23/12/2024
Visual identity for Embolc - A Danish organisation with a holistic approach to trauma healing. On a mission to be the light that shines in the darkness for those struggling with mental health. Embolc look to treat the body, psyche, mind and soul as a unified whole rather than separate entities.
The word ‘embolc’ means ‘in the belly’, and refers to the fertile interior of Mother Earth where small spring shoots are sprouting. It is also one of the four Celtic fire festivals - one that celebrates the return of light after a long winter.
This visual identity acknowledges the integral role of both dark and light in our human existence - as you cannot have one without the other. This intrinsic sense of balance and cycles can be seen throughout the natural world; day and night, seasons, the circle of life. This constant play of positive and negative can be seen in the iconography and illustrative compositions borrowed from nature.
Bold typography and a positive brand tone of voice, convey the message of hope that spring will come again. Cues and themes from nature like moon phases, flora and fauna highlight the association to our primal roots that Embolc represents and champions in its mission. Hands become a relatable motif for connection, togetherness and nurture whilst visually representing our human interaction with nature.
Linocut style illustrations lend themselves to the brandmark, accentuating this very human element of the identity. The colour palette takes inspiration from natural elements such as moss, bone, sky and earth - providing a versatile design system for the brand messaging.