The California Library Association (CLA), a non-profit organization dedicated to professional development and advocacy, hosts annual themed conferences to foster connections among its members and industry professionals. For the 2025 conference, themed *“Telling Our Own Stories,”* Genesis Hansen, director of the Mission Viejo Library, commissioned a logo design that would reflect the theme without relying on clichés like books or overly corporate styles. The challenge was to craft a visually dynamic yet simple logo that embodies storytelling across various mediums while maintaining a modern and approachable aesthetic.

Drawing inspiration from diverse storytelling methods, I incorporated icons representing verbal, written, and digital communication, such as a microphone, pencil, and message bubble. The pencil’s line subtly references the traditional storytelling arc, while quotes emphasize the shared nature of narratives. I designed a bold sans-serif wordmark to unify these elements, modifying specific letters to resemble faces exchanging stories. A vibrant color palette and selective use of serif fonts highlighted keywords, adding energy and balance. This logo encapsulates the spirit of the conference while celebrating the dynamic ways stories are told in the modern era.