Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers
Honoring history, inspiring futures: branding, website design, environmental graphics & marketing collateral for community services agency
The Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC) initially approached OtherWisz for logo design services to accompany the launch of their new senior apartment building, Westminster Commons. This successful project marked the start of an ongoing collaboration with the organization, spanning from promotional materials and large-scale murals, to video production and website design.
Services: Advertising, Brochure/Collateral, Environmental Design, Event Marketing, Logo/Identity Design, Poster Design, Video/Animation, Website Design, Website Maintenance
Our partnership with BFNC began with the creation of a vibrant logo for Westminster Commons. We sought to channel the positivity and excitement generated by the opening of a new housing opportunity, to create an inspiring identity design for the client. The Westminster logo depicts a road leading to a group of houses backed by the radiating sun, each detail selected to capture a strong sense of neighborly unity and optimism. To retain brand consistency, the colors used were derived from the complimentary purple and yellow palette of the original BFNC logo.
Following this, we designed a new organization logo for BFNC that conveys the way their services improve quality of life for people of all ages. The updated logo retains elements of the original design, preserving the brand equity that BFNC has built over the last century. Two abstract figures shown arm-in-arm represent the organization’s promise to guide each client on their personal journey with individualized support. The rising sun anticipates a bright future ahead, fueled by a desire to keep moving forward with respect to the past’s legacy.
For the Summer Solstice Fundraiser launched in 2022, OtherWisz took charge of the branding initiative. We designed a logo to complement BFNC’s existing brand, ensuring continuity across their marketing efforts for the special event. The Solstice logo is colorful and fun to celebrate the first day of summer, featuring a shining sun — one of BFNC’s main brand elements. Event branding for Solstice extended to print ads, banners, invitations, and digital graphics.
OtherWisz also had the privilege of designing a set of murals for newly renovated office space within the historic Westminster Community House, the precursor to BFNC that provided a haven for diverse immigrant communities throughout the 20th century. The mural uses the hallway’s 3 adjacent walls to establish a triptych — the large center panel includes a timeline of important events in BFNC’s history, to help visitors learn how the modern organization came to be. Enlarged vintage photographs supplied by the client show the evolution of BFNC over time. These are paired with square and triangular block patterns to evoke the ‘cultural quilt’ that is the Buffalo community.
OtherWisz designed several brochures as part of our work with BFNC: one to outline the organization’s overall range of services; one to promote their youth programs; and a similar one for the Hope Center financial programs. These pieces were supported by multiple print advertisements for inclusion in local business- and health care-related publications, highlighting significant milestones within the BFNC community. Notably, we designed an ad featuring BFNC Executive Director, Chandra Redfern, that celebrates her achievement as a Woman of Influence in Western NY. This not only honored her individual accomplishments, but also heightened visibility to the organization.
Demonstrating our expertise in multimedia design, OtherWisz worked closely with BFNC to develop and produce a two-minute video to promote their services through a series of photos and motion graphics. We also developed a concise, yet compelling, 15-second video to congratulate Chandra Redfern on receiving an Excellence in Health Care Award. From storyboarding and scripting, to design and development, to editing and soundtrack selection, our team can complete these types of video projects in-house.
Currently, OtherWisz is in the process of creating an updated website design for BFNC that will be more user-friendly for both the staff and their clients. The project aims to enhance online presence while providing easier access to information and resources. We are also in the initial stages of another mural project for BFNC’s new office that promises to bring a vibrant and inspiring visual feature to the space.
This ongoing partnership reflects our commitment to supporting BFNC’s community-focused mission, and enhancing their visibility and impact in the region.
