United Way for Greater Austin

Spreading the Love

In a few short years, the Austin, TX chapter of United Way transitioned from a locally-misunderstood corporate outpost to an inextricable piece of the colorful local community.

Creative DirectionBrand IdentityIllustration

United Way for Greater Austin employees and volunteers wearing red and standing in front of a mural.

01

Making Austin Greater

To better position itself as a hyper-local community-focused organization, United Way Capital Area overhauled their brand with two key goals in mind. First, to raise awareness and better connect with the community. Second, to reinforce the fact that the money donated to the Austin chapter stayed in Austin.

They changed their name to United Way for Greater Austin (or UWATX for short) and rolled out a new look and feel that was based on the vibrant visual aesthetic of the city—full of hand-drawn lettering, brightly-colored buildings, murals, and quirkiness.

A pattern of signs that describe things that make Austin great.

Set of stationery, featuring a business card, letterhead, and envelope.

Tote bags featuring hand lettering and fun phrases.

Opened brochure featuring colorful illustration and a photo of a smiling family.

Opened brochure featuring colorful hand lettering that reads "The People of St. John's Make Austin Greater."

Opened brochure featuring colorful hand lettering that reads "The People of Dove Springs Make Austin Greater."

Opened brochure featuring colorful hand lettering that reads "The People of Manor Make Austin Greater."

Image of two women posing with a photo prop in front of a backdrop.

Brochure cover that features a United Way employee sharing her story.

Back cover of a brochure that shows statistics and information.

02

You’re My Butter Half

Not content to simply be inspired by the vibrant mural art culture of Austin, UWATX wanted to participate in it. The “Butter Half” mural was the perfect way for UWATX to express their love for the community they serve, and give the community a vehicle to share their messages of love with each other. People line up daily to take photos at the mural with their family, pets, and co-workers, making the UWATX building both a destination within the city and a symbol of love, togetherness, and friendship for all who see it.

A group of people jumping up in the air in front of the "You're My Butter Half" mural.

A young lady feeding a treat to her dog in front of the "You're My Butter Half" mural.

Two youngsters hugging playfully in front of the "You're My Butter Half" mural.

Two youngsters posing in front of the "You're My Butter Half" mural.

Interior image of the Austin Visitor's Center.

Image of fingernails decorated with a design featuring a piece of bread and a pat of butter which reads "You're My Butter Half."

Gray t-shirt decorated with a design featuring a piece of bread and a pat of butter which reads "You're My Butter Half."

Greeting card decorated with a design featuring a piece of bread and a pat of butter which reads "You're My Butter Half."

Hand-painted art featuring a piece of bread and a pat of butter which reads "You're My Butter Half."

A young couple posing in front of a mural featuring a piece of bread and a pat of butter which reads "You're My Butter Half."

Work for UWATX was done while I served as Creative Director at Creative Suitcase (now Mighty Citizen).