Reset, connect, and grow.
Retreat Maia crafts expansive environments and grounding experiences that allow one to have a deeper understanding of the inner self. The Maya refers to the power by which the universe becomes. Madison and Leah came to me with a vision of manifesting transformative moments through a visually energizing brand that uniquely represents Retreat Maia. We also wanted to differentiate from other traditional yoga trends by cultivating a welcoming and inviting feeling that steered away from the classic yoga branding trends- because Retreat Maia is more than just yoga, it’s a realm of wellness experiences.
services
Branding, Graphic Design, Social Media Media Marketing, Website Design, Merch Design
The overall visual identity of Retreat Maia speaks upon cultivating sanctuaries that offer secure and nurturing spaces to foster a connection body, mind, and spirit. I wanted the icons, visuals, photography style, logos, and type to mimic that connection and that mindfulness. Every asset was designed with intention, with care, that the participators would feel warmth.
Sometimes yoga branding can be extremely serious, to combat that and add some fun, some modernity, we wanted a pop of lime green. We also wanted a sense of humor in the tone of voice on social media, playing around with trending memes but adding a twist of mother nature.
For a logomark, Leah and Madison were always drawn to some sort of mandala. A mandala, a circle, spheres are meditative and visually calming. The final logomark is contrived of many ‘M’s to tie back to Maia, with an organic edge to them, and forming a sort of star in the center. Empty space is just as important in a logomark as the marks. I took the time to research how to create a mandala, how it is something that takes hours of repeating and repeating movements, following my intuition. I may have been at a bar while doing it, but I fully immersed myself into it.
Research + Early Concepts
I am always in so much gratitude when I am approached by two strong women that want to create something that gives back to other women. Having known them through putting on retreats for mutual aids, I was already well versed in their genuine intention to fostering community and generating love for those that need to be re-energized. For a visual, they knew from the beginning they really wanted to stray away from traditional yoga studios, they are not a yoga studio even though yoga is a big part of their work. Having researched the yoga industry, I made a visual list of trends to avoid and trends to include, such as avoiding yoga visuals (poses) and including smoothness, organic lettering.