Search for Lost Birds

Search for Lost Birds is a global initiative dedicated to locating bird species that haven’t been sighted or confirmed in over a decade, thousands of which remain “lost.” I was brought in to design a brand identity that could unite the project’s scientific credibility with an emotional sense of urgency and hope. The challenge was to create a system that would resonate with both researchers in the field and the public, while also connecting with their international conservation partners.

Senior Designer: Logo Design, Brand Identity

MY ROLE

Creative Director: Laura Stull, Copywriter: Harry Maguire

CREDITS

The logo needed to represent both the search and the subject. I developed a mark that combines two key ideas: the silhouette of a bird’s head and the form of a map pin, symbolizing the discovery and location of species once thought to be lost. Yellow became a crucial accent color, chosen to represent hope and urgency, set against grounded natural tones that reflect the seriousness of conservation work. The result is a mark that feels scientific, purposeful, and easily adaptable across digital and print applications.

Beyond the logo, I built a brand system designed for clarity and consistency across multiple platforms. The typography and color palette balance scientific credibility with accessibility. The clean, legible type paired well with a restrained palette of earthy greens and warm neutrals, lifted by that optimistic yellow accent. The layout system was crafted to support heavy use of maps and bird photography, which play a vital role on the organization’s website and in field reporting. Comprehensive brand guidelines helped unify communications across partners and ensure the brand could scale across campaigns, expedition reports, and donor materials.

The resulting identity gave Lost Birds a cohesive, elevated visual voice that balances data-driven research with human emotion. It created a clear framework for storytelling, helping researchers, donors, and the public feel connected to the mission of finding birds. Balancing both hopefulness and urgency, this truly was a dream project to bring to life.

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See more work.