ZACH SOBIECH OSTEOSARCOMA FUND
REBRAND / COLLATERAL / Web / Fundraising
In preparation for the release of “Clouds”, on Disney+, Children’s Cancer Research Fund geared up for an influx of interest in Zach’s story as the movie covered how he embraced songwriting while facing terminal cancer and inspired millions to believe that you "don't have to find out you're dying to start living."
Through this project, Children’s Cancer Research Fund was able to reach a new audience by increasing the relevance of the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund brand to his story and ultimately raising additional funds for lifesaving research.
CREDITS
My Role: Designer
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Creative Director: Ryan Durry
Copywriter: Megan Morrey
Developer: Cesar Perez
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Created at Children’s Cancer Research Fund
The original Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund logo was heavily tied to the Children’s Cancer Research Fund brand with shared typography and iconography.
Working with feedback from the Sobiech family and closely listening to their stories already shared, the brand was updated with personality and layered meaning to speak to an audience hooked on Zach’s story and not already familiar with Children’s Cancer Research Fund.
A simple icon with meaning
While an obvious nod to his guitar playing, the guitar pick shape carries deeper meaning to Zach’s loved ones. His family and friends noted that after his passing from terminal osteosarcoma, that they would find guitar picks, often in moments where a nod from Zach was needed. Randomly encountering guitar picks became a shared way they continue to feel connection to Zach.
Cloud symbolism is important to Zach’s story due to his song “Clouds” which reached #1 on the iTunes charts in 2013 the week of his death. The cloud in this logo is formed from two parts coming together with the negative space forming the letter Z for two distinct reasons beyond the title for his hit song. Zach’s friends following his passing saw a Z shaped cloud in a photo they took together. They didn’t see the cloud while taking the photo but noticed it after the fact and took it as a meaningful sign of his presence.
The Z is intentionally formed by an absence, symbolizing how although Zach is not physically with us, when we come together with purpose his mark on the world is undeniable.
