In 2010, Erin Bird, a full-time pastor of a large church in Cedar Rapids, decided to plant a church in Iowa, ditching the mega-church model for small community connections, building relationships, and inviting Iowans to dig deeper into their spiritual journey. After prayerful consideration, Erin took a leap of faith with his wife and four kids to begin that mission in Waverly, Iowa, which had a population of about 10,522 as of 2022.

Erin contacted me to design a brand identity that would encapsulate his passion and mission. The result was an organic, hand-drawn aesthetic font, identity that not only was a tribute to the town of Waverly, nestled on the banks of the Cedar River but also included an icon that symbolized planting and the transformative power of a tiny acorn becoming a mighty oak tree. With a wave motion moving through the logo, the brown and blue color palette instantly connects to the name, further reinforcing the brand's identity.

The River Tree Project's grassroots efforts led to the successful opening of Riverwood Church on April 20, 2015.