OWN IT
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OWN IT ✎
Own It is an editorial project by the Downtown Kitchener BIA that highlights the spaces, people, and experiences that make Downtown Kitchener so special, in turn elevating brand awareness for local small businesses in the district.
The Brand
OBJECTIVE
To transform a long-standing publication into a dynamic reflection of the community it serves. The challenge was to shed the "disposable" aesthetic often associated with free publications. Instead, we aimed to create a vibrant, personality-rich experience that lends authority to Downtown Kitchener’s cultural landscape. The design prioritizes approachability, offering readers a welcoming entry point into the stories and energy that define the downtown core.
OUTCOME
By implementing a comprehensive visual refresh that trades minimalism from past years publications for a saturated, expressive aesthetic featuring modern typography, full-bleed color, and an energetic palette. The result is an issue of Own It that finally looks the way Downtown Kitchener feels—vibrant, diverse, and story-driven—while establishing a versatile design baseline for the future.
Contributors: Project ideation and management by Breanna Crossman, copy-editing by M. Bai Martin and Stefanie Golling, photography by Taginder Clair and as indicated in publication.
“From longtime locals to bold new voices, these are the stories that show what it means to live, work, and build community in DTK.”
