CONNECTING PEOPLE
GROWING COMMUNITY
Step Up Mcr is a pilot giving scheme, established in 2019 to connect East Manchester based community projects to funds and support both locally and nationally. For this non-profit project we collaborated with local housing association One Manchester to design a visual identity which was both aspirational and representative of the local communities.
Step Up MCR has worked with Northern Exposure since the inception of our place based giving charity in 2019.
As well as designing our logo and website, Northern Exposure create regular community newspapers and other promotional materials like social media content, videos and flyers. We’re looking forward to continuing to grow our charity alongside the Northern Exposure team.
Nicole // Place Based Giving Manager at Step Up MCR
BRANDING
The project was in its infancy when we were brought in to develop its visual identity. The first task was deciding on a name that would be the foundation to build the project from.
It was very important that this wasn't only a project for the local area but was a projection of the community's ideas and aspirations. This meant they had to be involved in the branding process at every step of the way through focus groups at local community centres across Ancoats, Beswick, Clayton and Openshaw.
The brand took shape quickly and the hands-on approach we adopted throughout the process made us confident that the result would be successful. Because Step up had multiple target audiences from members of the community aspiring to do something creative to local or national businesses potentially investing the brand had to be engaging and inclusive of these contrasting demographics.
DIGITAL
Step Up's online presence was crucial for its success and was designed to connect with local people, businesses and potential funders from a wider area.
The website was built to be a digital hub for the community, showcasing creative projects, giving news and information to local people and also a way for potential investors to get involved. The design needed to be modern and simple to make it accessible and engaging to any of its potential users from a wide range of backgrounds.
PRINT MARKETING
Since the conception of the place based giving scheme we have been working alongside Step Up developing an ongoing print marketing strategy. Pulling together exciting community projects with news in the local area we designed newspapers, flyers and leaflets to inform, engage and inspire people to get involved and support the charity.
PHOTOGRAPHY
We got involved on the ground in Ancoats, Bewsick, Clayton and Openshaw to engage with locals and capture their personal and creative story through meaningful photography. We hoped showcasing these success stories would help inspire others and give them the confidence to pursue their own projects in and for the community.
