Our journal
and writings
We believe in order to change the world we must always be open to new ideas.
We’re experts in design for mission-driven work. We use this space to share our approach and our thoughts on marketing for nonprofits.
5 brand strategy questions I ask every nonprofit client
When we work together, you’re puttin’ your entire first impression in my hands. And that’s a responsibility I do not take lightly! In order to nail that love-at-first-scroll moment, there are a few things I need to know about your business first.
How to develop a strong creative direction for mission-driven brands
A solid creative direction helps us understand exactly how we'll use design to solve your problems before any design work is created.
What is a brand workshop, and does your nonprofit need one?
If you’re hoping to grow your business and establish yourself as a leader in your industry, you’ll need a strong brand. The best way to build one? Complete a brand workshop with your team, led by a branding professional. Here’s how it could help you!
How to define your nonprofit's mission, vision, and values
When it comes to figuring out a brand identity, brands, like people, need to have a mission, vision, and values.
Why we stopped thinking in brand deliverables for nonprofits
Most organizations think their brand “isn’t working.” What’s usually underneath the request is something bigger: a clarity problem, a consistency problem, or a growth problem. That’s why we don’t think about nonprofit brands in deliverables. We think about them in stages.
Is it time for a nonprofit brand refresh? How to know
Have you been feeling an internal push telling you it’s time to pivot—but you just don’t know in what way? In this journal we’re talking about the feelings that might be itching you and possible strategic design solutions.
Why knowing your audience matters for mission-driven organizations
To make your customers feel like your brand truly understands them, you first need to know your audience. Knowing your audience inside and out is crucial to successfully building a lasting relationship because it allows you to tailor your marketing and brand design directly to your customers.
Your nonprofit is a soul with a brand: why identity starts with mission
I recently heard the quote, “You are a soul with a body, not a body with a soul.” The same is true for our businesses and orgs! They are more than just brands. They themselves are souls. So we should treat them as such.
Is your nonprofit brand resonating with your audience? Here's how to tell
How do you know if your nonprofit brand is working? These are the real-world, non-number signs your community is connecting with your mission.
How to tell the story behind your nonprofit rebrand
Launching a new brand is more than a logo drop—it’s a moment to celebrate your mission and reconnect with your community. Here’s how to approach your brand launch with intention, heart, and just the right amount of fanfare.
The benefits of hiring a nonprofit-focused design studio
Let’s chat about why hiring a nonprofit-focused designer for your brand and website can elevate your mission, grow your impact, and build long-term trust.
How strategic design can strengthen your nonprofit
We know investing in nonprofit branding or web design can feel like a big step—especially when you're navigating limited resources. Here are ten ways that thoughtful, strategic design can make your nonprofit stronger, more recognizable, and more aligned with your mission.
How empathy makes me a better designer for nonprofits
When I left my cushy advertising design job to pursue nonprofit work, that’s when I really realized how deeply I cared. But over the years and late nights pushing pixels for big Ad, I realized something: I hated it. I wanted to feel like my work was making a difference.
What design really costs your nonprofit (and what it's worth)
When we say “cost of design” we don’t mean these literal costs like your transactional expenses. We mean what you’re not getting due to poor or less-than-adequate design.
How to present your nonprofit's programs and services effectively
Capturing the attention of your audience is more crucial than ever. While having a good idea or mission is the foundation of your business, without effective communication and a strong visual presentation of your offerings, your brand can fall short. In this newsletter, we'll explore the relationship between design and copywriting, and how leveraging this dynamic duo can not only enhance the immediate impact of your brand but also contribute to its longevity.
What types of photos does your nonprofit need?
Non-profit organizations have an essential role in our communities, and photography plays a significant role in telling their stories. A well-planned photoshoot can help non-profit organizations to showcase their work, raise awareness, and even attract donations. In this blog post, we’ll share some of the type of photos we see as we’re designing websites, campaigns, and marketing that every nonprofit needs to have!
How to launch a nonprofit website from scratch
If you're starting a nonprofit organization, creating a website is a crucial step in establishing your online presence and reaching potential donors and volunteers. Here are the steps to take to launch a nonprofit website from scratch:
How to communicate your nonprofit's impact through your website
Communicating impact is key to gaining support and building trust with your audience. A website is a powerful tool to showcase your impact and engage with your community. So it's super important to know how to effectively communicate to viewers through your website. Here are some tips on how to effectively communicate impact through your website.
How I became a designer for nonprofits and social impact organizations
This is the story of how I, Esther (the founder + leader designer at Sereth Design), became a creative director and designer for nonprofits + brands that give a crap.
Building long-term relationships with donors
As I talk to nonprofit owners, a recurring theme is the struggle to retain donors for long periods of time. People often opt for a one-time donation, or cancel their recurring subscription a few months in. Why is that? The short answer: they don’t feel connected anymore.
