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When The Branson School decided on courage as the theme of their next magazine, they needed writers who could tell those stories best.

For a Q&A on the school’s theater director Maura Vaughn, that writer was parent Guy Raz from NPR fame. For a story about Helen Dewar, a Branson alumna and famous Capitol Hill reporter, it was Elisabeth Leamy, journalist, author for the Washington Post and Good Morning America and also an alumna. And for a story about Anne Bennett, who is embedded in international development and press freedom in Africa, they selected Muench Strategic Communications.

With a previous career in journalism and a master’s degree in international development, along with first-hand understanding of developing countries and experience with nonprofits and independent schools, this story was in my sweet spot. But more than that, I had a passion for it.

I couldn’t wait to interview Anne, whose courage and work fascinated me. I had so many questions for her, and what we originally scheduled for an hour and a half interview turned into two and a half hours with a follow-up call a week later for another hour. Our conversation was invigorating, interesting and comprehensive: in other words, it made for a great story.

Read the story

Choosing the right assets

The Branson School chose to invest in something many organizations overlook: the right assets to tell their story.

The school recognized that to ensure the magazine was not only read but also internalized, it needed to elicit a deep sense of pride and be worth a spot on every reader’s coffee table. To do it, they needed to give each story its best opportunity to be told.

The result was an overwhelmingly popular issue among the school’s many audiences and stakeholders and something that showcases Branson’s global impact.

Passion makes perfect

Stories are elevated when written with passion. A writer’s enthusiasm infuses vitality into their work, captivating readers with authenticity and depth. Passion fuels creativity, driving writers to delve deeper, explore nuances and infuse emotion into their storytelling.

When an author is passionate about their subject matter, they invest themselves fully, resulting in richer narratives that resonate with audiences. Passion ignites a fire within writers, compelling them to craft stories with care and conviction. It transforms words into vivid imagery, evoking powerful emotions and fostering a deeper connection between the story and its readers.

Ultimately, passion imbues stories with a sense of purpose and authenticity, making them more compelling, memorable, and impactful. And passion combined with experience and talent is a power-packed punch for creating the best magazines, cases for support, videos, campaign collateral and messaging for your audiences, who will strengthen their support because of it, ultimately creating a strong, healthy organization far into the future.

At Muench, we’re committed to finding the passion in every engagement we take on and using our talent and experience to tell the best stories. A story that moves us is a story that moves our clients. And we are honored to be able to showcase the amazing work they do every day — with passion.

Photo by Olympia de Maismont

Over the years, we’ve been a part of making history with our clients. From celebrating centennial campaigns to winning elections, we’ve walked right alongside them and into the future.

With 360° communications, we’ve changed hearts, moved minds and powered philanthropy to new levels through our current and previous work as Launch Media Consulting and with Marts&Lundy. Let us add you to our list:

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The northeast Ohio natives had the philanthropic power to make an impact, but as self-described contrarians, the couple looked to give where others didn’t — and where their values and roots aligned. 

As the founder of Dots, Bob had created a national apparel chain focusing on affordable clothing for women especially in urban areas. JoAnn, an RN who practiced at inner-city hospitals, had seen community healthcare up close. Her mother was a nurse, and her father was a doctor who refused to practice at a hospital that didn’t accept Black patients. 

“Like Hamilton — one last shot — we wanted to be sure the money was spent to do good, and we wanted to know there was an ROI on our investment, that people would really benefit from it,” Bob Glick said.

In the ever-evolving landscape of strategic communications, the role of design and how it evolves have become increasingly crucial in shaping and visualizing the future.

Design is not just about aesthetics; it is a powerful tool that aids in communicating the vision and values of an organization. Let’s explore the significance of design and the five main ways it helps organizations articulate their future, inspire audiences, and build a strong support base.

1. Design as a strategic asset

Design goes beyond creating visually appealing materials; it serves as a strategic asset for organizations aiming to convey complex ideas and future goals. Strategic design thinking involves aligning visual elements with organizational objectives, ensuring that every graphic communicates a specific message. Whether it’s a logo, website, or marketing collateral, thoughtful design can create a cohesive and compelling narrative about where the organization is headed.

“When I begin work with my clients, I love to dive into their organization to figure out what makes it tick and where they want to go,” said Bill Brassil, founder of Creative Commune, Muench design partner. “Strategic thinking comes first and from there the possibilities are endless.”

2. Supporting great storytelling

Great storytelling is an art that captivates and engages audiences, making them feel connected to the narrative. Design plays a pivotal role in enhancing storytelling by providing a visual framework that complements the organization’s message. Imagery, color schemes and typography contribute to the overall narrative, evoking emotions and making the story more memorable. When design and storytelling work hand in hand, they create a powerful synergy that resonates with your audiences.

3. Inspiring audiences

One of the primary functions of design is to inspire. An organization’s future vision can be brought to life through carefully crafted visuals that ignite passion and excitement. A well-designed visual can spark curiosity, generate interest, and motivate individuals to explore more about the organization’s goals. This inspiration is a driving force that encourages people to get on board with supporting the organization’s mission.

“We often talk about design as ‘look and feel,’ but to me, it’s much more than that,” said Muench founder Sarah Muench. “Design is a catalyst that makes the first connection between the audience and what the organization is trying to achieve. It’s a beautiful window that invites you in and on an immersive tour.”

4. Creating a memorable brand identity

In the competitive philanthropic and business landscapes, a memorable brand identity is crucial for long-term success. Graphic design plays a central role in crafting an identity that reflects the values and aspirations of the organization. Consistent use of design elements across various platforms helps in establishing a recognizable and trustworthy brand. When audiences can easily identify and connect with an organization’s visual identity, it strengthens the bond and fosters a sense of loyalty.

5. Building a supportive community

Effective design doesn’t just attract attention; it fosters a sense of community. When people feel visually connected to an organization’s mission and future goals, they are more likely to become advocates and supporters. From social media graphics to event promotions, design creates touchpoints that enable individuals to engage with the organization. As a result, a supportive community forms, contributing to the overall success and sustainability of the organization.

In the dynamic landscape of organizations, design is not merely a creative embellishment but a strategic tool that helps visualize the future. Graphic design, in particular, is a powerful means of storytelling that inspires and engages audiences. By weaving a compelling narrative through design, organizations can not only communicate their vision effectively but also build a loyal community of supporters. The transformative potential of design shapes the way we perceive and contribute to the future.