Bernik Ensemble
Brand Identity, Logo Design, Brand Messaging, Animation
Logo identity for an inspiring non-profit dedicated to helping young persons to discover, recognize, appreciate and express the light within themselves, while building wholesome community through dance and movement.
Founded by Nikola Abrams-Sampson (R-DMT), the Bernik Ensemble dance company is a catalyst for change, growth and development in the lives of youth by providing avenues for wholesome self-expression and improved academic focus.
For this project, NISHLA Design was asked to create a logo identity that would hold a wealth of sentimental value to the founder, who started the dance company in honor of her mother’s vision for compassion and serving others.
Guided by this idea of compassion and love, to start, we developed the main logo icon with the symbolism of a heart. And to give further depth and meaning to the icon, we incorporated her mother’s sobriquet, Be, into the logo itself, which was a shortened version of her name, Bernadette. In doing so, we were able to truly satisfy the need to create a mark with deep sentimental value to the founder.
“After the logo identity and branding project with NISHLA Design, the Bernik brand felt grounded and anchored in purpose and meaning. Though the amazing design work, all my ideas, thoughts and feelings—so deeply wrapped into this dream of mine—became a beautiful reality. Prior to this, I felt as if I was still figuring out the vision. Now, I had a visual representation that reminded me of my original vision, and it gave our organization a vibrant and impactful presence.” — Nikola Abrams-Sampson, Founder + Director, Bernik Ensemble
As a result of our work with Bernik Ensemble, the organization recongnizes several key outcomes:
• Brand recognition increased significantly
• Strong community ties were made with families along with academic and religious institutions
• Bernik Ensemble staff gained clarity on the organation’s vision and became proud brand ambassadors
• Financial support immediately blossomed and helped the organization to triple its operations
• Gained new and ongoing support from more than four large corporate sponsors and numerous businesses
• Awarded access to two dedicated spaces for dance/movement activities plus academic studies and tutoring
• Students saw measurable increases in their academic performance and positive-program involvement
