For Volunteer Graphic Design Works
1. Our Brand Purpose
At The Hope Journey, our visual identity is more than aesthetics—it’s a reflection of our mission. Every design must embody:
- Warmth & Trust – Making our community feel welcome and valued.
- Transparency & Integrity – Ensuring clarity in every message.
- Vibrancy & Recognition – Creating a consistent, memorable presence.
Your work plays a vital role in shaping how the world sees us. Let’s ensure every piece aligns with these core principles.
2. Color Palette: The Heart of Our Identity
Our colors symbolize hope, diversity, and forward momentum. Strict adherence to these codes ensures cohesion.
Primary Colors
- Blue (#0072CE) – Color for backgrounds/key elements.
- Red (#EE1C25) – Call-to-action, urgency, and passion.
- Yellow (#FFD100) – Energy and warmth; ideal for accents.
- Green (#00A94F) – Growth and renewal; use strategically.
- Black (#000000) & White (#FFFFFF) – Essential neutrals for contrast and readability.
Usage Guidance
- Lead with Blue as the primary anchor.
- Use Red sparingly for maximum impact (e.g., buttons, key alerts).
- Yellow and Green are supporting accents—never overpower primary messaging.
- Prioritize accessibility: Ensure sufficient contrast (AAA standards where possible).
3. Typography: Clarity & Impact
Fonts must balance professionalism with approachability.
Approved Fonts
- Montserrat (Bold/Semi-Bold) – Headlines, titles, and bold statements.
- Open Sans (Regular/Light) – Body text, captions, and long-form content.
- BlinkMacSystemFont – Fallback for digital systems.
Rules for Use
- Hierarchy matters: Headlines in Montserrat (all caps); body text in Open Sans.
- Line spacing: 1.4–1.6 for optimal readability.
- No substitutions: Avoid unofficial fonts to maintain uniformity.
4. Logo & Icon Standards
Our logo is our signature—protect its integrity.
- Clear Space: Always surround the logo with adequate padding.
- No Alterations: Do not stretch, recolor, or modify the logo.
- Monochrome Use: Only permissible when background contrast demands it (black/white versions).
5. Imagery: Authenticity Above All
Select visuals that reflect:
- Real people, real stories – Candid, community-driven moments.
- High resolution – Blurry or pixelated images undermine credibility.
- Emotional resonance – Hope, connection, and progress.
Avoid: Overly staged, generic, or low-quality assets.
6. Design Principles: Precision & Purpose
- Less is more: Clean layouts with intentional white space.
- Color-first: Designs should leverage our palette as the foundation.
- Visual flow: Guide the viewer’s eye logically (headline → details → call-to-action).
- Accessibility: Text must remain legible against backgrounds (WCAG compliance).
7. Non-Negotiables: Do’s & Don’ts
Do
✔ Commit to consistency – Colors, fonts, and spacing are non-negotiable.
✔ Design with mission in mind – Every asset should reflect our values.
✔ Test readability – Ensure clarity across devices and print.
Don’t
✘ Introduce off-brand colors or fonts – Even as “exceptions.”
✘ Overcrowd designs – Balance is key.
✘ Compromise on quality – If an image or icon isn’t sharp, replace it.
Closing Note: Your Role in Our Story
As part of The Hope Journey’s creative team, you’re not just designing: you’re advancing a movement. These guidelines exist to empower you, but creativity within these boundaries is encouraged. Together, we’ll ensure our visuals inspire trust, action, and hope.