Elakha Alliance
Conservation Art & Nonprofit Logo Design
In early 2024, we were introduced to the Elakha Alliance through our client Cup of Tea. This local nonprofit is on a mission to restore sea otters to the Oregon coast. This keystone species has been absent from the region for over a century due to historical overhunting.
Without sea otter populations, the coastal ecosystem has fallen out of balance. Sea urchin populations have surged unchecked and devastated the region’s kelp forests. These underwater habitats support countless species much like coral reefs in tropical waters. The Elakha Alliance works to raise awareness and reconnect Oregonians to the critical role these animals play in preserving our environment.
What began as a passion project evolved into two unique creative opportunities. We developed a fine art poster for a curated artist showcase and a Nonprofit logo for a major conservation fundraiser.
Services
Elakha Alliance
Conservation Art & Nonprofit Logo Design
In early 2024, we were introduced to the Elakha Alliance through our client Cup of Tea, a local tea company that donates to the organization annually. This nonprofit is on a mission to restore sea otters to the Oregon coast, a species that’s been absent from the region for over a century due to overhunting for their pelts.
Without sea otters, the coastal ecosystem has fallen out of balance. Sea urchin populations have surged unchecked, devastating the region’s kelp forests, essential underwater habitats that support countless species, much like coral reefs in tropical waters. The Elakha Alliance works to raise awareness, fund research, and reconnect Oregonians to the critical role sea otters play in preserving our coastal environment.
What began as a passion project evolved into two unique creative opportunities: a fine art poster for a curated artist showcase, and a logo for a conservation-themed beer festival fundraiser.
Services
- Custom Illustration
- Visual Identity
Custom Illustration Strategy
Biomechanical Sea Otter
In March 2024, we submitted an original illustration to the Elakha Alliance’s open call event Envisioning a Future with Sea Otters on the Oregon Coast. This curated show invited artists to create work in any medium. The selected pieces were featured in press coverage and auctioned at a public fundraiser at the Yaquina Bay Yacht Club.
Our piece is an 18×24-inch digital painting titled “Dinner Time.” We began with a hand-drawn pen sketch and then digitally painted the final artwork to bring it to life. The composition features a biomechanical sea otter diving through a vibrant kelp forest to hunt sea urchins along the rocky Oregon shoreline. We wanted to showcase a vision of a restored ecosystem that was teeming with marine life and purpose.
The final framed artwork was displayed during the auction and shared across the Elakha Alliance’s social media channels to spread their mission to a wider audience.
Custom Illustration Strategy
Biomechanical Sea Otter
In March 2024, we submitted an original illustration to the Elakha Alliance’s open call event Envisioning a Future with Sea Otters on the Oregon Coast. This curated show invited artists to create work in any medium. The selected pieces were featured in press coverage and auctioned at a public fundraiser at the Yaquina Bay Yacht Club.
Our piece is an 18×24-inch digital painting titled “Dinner Time.” We began with a hand-drawn pen sketch and then digitally painted the final artwork to bring it to life. The composition features a biomechanical sea otter diving through a vibrant kelp forest to hunt sea urchins along the rocky Oregon shoreline. We wanted to showcase a vision of a restored ecosystem that was teeming with marine life and purpose.
The final framed artwork was displayed during the auction and shared across the Elakha Alliance’s social media channels to spread their mission to a wider audience.
Strategic Nonprofit Logo Design
2025 Oregon Otter Beer Festival
Following our involvement with the artist call, we were approached again by the Elakha Alliance. They needed us to design the official identity for their upcoming 2025 Oregon Otter Beer Festival. This event will be held at OMSI in Portland, Oregon as a major fundraiser for the cause.
For this project, we developed four initial concepts presented in both color and black and white. After three rounds of revisions, the final design was selected.
The logo features a sea otter rendered in negative space. It is depicted happily munching on a sea urchin while sipping a custom-crafted beer. The backdrop is shaped like the state of Oregon and doubles as a kelp forest to reinforce the connection to the coastal restoration effort. We chose a condensed typeface to echo the otter’s elongated body.
Visual Identity Depth
Same Logo, Playful Personality
A strong identity needs versatility. As a subtle touch, we built a visual “Easter egg” into the brand system. When the Oregon Otter Beer Festival logo is placed on a dark background, a hidden layer of detail is revealed. This adds a playful and cartoon-like personality to the design without compromising the legibility of the main mark.
Strategic Nonprofit Logo Design
2025 Oregon Otter Beer Festival
Following our involvement with the artist call, we were approached again by the Elakha Alliance. They needed us to design the official identity for their upcoming 2025 Oregon Otter Beer Festival. This event will be held at OMSI in Portland, Oregon as a major fundraiser for the cause.
For this project, we developed four initial concepts presented in both color and black and white. After three rounds of revisions, the final design was selected.
The logo features a sea otter rendered in negative space. It is depicted happily munching on a sea urchin while sipping a custom-crafted beer. The backdrop is shaped like the state of Oregon and doubles as a kelp forest to reinforce the connection to the coastal restoration effort. We chose a condensed typeface to echo the otter’s elongated body.
Visual Identity Depth
Same Logo, Playful Personality
A strong identity needs versatility. As a subtle touch, we built a visual “Easter egg” into the brand system. When the Oregon Otter Beer Festival logo is placed on a dark background, a hidden layer of detail is revealed. This adds a playful and cartoon-like personality to the design without compromising the legibility of the main mark.
In the News
See the Logo in Action
Seeing our work in the wild is the ultimate reward. Ahead of the event, the Elakha Alliance was featured on a segment for KOIN 6 News’ Everyday Northwest.
In the interview, Director of Outreach Chanel Hason discusses the importance of the fundraiser while wearing the official event t-shirt featuring our Nonprofit logo design. It is a proud moment to see our work playing a supporting role in such a critical conservation effort.
FAQ
What creative work did you produce for the Elakha Alliance?
We provided two distinct creative services. First, we created a custom digital illustration titled “Dinner Time” for their coastal restoration art auction. Second, we developed the official nonprofit logo and visual identity for the 2025 Oregon Otter Beer Festival.
What is the meaning behind the Oregon Otter Beer Festival logo?
The logo utilizes negative space to depict a sea otter eating a sea urchin, set against a backdrop shaped like the state of Oregon. The background doubles as a kelp forest, visually connecting the event to the Elakha Alliance’s mission of restoring Oregon’s coastal ecosystems.
Where can I see the "Dinner Time" sea otter illustration?
The framed 18×24-inch digital painting was auctioned at the Yaquina Bay Yacht Club to fundraise for the Elakha Alliance. However, the character design served as the inspiration for our “Rocky Shore” sticker pack, which is available in our online shop.
