Woodgreen
Woodgreen
Established in North London in 1924, Woodgreen is one of England’s leading pet charities providing a safe haven for vulnerable pets in need of urgent care or a loving new home. They’re also home to the BAFTA-nominated TV series ‘The Dog House’ which matches homeless dogs with hopeful new owners.
Studio
Created as part of Team Willer at Pentagram
Deliverables
Brand Strategy
Tone of Voice
Visual Identity
Design System
Guidelines and Toolkits
Challenge
To represent Woodgreen in a clear and compelling way, one that would inspire volunteers and staff to help effectively communicate the full range of services.
The brand strategy needed to reflect Woodgreen’s unique position and focus on the bond between pets and people — without losing sight of pets being at the heart of the Woodgreen brand and the main focus of their work.
Opportunity
Woodgreen’s unique point of difference is providing advice and support to prevent or resolve issues at the earliest possible stage, keeping pets in loving homes with their owners.
They also offer expert advice and hands-on support to owners of pets, not only dogs and cats but also a range of domestic animals including rodents and chickens.
Outcome
At the centre of the brand identity is a symbol that captures the unbreakable bond between animals and humans — using positive and negative forms to visually represent how pets and humans are dependent on one another. The words ‘Helping pets and their people’ appears under the logo, which perfectly summarises the idea that Woodgreen always sees the relationship from a pet’s perspective.
The identity keeps Woodgreen’s primary colours of green and white. These are complemented by additional shades of green and a variety of warm tones which have been carefully selected to represent the natural environment.
The tone of voice works in a direct and conversational manner, either expressing the emotional and compassionate aspect of Woodgreen’s personality or being optimistic, caring and approachable. Highlighting the emotional benefits and joyful connections between pets and people — with a touch of humour, as the messaging is often directed to the pet.
This is supported by simple and practical messaging which is more direct, to help talk to pet owners and anyone looking to adopt a pet. Providing information in a way that’s straightforward, without formalities or judgement about how they can seek support, help and care.
Imagery plays an important part in the brand expression — photographs of pets are taken at eye level to place the animals centre stage. This is supported by documentary-style imagery of professionals, the staff and volunteers that support Woodgreen — an integral part of the story, showing the behind the scenes aspects of the charity’s work. Additional images feature moments between animals and humans, to highlight the bond between them, and emphasise Woodgreen’s mission.
The choice of typeface reflects a tonality and personality which has to be kind as well as highly skilled and professional. Colophon Foundry‘s Raisonne Pro (used in Bold, DemiBold and Book) is the primary typeface used throughout—contemporary and straightforward, it represents a voice that can flex across Woodgreen’s different styles of communication.
This all combines to create a brand that will help Woodgreen clearly communicate its key values, of compassion towards animals and their humans and the societal benefits that this special relationship can bring.
“For almost a hundred years, we’ve been dedicated to helping pets in need. That will never change, but the way we help pets – and their people – has. Today, we are able to do so much more for them, meaning our brand was no longer an accurate reflection of who we are and what we do.
Marina and the team brought clarity to this complex challenge, creating a robust brand proposition and cut-through visual identity for Woodgreen that will help us differentiate ourselves from others in the sector and do even more for pets and their people.”