Brand Identity, Print Collateral, Web Design
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
With a 100-year legacy of environmental research and conservation, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden has made it their mission to promote the power of native plants as a solution in the fight against climate change. To meet such a monumental goal, the Garden needed to move beyond being seen as only a beautiful place to visit. With this challenge in mind, we reimagined their identity and voice, honoring their history while inspiring a future where everyone can harness the power of native plants in their own lives.
Information
Studio
J2
Designer
Ronnie Alley
Creative Director
Cara Cox
Account Manager
Jess D'Elia
Credits
Photos by
Liam Nielsenshultz
One mark. Many meanings.
The logo was designed to embody the synergy between us and the natural world, both literally and abstractly. It was intentionally left open to interpretation; from rings of a tree to DNA coding, a sunburst, or the center of an eye. Viewers are invited to bring their unique perspective to the brand in the same way they might experience nature.
Collaborating with nature.
Our core concept behind the rebrand was our shared existence with the natural world, emphasizing that humans are fighting climate change alongside plants, not apart from them. From highlighting the micro and macro parallels between our bodies and nature, to copywriting inspired by the circle of life, we wanted visitors of the Garden to experience the interconnected energy of plants and people.
Rooted in history.
Taking inspiration from the historic research documents found in the Garden’s archives, we developed a typography and layout system that purposely leans into their scientific roots.
Ready, set, grow.
In advancing the Garden’s mission, we positioned them not just as advocates for native plants, but as a global model for environmental conservation, educating visitors and inspiring them to apply the lessons of the Garden in their own lives.
Emphasis on plants.
Repeated typography framing textured plant photography became a defining visual motif of the brand. It was our intent to spotlight the heroes in the fight against climate change, while the visual repetition of the type reflects the cyclical rhythm of nature.
Built with purpose.
The Garden’s website quickly became one of its most powerful tools for sharing its mission with the world. The new site unites the full scope of the Garden’s work, spanning science, conservation, and visitor engagement. Users are guided through educational resources, scientific insights, and community events, allowing them to experience and learn from the Garden anywhere in the world.
Growing the mission.
To extend the Garden’s mission, we refreshed items in their gift shop, creating pieces that carry their new message out into the world.
