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Howard University

Building Legacies

Howard University

Building Legacies

Howard University

Building Legacies

Elevating a Historic Institution

Howard University has long been a beacon of excellence, but with so many high profile alumni shining a global spotlight on their alma mater, its brand presence has never been more visible. Having had the privilege to work with Howard on its brand, it’s incredibly rewarding to see that impact in action.

Howard University has long been a beacon of excellence, but with so many high profile alumni shining a global spotlight on their alma mater, its brand presence has never been more visible. Having had the privilege to work with Howard on its brand, it’s incredibly rewarding to see that impact in action.

Strengthening the Howard Brand

Like many institutions, Howard’s brand had become fragmented over time. Departments operated independently, leading to inconsistencies in identity, messaging, and design. Our challenge? Unify the brand while maintaining its depth and distinction. 

We began by assessing university communications, identifying gaps, and building a structured system that aligned messaging, visuals, and identity across touchpoints. We refined the historic clock tower logo, reworked typography and color palettes, and created a cohesive design system spanning digital, print, and environmental branding. 

Like many institutions, Howard’s brand had become fragmented over time. Departments operated independently, leading to inconsistencies in identity, messaging, and design. Our challenge? Unify the brand while maintaining its depth and distinction. 

We began by assessing university communications, identifying gaps, and building a structured system that aligned messaging, visuals, and identity across touchpoints. We refined the historic clock tower logo, reworked typography and color palettes, and created a cohesive design system spanning digital, print, and environmental branding. 

Reimagining the Bison—A Mascot Unlike Any Other

Howard’s beloved Bison mascot needed a new start—especially after similarities to the Buffalo Bills’ logo led to a branding challenge. We jumped at the opportunity to create something iconic. 

Through a social media campaign and stakeholder engagement, we gathered insights from students, alumni, and faculty to shape a bold, one-of-a-kind design. After rigorous exploration and validation, the new Bison was unveiled at Homecoming, generating excitement across campus and beyond. Today, the identity is seen everywhere—from university merchandise to national retailers. 

Howard’s beloved Bison mascot needed a new start—especially after similarities to the Buffalo Bills’ logo led to a branding challenge. We jumped at the opportunity to create something iconic. 

Through a social media campaign and stakeholder engagement, we gathered insights from students, alumni, and faculty to shape a bold, one-of-a-kind design. After rigorous exploration and validation, the new Bison was unveiled at Homecoming, generating excitement across campus and beyond. Today, the identity is seen everywhere—from university merchandise to national retailers. 

"Bleed Blue"—A Campaign of Pride and Purpose

To amplify school spirit, we developed the Bleed Blue campaign, symbolizing Howard’s legacy, mission, and unwavering pride. The campaign distilled Howard’s identity into three core statements: Born Blue—Honoring the university’s rich history; Bleed Blue – Celebrating its vibrant community; Live Blue—Driving its purpose beyond education. Through bold visuals across campus and merchandise, the campaign fostered unity and a deep sense of belonging. 

To amplify school spirit, we developed the Bleed Blue campaign, symbolizing Howard’s legacy, mission, and unwavering pride. The campaign distilled Howard’s identity into three core statements: Born Blue—Honoring the university’s rich history; Bleed Blue – Celebrating its vibrant community; Live Blue—Driving its purpose beyond education. Through bold visuals across campus and merchandise, the campaign fostered unity and a deep sense of belonging. 

Looking Ahead

Partnering with Howard University has been an extraordinary journey. From the Office of Communications to Athletics and the President’s Office, we’ve collaborated with passionate leaders to build a brand that honors Howard’s past while shaping its future. We look forward to seeing its legacy continue to thrive. 

Partnering with Howard University has been an extraordinary journey. From the Office of Communications to Athletics and the President’s Office, we’ve collaborated with passionate leaders to build a brand that honors Howard’s past while shaping its future. We look forward to seeing its legacy continue to thrive. 

Laxton

Identity Assured

Togetherwork

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Laxton

Identity Assured

Togetherwork

Get Together

Laxton

Identity Assured

Togetherwork

Get Together

Great Things Lie Ahead

Let's talk about transforming your brand

© FORTH 2025

Great Things Lie Ahead

Let's talk about transforming your brand

© FORTH 2025

Great Things
Lie Ahead

Let's talk about transforming your brand

© FORTH 2025