Founded by abolitionists in 1865, The Nation has stood as a steadfast advocate for independent journalism, tirelessly working towards a more democratic and equitable world. With a rich legacy of engaging with pressing issues and inspiring movements, The Nation sought to revitalize its brand to better resonate with its evolving audience. Tasked with this momentous challenge, brand studio Athletics took on the mission of revitalizing and modernizing The Nation's visual identity, propelling it to the forefront of progressive political and cultural discourse.
Driven by the need to reflect the shifting times and reinforce its position, The Nation collaborated with Athletics to create an amplified and contemporary site experience. Guided by the vision of being bolder and more imaginative, the revitalization aimed to engage deeply with new and existing users while celebrating modernity.
The redesigned editorial platform showcases a strategic expansion of reach and relevance, inviting users to immerse themselves in a captivating digital environment. The iconic Nation red takes center stage, serving as a powerful visual signifier for brand recall and seamless navigation. Retaining the essence of the print publication, the signature white printed scroll now graces the digital space, creating an open and inviting atmosphere, with red rules elegantly delineating information.
The updated visual identity introduces an expanded secondary color palette, infusing optimistic tones and enhancing visual flexibility without overshadowing the core brand colors. To ensure legibility and iconicness in the digital age, Athletics collaborated with Tré Seals of Vocal Type to refine the wordmark while paying homage to its historical significance and original masthead. A flexible approach to the wordmark was developed, allowing it to adapt seamlessly across various digital platforms.
The masthead underwent a striking update, harnessing the power of scale to project boldness, imagination, and precision. The redesigned homepage architecture emphasizes responsiveness to breaking news, announcements, and thematic suites of articles, providing a dynamic and immersive reading experience.
Through their partnership with Athletics, The Nation has embraced a transformative branding journey that respects its storied history while embracing the demands of the digital age. The result is a visually captivating and engaging platform that reinforces The Nation's position as a leading voice in progressive journalism, ready to tackle the extraordinary shifts of our time.
Branding and visual identity
For more information make sure to check out brand studio Athletics website.
