Kakou App Branding
Client/
Pacific Resource Partnership (PRP)
Project Description/
Developed exclusively for Hawaii by Pacific Resource Partnership, the KĀKOU civic engagement app makes it easy for users to engage with elected officials and participate in the legislative process. The Hawaiian word kākou means “we” or “together as one.” DDC created a brand identity for KĀKOU that conveys the power of the collective with a logo mark comprised of a series of unified letter Ks. The bold, punchy magenta and orange color palette amplifies this power and serves as a positive visual disruption of the more traditional blues and reds of the political arena. The visual brand identity for KĀKOU also included app interface design, a commercial, and a full slate of print and digital marketing materials.
Green Fee Hawaii Branding
Client/
Green Fee Hawaii
Project Description/
The mission of Green Fee Hawaii (now known as “Care for Aina Now”) is to build visitor stewardship, conserve our cultural and natural resources, and invest in our ʻāina to keep our community safe. DDC crafted a brand identity for Green Fee Hawaii that took icon to all travelers—a destination marker, and recreated its shape utilizing a nene goose and kalo leaf—symbols of our valuable natural resources. To visitors, Hawaii represents a dream destination. For local residents, Hawaii is more than just their home—it’s a place that deserves respect and restoration from all who enjoy it’s beauty.
125th Anniversary Brand Kit
Client/
Meadow Gold Hawaii
Project Description/
As Meadow Gold approached its 125th anniversary, the iconic brand wanted to show its appreciation to families in Hawaii for their loyalty over the years. The anniversary also presented an opportunity to reconnect with those customers who may have “outgrown” its products since their childhood. To do this, DDC crafted a special anniversary brand kit that leveraged the power of school-age nostalgia. With an retro-inspired version of the beloved Lani Moo as the kits keystone, DDC’s approach reinterpreted familiar elements to create a warm, trustworthy look. Even one of Meadow Gold Hawaii’s first milkmen, Tekeshi Boi was celebrated with an illustration.
Brand Refresh
Client/
Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union
Project Description/
Ten struggling coffee farmers formed the inaugural version of Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union in the midst of the Great Depression after banks refused them loans and services. It started as a one-room operation and has grown into a trusted institution for our communities. In 2022, DDC worked with HCFCU to create a refreshed brand identity that highlights the credit union’s growth and its efforts to meet the changing and diverse needs of members while staying true to its roots of ohana and community. The original HCFCU tree was reinterpreted to create a more optimistic look and feel. The relationship between HCFCU and the community is emphasized by the interlaced tree branches—fundamentally connected, growing and supporting each other. DDC also introduced a brighter color palette and modern, approachable typography to help HCFCU reach younger, more tech-savvy customers.
Brand Design, Implementation
Client/
Mana Up
Project Description/
Mana Up is a statewide initiative to build up and support the ecosystem of entrepreneurs in Hawaii, providing them with resources and tools to scale globally. Mana Up turned to DDC to create a visual brand identity that captured the energy of the organization’s noble mission. In creating the Mana Up logo, DDC looked to showcase the ingenuity and resourcefulness required to succeed as an entrepreneur in Hawaii. These characteristics are conveyed with the upward facing caret (^) used in place of the letter A, and the lowercase letter U lifted up by an underscore. In addition, the stencil-style gaps in the letters symbolize the idea that the businesses working with Mana Up are “ready to ship,” ready to grow. DDC’s work with Mana Up also includes the creation of branding for the organization’s “Aloha Market” pop-ups in New York, Los Angeles and Tokyo.
True happiness comes from the joy of deeds well done, the zest of creating things new.
— Antoine de Saint-Exupery