Company: Kolovita, Bend, Oregon, United States
Project: Kolovita, Visual Identity
Role: Creative Director / Art Director / Branding Consultant
Expertise: Branding, Visual Identity, Creative Direction, Art Direction
Project: Kolovita, Visual Identity
Role: Creative Director / Art Director / Branding Consultant
Expertise: Branding, Visual Identity, Creative Direction, Art Direction
Background
Kolovita is a Bend, Oregon-based nonprofit dedicated to strengthening connection, participation, and shared community life between immigrants and residents. Its initiatives center on supporting the local Ukrainian immigrant community while honoring regional Indigenous heritage.
Challenge
The goal was to design a visual identity that bridges Ukrainian heritage and Oregon’s Indigenous roots—framing cultural diversity as a core strength.
Action
I distilled Kolovita’s essence into three core visual attributes:
Circle
A universal symbol of infinite connection, with no beginning or end. Within a community context, it represents shared humanity.
A universal symbol of infinite connection, with no beginning or end. Within a community context, it represents shared humanity.
Sunflower
A deeply cherished emblem in Ukrainian folklore and art, representing prosperity, resilience, and optimism.
Tipi
A symbol of home, shelter, and adaptability. In ceremonial contexts, a camp circle of tipis was a common social unit, reinforcing the importance of community.
A deeply cherished emblem in Ukrainian folklore and art, representing prosperity, resilience, and optimism.
Tipi
A symbol of home, shelter, and adaptability. In ceremonial contexts, a camp circle of tipis was a common social unit, reinforcing the importance of community.
The visual equation that led to the final symbol.
The Kolovita mark unifies Ukrainian heritage and Oregonian roots around a central “Kolo” (circle). Eight outward arrows represent Native American tipis and community gathering, while negative space reveals a sunflower—a shared symbol of Ukraine’s national emblem and Oregon’s landscape.
Primary and Secondary Logos
Ornaments and patterns inspired by traditional Ukrainian embroidery, applied to Zoom call backgrounds.
Comprehensive visual identity style guide designed to ensure consistent marketing execution.
Social Media
I created an authentic social media presence for Kolovita, balancing traditional patterns with clear messaging and real-life photography.
I created an authentic social media presence for Kolovita, balancing traditional patterns with clear messaging and real-life photography.
Annual Impact Report
The Annual Impact Report extends the new visual identity into long-form editorial design.
The Annual Impact Report extends the new visual identity into long-form editorial design.
"Jovan helped establish Kolovita’s visual identity. His work brought cohesion and a distinctive visual presence to our organization. I would recommend him for brand identity and art direction projects."
— Mila Shellehoff, Kolovita, Founder