Step Up Mcr is a pilot giving scheme, established in 2019 to connect East Manchester based community projects to funds and support both locally and nationally. For this non-profit project we collaborated with local housing association One Manchester to design a visual identity which was both aspirational and representative of the local communities.
Step Up MCR has worked with Northern Exposure since the inception of our place based giving charity in 2019.
As well as designing our logo and website, Northern Exposure create regular community newspapers and other promotional materials like social media content, videos and flyers. We’re looking forward to continuing to grow our charity alongside the Northern Exposure team.
Nicole // Place Based Giving Manager at Step Up MCR
The project was in its infancy when we were brought in to develop its visual identity. The first task was deciding on a name that would be the foundation to build the project from.
It was very important that this wasn't only a project for the local area but was a projection of the community's ideas and aspirations. This meant they had to be involved in the branding process at every step of the way through focus groups at local community centres across Ancoats, Beswick, Clayton and Openshaw.
The brand took shape quickly and the hands-on approach we adopted throughout the process made us confident that the result would be successful. Because Step up had multiple target audiences from members of the community aspiring to do something creative to local or national businesses potentially investing the brand had to be engaging and inclusive of these contrasting demographics.