Work
Arnold Ventures is a philanthropy dedicated to tackling some of the most pressing and complex issues in the United States including criminal justice reform, public finance, health care, and education. The organization invests in research, advocacy, and policy solutions that deliver measurable impact. But despite the strength of its work, Arnold Ventures’ visual brand had not evolved alongside the organization’s growing influence or ambition.
Developed in 2018 the existing identity left little room to evolve. Print and digital experiences felt disconnected, programs struggled to differentiate themselves, and a highly saturated color palette unintentionally signaled partisan alignment. As Arnold Ventures expanded its use of data, video, and visual storytelling, it became clear the brand was no longer serving the work.
Teal began with a deep discovery process to understand both how Arnold Ventures sees itself and how it is perceived by others. We spoke to program staff, surveyed the broader Arnold Ventures team, and solicited feedback from communications partners. We also conducted a thorough audit of the existing visual system.
The visual brand enhancement for Arnold Ventures captures the credibility, impact, and humanity of their work without visual noise or political signaling. Rooted in a flexible visual framework, the system balances evidence-based rigor with more human-centered storytelling, pairing clean, structured layouts and straightforward data visualization with authentic photography and warmer supporting elements. A refined color strategy retains the equity of their core shade of blue while introducing neutral tones, opting for a cleaner, bright look that speaks to energy and hope. Bold accent colors are added, each representing one of Arnold Ventures’ main focus areas, which helps improve clarity, accessibility, and program differentiation. The enhanced visual language is intentional and restrained, ensuring that design always enhances the message rather than competing with it, while giving teams the tools they need to communicate consistently and confidently.
Teal continues to partner closely with the AV team to roll out the refreshed visual system across core collateral, digital platforms, and programmatic materials, while serving as a strategic creative partner to support consistency, evolution, and adoption over time. Through this continued engagement, we help ensure the brand remains clear, cohesive, and adaptable as Arnold Ventures’ work and storytelling continue to grow.
Teal supported Arnold Ventures with campaign branding and collateral for their Annual Staff Meeting. With the team gathering in Texas, Teal developed a visual concept rooted in southwestern elements. Leaning on Arnold Ventures’ core colors and styles kept the look immediately on-brand, while the introduction of a custom “Texas Orange” alongside bespoke patterns and design elements gave the event its own distinct identity.
Each year, staff receive special swag as part of the celebration. Teal worked closely with Arnold Ventures to curate and price a selection of options that felt both unique and premium.
ATM wrapped up tonight and I just have to tell you how incredible the branding looked in real life. I received a LOT of compliments on the branding and seized every opportunity I had to explain the concept behind it. Team members from across every AV dept were blown away by the meaning and depth behind every detail. It's rare for creative work to get the spotlight at this organization, and this success is sure to open more avenues for us (you, included) to make our mark. Thank you a million times over for your quick, beautiful work on this brand! I am just as obsessed with this brand as we were when you first presented it.
Teal developed the branding and campaign for Arnold Ventures’ Fighting Crime podcast family. The concept began with a broad exploration of criminal justice themes before narrowing to an unexpected direction: superhero motifs. The idea was initially met with skepticism, but Teal was confident they could nod to comics and graphic novel aesthetics while staying true to Arnold Ventures’ core branding, tone, and style.
The result is a dynamic, layered visual system built around panel compositions and halftone textures — while keeping real people and real stories at the center of each episode’s imagery. In a crowded podcast landscape defined by loud, competing designs, the Fighting Crime brand stands out through restraint and distinctiveness.
A monumental undertaking.
The part where we ask you to cough up your email. So we can discuss all the amazing things we’re gonna do together. No pressure. Really.