Program applications and reports were built from simple, structured templates that could be edited in Google Docs and Word. Each layout was designed for clarity, readability, and translation into eleven languages so materials could reach artists statewide.

The presentation system extended the brand into virtual and live events. Consistent color, typography, and motion created a clear, calm setting for CRNY’s statewide webinars announcing the programs.

The program logos draw directly from Ellsworth Ausby’s 1971 painting Untitled, echoing its sharp diagonals and buoyant, cloud-like shapes. I discovered Ausby’s work while researching the 1970s Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA), a public jobs program that also supported artists. Referencing his style created a visual and historical link between CRNY’s mission and an earlier era of public investment in the arts.

Creatives Rebuild New York launched two initiatives—the Artists Employment Program and Guaranteed Income for Artists—with an ambitious goal: reach thousands of artists across the state in a short timeframe. They needed two distinct program identities that felt related, plus a full set of communication tools to support outreach in multiple languages.

Every part of the system was documented so non-designers could apply it confidently. The guidelines outlined how to use logos, color, and type while leaving room for staff creativity. They turned a complex identity into an accessible daily tool.

To reach thousands of artists quickly, CRNY needed tools that could scale across platforms. The social templates translated the core identity into a flexible system for posts and digital ads. They allowed staff to update text and imagery easily while keeping a consistent, recognizable look across the campaign.