OCAD Signature Project – Organic Canada

Organic Canada identifies and promotes Canadian produce that meets the new national organic standards implemented in the summer of 2009.

My OCAD signature project involved generating a name, logo, and materials for an awareness campaign. 

Deliverables included:

  • Logo design
  • A bilingual name (the name proposed by the food inspection agency was “Canadian Organic Regime”)
  • An awareness campaign to teach consumers the significance of the new logo

When I began work in 2008, the initial proposed logo available to the public was English-only and depicted a maple leaf rising between two green hills (the “butt logo”, as it was dubbed by my classmates). I set myself the challenge of creating something more original, fully bilingual, and definitely less butt-like.

The Work

My final logo is composed of an organic apple, a maple leaf and a dinner plate. These different shapes become more apparent after multiple viewings. Both the English and the French fit comfortably and with equal visual importance. The logo has both a contemporary and lasting style.

The typeface I used for this logo and all of its applications was made in Canada. Preface was designed in 2003 by Nick Shinn, RGD.

These transit shelter posters are designed to teach Canadians to recognize the new Organic Canada logo. 

Read more about my design in this National Post column from June 1, 2009.


The double-sided leaflet would be available wherever organic products are sold. I have adapted the written information from the Organic Production Systems General Principles and Management Standards (CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006).

Using Format