Empowering and uniting hairstylists across Ontario.
Ontario Professional Hairstylist Association
2021 Brand Refresh
The Ontario Professional Hairstylist Association (OPHA) advocates for industry standards, education, and community among professional hairstylists across the province. As the organization evolved, its visual identity struggled to keep pace. The existing logo lacked flexibility across digital platforms, and the broader brand lacked the cohesion needed to connect with an audience that values aesthetics and professionalism.
As lead designer, I refreshed the existing identity to improve usability and recognition while preserving the familiarity members already knew and trusted. The result was a contemporary brand system designed to support OPHA's growth and position it as a credible voice within the industry.
The goal wasn't reinvention. OPHA had already established recognition within the industry, but the identity needed to evolve. I preserved key elements of the existing logo while refining its typography, proportions, and spacing to improve clarity and create a more polished expression of the brand.
The refreshed identity honoured OPHA's history while presenting a more contemporary image to current and prospective members.
One of the biggest challenges was flexibility. The original logo functioned well at large sizes but struggled in digital environments where adaptability is essential.
I developed responsive logo variations, including an icon designed specifically for social media applications, ensuring the brand remained recognizable across websites, newsletters, and mobile platforms. Improved colour accessibility and an expanded palette further strengthened the system's usability.
Before this project, OPHA had no formal brand guidelines. I created a comprehensive visual system that established clear standards for typography, colour, logo usage, and communications.
The resulting toolkit supported implementation across social media, email newsletters, stationery, and future digital touchpoints. Introduced in 2021, the identity continues to be used today, providing OPHA with a lasting foundation for member engagement and brand recognition.
