Blackbird Laboratories
Project Goals
Establish a unique corporate brand identity
Blackbird Laboratories commissioned me to create their logo and brand manual. Named for knowledge-seeking birds and the Baltimore Ravens, it is a nonprofit research platform founded in 2023. Blackbird Laboratories helps universities and researchers commercialize academic research to create innovative companies and transformative technologies. They aim to catalyze a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Baltimore by collaborating with Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and the Lieber Institute for Brain Development.
Services
Workshopped Creative Concepts / Illustrated Prospective Logos / Developed Color Palette / Ideated Identity Applications
My work with this team began with a discovery consultation, during which we explored their business goals and defining characteristics as a corporate entity. They shared details that evoked rich visuals, including their affection for their authentic brick-walled office in Baltimore, their founding donation from Stephen and Renee Bisciotti (owners of the Baltimore Ravens), and the folklore of ravens. These birds symbolize insight and act as messengers between two vastly different worlds; for Blackbird Laboratories, this involves connecting the realm of academic research to flourishing entrepreneurs and biotechnology firms.
Outcome
Custom Logo Mark / Brand Manual / Website / Slide Decks / Branded Apparel
After several rounds of concept presentations, mock-ups, feedback gathering, investigation, and experimentation, the team felt thrilled and enthusiastic about the logo mark and identity produced through our collaborative creative process. They have purposefully and proudly used the visual brand identity to grow their business for the last couple of years. I completed this project as a contractor for The Collective SD.
CREATIVE PROCESS
Inspirational Elements
This client drew inspiration for their logo mark and brand identity from the bare-brick building of their headquarters (over 100 years old), the Baltimore skyline, and the mythic folklore of the raven, as well as a modern nod to the linear and geometric style of Nordic metalwork.
Exploration of Different Marks & Color Palettes
I explored many different logo marks with the stakeholders. I broke down the creative process into distinct phases because the team wanted to explore various options for logo phrasing, illustrated marks (accompanying the lettering), color palettes, and different applications, including slide decks, websites, virtual trade show presence, and apparel.
