energy to burn | branding . strategy . outreach . marketing . web . media

Monumental Branding: The U.S. House of Representatives

Woodpile Studios was called upon to develop a visual identity for the Publications Department of the Office of the Clerk. This extensive undertaking would effectively dictate the look and feel of a multitude of books, brochures, and other printed pieces.

Because the Publications Department is ultimately responsible for producing the final work, our task was to provide them with a new set of tools with which they could create dynamic new layouts that fit within the proposed brand identity, yet retained variety and individual character.

We began by developing a graphic library of custom icons—each inspired by actual items or motifs within the U.S. House of Representatives. These icons would become the heart of the design system.

By authoring a graphic style guide, we proceeded to show how the icons could be used in a functional manner—categorizing publications as well as representing individual chapters and sections within. We also introduced and explained a versatile grid system, typography, and photographic approach that will help the designers at the Office of the Clerk create a broad family of consistently branded materials for years to come.

U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House of Representatives

Along the way, we were also given the unique opportunity of designing the 1,015-page book, Women in Congress.

U.S. House of Representatives

U.S. House of Representatives