LISTENING + EMPATHY → This is the most important part of our discovery process. Through our experience, we have learned that without listening and empathy there is no way unique and original work can be done. Through stories and discussion, we will glean the important nuances and values that make you stand out from the rest.

FOR WOOD/LAND THIS CAME TO LIFE IN THESE WAYS →

Yggdrasil / The Sacred Ash tree of norse mythology is developed from ancient north Eurasian shamanic traditions, according to which a tree rising through the center of the world was thought to act as a sort of ladder to descend into the underworld or ascend into the heavens. This concept connects the roots and the soil, to the treetops + the moon cycles.

Prairie Restoration / This farm started the arduous (and ugly) prairie restoration process in the early 2000’s. By allowing native grasses with deeper tap roots to choke out more superficial species, land is revived with increased nutrition, reduced erosion, drought protection and a nutritionally dense hay crop. Routine controlled burns expedite the process. (above)

Forestry / This family’s work focused on seasonal expressions. With over 30 years of winters spent in the forest, doing management and logging, there is a rich knowledge of the woods: trees, their species, the changes in a longer arc of time and the short term impacts of disease, drought and over-harvesting.

TREND, CONTEXTUAL + COMPETITIVE RESEARCH → Having a strong understanding of the history, trends, context and competition around the world will solidify a direction that will help you stand out in a crowded market while not deviating from your core values and ethics that are tied to why you started this business in the first place. It’s this research that arms us with all the information needed to make smart decisions and develop effective strategies.

FOR WOOD/LAND THIS CAME TO LIFE IN THESE WAYS →

Farm to Table / While this is categorized as a trend, it is a more sustainable approach to food production, access to nutritionally dense ingredients, and an opportunity to re-invest in local markets. Aside from creating more circular economies, it also often reduces transportation expenses added to food, making “healthy food” accessible to more groups of people.

The Beauty of Everyday Things / Burl wood is technically a cancerous growth on a tree, something to be removed and cast away, but when turned on a lathe it showcases beautifully intricate grain and spalting induced by stress from injury, fungus, a virus, or insects. By nature, these patterns are one of a kind, a bit of a discovery when processing from a raw state.

Storied Objects / A return to craft is something we have been seeing in the market over the past 5-7 years. In a landscape where many objects have been cost-reduced and mass produced, consumers are showing a willingness to invest in the story, legacy of skills, and stewardship of bringing craft techniques into their homes. (Inspo image by Bobby Mills Studios)

Regenerative + Biodynamic Farming / By definition, regenerative farming is a conservation and rehabilitation approach to food and farming systems focused on six tenants:

topsoil regeneration
improving the water cycle
enhancing the overall ecosystem
supporting bio-sequestration of carbon
increasing resilience to climate change
strengthening the health and vitality of farm soil

By using Biodynamic principles, created by philosopher Rudolph Steiner (also founder of the Waldorf Schools), there is a focus on the holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food, and nutrition. In addition to soil amendments and a focus on the reciprocal biodiversity of nature, this approach also considers the rhythms and cycles of the earth, sun, moon, stars, and planets and seeks to understand the subtle ways that the environment and wider cosmos influence the growth and development of plants and animals.

PHASE 02 : POSITION

INTENTIONAL APPLICATION → We sweat the details and application of the research and discovery. Every design and communication decision is an opportunity to represent your brand values. That opens the door for your brand to make a serious impact on your business. This intention will be the key in making your business stand out and succeed on your terms.

FOR WOOD/LAND THIS MEANT →

Ear to the Ground operates as a tagline for the project. It paints a picture of the physical act of connecting the senses to the soil, but also speaks to the bent towards stewardship — in many ancient cultures, by placing an ear to the ground, a protector could hear the approach of a predator or enemy through the vibrations transmitted through the earth and water

Close-up of burl grain

Close up of mycelium network

PHASE 03 : EXECUTE

EMERGENT EXECUTIONS → Having a strong creative process brings structure and results. This discipline allows for us to know when to break and explore directions that emerge from the process. Being open to finding and discovering new things allows us to have a process that builds on itself to make something distinctive that clearly communicates your values, story and service.

FOR WOOD/LAND THIS CAME TO LIFE IN THESE WAYS →

The branding mark integrates Wood + Land into a nested lock-up that is applied to word-burnishing tools for crates and art objects, veneer wood business cards, packaging tape + materials, and digital applications.

CASE STUDY: WOODLAND