Civic News Company, the parent organization of nonprofit newsrooms like Chalkbeat, Votebeat, and Healthbeat, has introduced a new visual identity in collaboration with SYLVAIN. This rebranding emphasizes the organization’s mission to provide unbiased, community-focused journalism on important topics such as education, elections, and public health. The updated logo and design system highlight its commitment to covering underrepresented communities and ensuring vital institutions are thoroughly reported.
The new logo is a bold wordmark featuring geometric letterforms that symbolize interconnectedness. The design visually represents paths linking communities, reflecting Civic’s dedication to local, grassroots reporting. The stacked, uppercase sans-serif letters create a strong, unified look while maintaining a clean structure. The unique letter justification, with the “I,” “N,” and “M” stems, adds a dynamic feel to the logo, striking a balance between assertiveness and approachability.
The rebrand’s color palette features blues and greens, steering away from the typical red and blue associated with political divisions. This choice conveys vitality and optimism while maintaining a neutral, non-partisan stance. The tonal greens provide a refreshing contrast to the deep blue, enhancing the overall modern look.
A key aspect of the design is its flexibility. SYLVAIN created a system that allows Civic to adapt and evolve as it expands into new coverage areas. At the core of this system is a holding form based on the geometry of the wordmark, ensuring brand consistency even as new initiatives emerge.
The typefaces—Figtree and Crimson Pro—add a modern and accessible touch. Figtree’s clean, geometric lines complement the simplicity of the wordmark, while Crimson Pro adds a traditional editorial feel, connecting the brand to its journalistic roots. This combination balances modernity and heritage, aligning with Civic’s goal of delivering high-quality, trustworthy news.
One standout feature is the animated wordmark version, which expands to include more iterations of “CIVIC.” This animation reinforces the idea of growing connections, symbolizing the spread of information and community trust.
The shorthand logo—a monogram using “CMC” (Civic News Company)—is circular, providing a memorable and compact visual for smaller applications like social media icons. While the abbreviation may not be as immediately clear, it adds versatility to the brand’s identity.
This rebranding thoughtfully reflects Civic’s values and mission. The new logo, typography, and color palette convey professionalism, accessibility, and community engagement, positioning the organization to deliver essential, unbiased journalism while maintaining a modern and cohesive identity.
