California Creators for Nature
OverviewCalifornia Creators for Nature is a program at the California Academy of Sciences that brings together five digital creators from across the state to build a movement for nature. It supports the Academy's Thriving California Initiative, reconnecting young people with the natural world. I led the design of the wordmark and brand identity for creators to use across their social content.
Role
Lead Designer
Client
California Academy of Sciences
TimelineMarch 2024
ScopeLogo Design, Brand Identity, Art Direction
The logomark is inspired by the California Poppy. As California’s official flower, it carries instant recognition. As a small and strategic detail, I illustrated the petals to mimic sunrays radiating outward from a center point, representing the program's creators as emerging environmental voices spreading energy and awareness into their communities.
The identity needed to feel warm and organic without losing credibility. The Poppy struck that balance naturally: rooted in location, bright without being loud, and clean enough to hold up at the small scales of social content.
For the art direction, I pulled colors from California's natural landscape: warm golds, deep greens, and open sky blues to orchestrate a system that feels cohesive and alive.
About Valentin Nguyen
[val-en-teen noo-win]
I’m a graphic and brand designer who loves building visual identities and designs for brands dedicated to uplifting the health, happiness, and hearts of humans around the world. Currently open for new opportunities and nice chats. You can reach me via email at va.nguyen06@gmail.com.
I also love cartwheeling, board games, charcuterie boards, banana bread, mid-century modern furniture, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York Times puzzles, cozy video games, collecting Smiskis, flossing, helping others, and tossing things into my junk drawer.
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Past Collaborators
Graphic Designer • Illustrator • Californian • Strategist • Impromptu Cartwheeler • Banana Bread Baker • Night Owl • Cozy Gamer • Daydreamer • Smiski Collector • Proud Homebody • Graphic Designer • Illustrator • Californian • Strategist • Impromptu Cartwheeler • Banana Bread Baker • Night Owl • Cozy Gamer • Daydreamer • Smiski Collector • Proud Homebody •