"KBOO Community Radio" Brand Identity

• Client: KBOO Community Radio

• Location: Portland, OR

• Roles: Brand Illustration, Graphic Design, Environmental Design

• Scope: Brand Identity, Apparel Design, Web Assets, Mural Production

• Mediums: Hand-drawn Illustration, Digital Color, and Typography

Creative Lead

For this foundational Portland-based institution, I acted as the primary visual steward across a wide-scale brand rollout. My role involved translating the eclectic, people-powered energy of community radio into a unified visual system. I managed the development of high-impact assets that scaled from small-format bumper stickers and digital web interfaces to complex apparel designs and, ultimately, a large-scale environmental mural.

Vision

The goal was to create a  visual frequency for KBOO that felt as vibrant and diverse as its programming. I developed a central narrative illustration featuring a stylized broadcast console and the Portland skyline, framing the station as the technological and cultural heart of the city. The vision was to honor the analog roots of community radio while providing a bold, modern toolkit for the station's digital and physical expansion.

Creative Strategy

I utilized detailed renderings of microphones, turntables, and reel-to-reel decks to ground the brand in the physical act of broadcasting, celebrating the station's commitment to authentic, hands-on production.  I prioritized high-contrast linework and bold color blocking to ensure the identity remained legible whether viewed on a mobile device or a high-traffic urban wall.

Human Element

This project represents a commitment to craftsmanship and community-centered storytelling. By utilizing hand-drawn illustrations as the foundation for the entire brand, I ensured the station’s identity felt personal and approachable rather than corporate. It reflects an honest approach to design where the work is grounded in the shared values of the community, providing a visual anthem for one of Portland's most enduring cultural voices.