Impact Hub Birmingham

Community branding for makers, doers, entrepreneurs and activists committed to building a better Birmingham.

Impact Hub is a global network of people, places and programmes that inspire, connect and catalyse change through innovation labs, business incubators and community projects. Offering members resources, inspiration and collaboration opportunities. It began in London back in 2005 and there are now 73 Impact Hubs across the globe in 48 countries with over 11,000 members.

Impact Hub Birmingham opened its doors in 2015 following an 18 month partnership helping them build their brand. A Kickstarter campaign helped to raise funds and secure a fantastic city space in Digbeth; nestled in an area steeped in Brum’s history but now well known for its creative spirit. We needed a brand identity which would engage, excite and inspire the city.

We wanted to create a brand about the people, about Birmingham, so the design process began with a workshop with the founding members to discover more about their passions and what they love about their city. These findings inspired a library of illustrations inspired by the people that made Impact Hub Birmingham possible.

The initial crowdfunding campaign was a huge success and the project was funded by 130%. With over 500 backers supporting the project we wanted to give them a little something in return to say thanks! Using the illustrations we designed t-shirts, hoodies, bags and tea towels as just some of the lovely Kickstarter rewards, to accompany day passes, photography workshops and memberships.

Following the launch, I delivered a bank of brand assets to the team giving them the freedom to use the identity when and how they needed to. This gave the team flexibility when making quick and independent decisions crucial for getting a startup project of this nature off the ground. The illustrated brand and accompanying guideline covered both internal and external use — everything from social media headers, event signage and announcements.