Sustainable brands that lead: The power of visual storytelling
Communicate your Purpose via Story, Design, and Art
As sustainability moves from being a nice-to-have to a must-have, storytelling is a key differentiator. Some of the world’s best brands use powerful visual communication tools to help engage customers with their purpose. The brands that lead don’t simply measure their impact—they find diverse ways to articulate it—including design and visuals that inspire collective action.
Where Data Meets Design—Visual Storytelling Matters
No matter the nature of your organization, clean, bold visuals can elevate your story, helping audiences intuitively grasp its impact. Simplicity isn’t minimalism—it’s intentionality. It’s about delivering your sustainability story with clarity and elegance, letting purpose shine through every touch point, every detail. Wa has worked with world-class brands like Disney to shape impact stories and connect with audiences. And there are some we haven’t worked with—yet... but that we admire.
1. Patagonia—clothing and adventure brand
Patagonia has a key message that shines through every aspect of its brand—customers understand its integrity and know that they’re in business to save our planet.
Design Elements: Bold, high-quality photography of nature and people in action; clean layouts with minimal distractions; raw, authentic visuals that show the impact of environmental challenges.
Visual Impact: Patagonia’s visuals tell a story of responsibility, urgency, and connection to the outdoors, making customers feel like co-activists in their mission.
2. Longleaf Valley—mobile gaming
It’s a growing phenomenon in the gaming space that purpose mixes with play. And Longleaf Valley, an award-winning mobile game, uses visuals, design, and interactive experience to showcase its message to “rebuild the forest, one tree at a time.”
Design Elements: Whimsical, vibrant illustrations; a soft, earthy color palette; engaging visuals that merge gameplay with environmental restoration.
Visual Impact: The playful yet purposeful visuals draw customers into an interactive narrative, making environmental restoration feel approachable, rewarding, and fun.
3. IKEA—furniture for the people
The idea of a circular economy is becoming more mainstream. And IKEA is talking about it. They understand that their key brand message—helping to build a better everyday life for the people—must be backed up with action.
Design Elements: Simple, modern infographics; lifestyle photography featuring sustainable products in real-life settings; bright, optimistic design that emphasizes accessibility.
Visual Impact: IKEA’s visuals demystify sustainability, showing how small, achievable changes—like energy-saving furniture or recycling systems—can make a collective impact.
Why your brand needs to consider design and visuals
Leading ESG, impactful, purpose-first brands use visuals not as decoration but as mediums to amplify their message. With principles of cohesion and consistency, they know smart, considered visuals can simplify complexity, inspire action, and create an emotional bond, leaving their customers with one clear takeaway: You’re part of the impact.