Novella Brandhouse

05/08/2026

A brand new look for ! 🐻📚

When they came to us for a refresh, we built a full visual brand system that honors their roots while boldly reflecting their growth. This was especially important with the groundbreaking of a new building, a 57,000-square-foot primary school that nearly doubles their capacity.

With a diverse range of programs, clubs, and learning pathways, they needed a brand system flexible enough to give each one its own identity while keeping everything unmistakably Brookside Charter. 

The beauty of a cohesive identity is that it brings students, parents, staff, and board members together around a shared story. 🐾🌳

04/06/2026

Two of Kansas City’s top youth soccer clubs—Toca FC and KC Fusion—recently came together to form Toca Fusion. With that merger came the opportunity to build something new without losing what made each club matter to its members in the first place.

Novella took on the full brand build: visual identity, brand messaging, launch talking points, and a rollout communications strategy designed to reach both club communities in a way that felt cohesive and intentional. The goal was a brand that honored the legacy of each club while giving Toca Fusion an identity it could grow into. The final product is something we’re really proud of.

03/13/2026

Couldn’t do it without each and every one of ‘em! Can you guess who is who?? 👶

02/20/2026

In the spirit of the Olympic medals we’re seeing lately, we wanted to share the GOLD we took home last year at the Philly Awards! 🏆

First is an invitation we designed for University Academy Foundation’s Annual Gala. Designing the yearly invitation has become a Novella tradition over the past several years!

Second is the Show Me KC School Guide, a valuable resource for parents navigating school options across the KC area. This is also a yearly collaboration that we have carried on since 2018!

We are so thankful for our amazing clients and all that they do for the KC community!

02/18/2026

Now that the Super Bowl buzz has settled, we've had time to dig into what actually worked in this year's ad lineup and why. In the latest issue of The Note, we're breaking down the strategies behind the most memorable spots and showing you how to apply those same principles to your marketing, minus the $8 million budget.

Whether you're planning your next campaign or looking for smarter ways to connect with your audience, these takeaways are built for businesses or non-profits of any size.

Read on: novellabrandhouse.com/super-bowl-2026-ads-what-small-businesses-can-learn-from-the-8-million-big-game/

01/23/2026

Here's another look at the latest school guide we created for Show Me KC Schools! 🤩

We always look forward to this yearly collaboration. It’s a strong example of how consistent, repeatable content builds trust and creates lasting impact within a local community.

01/19/2026

A recent project we’re proud to share: the 2025 School Guide for Show Me KC Schools! 🍎

We’ve partnered with Show Me KC Schools since developing their full visual brand in 2018, and have collaborated on this annual guide every year since.

The guide serves as a valuable resource for parents navigating school options across the Kansas City area.

We always look forward to working with Show Me KC Schools and are already excited for what’s next! 📚

01/15/2026

Yesterday, our marvelous copy editor, Mary Toplikar Cooper, celebrated her birthday!

We’re so thankful for her careful eye and attention to detail on our written projects.

Mary, may this next year bring you lots of joy! 🎉

01/09/2026

Typography does more than make your brand look good, it shapes how your business is perceived.

In this week's blog, we break down why typography is one of the most powerful (and often overlooked) elements of a strong visual identity, influencing clarity, credibility, and consistency across every touchpoint—from your website and emails to packaging and marketing materials.

Learn how typography shapes brand perception and helps businesses look polished, credible, and consistent.

01/06/2026

Take a look at the brand design we created for Driven Development, a housing non-profit created by VanTrust Real Estate. 🏠

They came to us with a vision: to create a brand that actually moves the needle in affordable housing. Not just talk, but real action and impact.

We named and branded Driven Development, crafting the messaging, logo, and visual system to reflect this approach while staying hopeful and community-driven.

The result is a brand built to inspire donors, partners, and residents alike—and to support long-term stability for the people it serves.