public and private spaces. They needed a visual identity that reflects their mission of integrating Indigenous art into urban environments. The challenge was to create a logo and branding that honours traditional Indigenous culture while feeling contemporary and versatile.
Approach
I explored the cultural significance of the raven in Indigenous art and researched traditional carving techniques and textures. By combining these references with modern design principles, I developed a logo that bridges heritage and contemporary aesthetics.
Identity
The logo incorporates wood-carving textures to honour traditional craftsmanship. Its design balances heritage and modernity, with an icon that can stand alone or pair with the wordmark. Red is widely used in Indigenous culture to symbolize lifeblood, connection, and strength, and was chosen as a core colour for this identity. The typography and mark were selected to convey a timeless, versatile, and legible aesthetic across both digital and print applications.
Applications
The identity was applied to letterheads, business cards, and promotional materials. Each application maintains visual consistency and communicates the firm’s cultural sensitivity and professionalism.
