Crafting the Brand for Portland's Premiere Psilocybin Therapy Center, Chariot.
A Vision Rooted in Transformation
As a brand design studio, every project we undertake offers a unique opportunity to tell a compelling story through visuals and voice. This journey with Chariot, one of Portland’s pioneering psilocybin therapy centers, has been particularly transformative. The privilege to shape the identity of a brand devoted to profound personal growth and healing is a rare and inspiring experience.
Chariot’s mission is beautifully simple yet profoundly impactful: to carry individuals through a profound and personal transformation via guided psilocybin journeys. This mission served as our North Star, guiding the creation of a brand that feels as transformative as the experiences it facilitates. Our goal was to encapsulate the essence of Chariot in every design element, ensuring that their brand communicates safety, tranquility, and the promise of a new beginning.
Celebrating the Magic in Mushrooms
At the core of Chariot’s philosophy is the belief in the transformative power of psilocybin. We embraced this in our branding, weaving in subtle nods to the magic of mushrooms throughout the design. The choice of imagery and iconography subtly reflects this, with elements that hint at nature, growth, and introspection.
Crafting a Supportive Space
In line with Chariot’s values of safety and support, we meticulously designed every touchpoint to foster a client-centered experience. From business cards to the digital interface, each element was crafted to ensure that clients feel welcomed and supported from their first interaction. The email signature, featuring founder Courtney Campbell's contact details, maintains a professional yet approachable tone, reinforcing the personal touch that Chariot prides itself on.
Visual Identity; Where Tranquility Meets Elegance
Our design philosophy for Chariot centered around creating a visual identity that is both sophisticated and calming.
The color palette features earthy tones like Sage, Sand, and Terracotta, which evoke a sense of grounding and natural tranquility. These colors were chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but for their psychological impact—promoting calmness and clarity, crucial for a therapeutic environment.
The primary logo and alternative lockups were designed to be elegant yet unobtrusive, embodying the idea of a gentle guide. The typography, featuring Arkibal Display and Source Serif Pro, strikes a balance between modernity and classic elegance, ensuring readability while adding a touch of refinement.
The Brand Voice; A Calm & Reassuring Guide
Understanding the brand voice was paramount. Chariot’s voice is a benevolent shepherd, radiating safety and comfort while remaining expansive and tranquil. This informed our design decisions, from typography to color palette, ensuring that the voice remained calm, secure, and straightforward. We aimed to craft a space that feels welcoming and serene, setting the stage for the deeply personal and often vulnerable experiences of their clients.
A New Chapter in Healing
Branding Chariot has been more than just a design project; it’s been a journey of understanding and embodying the profound impact of psilocybin therapy. We are honored to have played a part in shaping the identity of such a groundbreaking center in Portland. As Chariot opens its doors, we are excited to see how this carefully crafted brand will support and enhance the transformative journeys of its clients. This historic opportunity to design for one of the first psilocybin therapy centers in Portland is not just cool—it’s a testament to the power of thoughtful, intentional branding in fostering environments where people can truly heal and grow. Welcome to Chariot, where every journey is a step towards a more connected, fulfilled life.