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