Visual voices for animal advocates
We are dedicated to uplifting animal advocates through design. We recognize the importance of being understood, having a strong voice, and influencing perceptions to garner support and trust in the movement and beyond.
Often, visual design can fall to the bottom of an organization’s priority list. This is where we come in – we help lay a strong design foundation so that you can focus on your mission.
Why should changemakers care about design?
Visual design is more than just “pretty” – it majorly influences the way people perceive your messaging, both inside and outside of the animal advocacy space. It is also a strong tool you can use to amplify your work and break into new spaces, forge new connections, or even unify your own team. Learn more about how design can impact your work.
Our Values
Compassion
We understand that expressing your brand's story through design can be tough. We're committed to open communication and handling your important messages with empathy and care.
Inclusion
We believe in fairness and justice. We are against discrimination in any form, and have a commitment to helping organizations from all around the world who are working to create change.
Authenticity
We are visual translators, here to partner with and support advocates, not impose our own perspective. The visual designs we create represent your voice, not ours.
Quality
We will work to create the highest quality final product that we can. Each project we agree to take on will be treated with high importance.
Our Team
Kate Rodman
Co-Founder | Creative Director
Kate has created countless brands over the years for small businesses, nonprofits, tech firms, and government programs. Proficient in branding, illustration, print, and web design, she loves working in a variety of styles. Her favorite part of being a designer is meeting others who are equally as passionate about what they do, and bringing their visions to life! Beyond design, she enjoys cooking, gardening, and playing tabletop board games.
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David van Beveren
Co-Founder | Strategic Director
David is Founder and President of Vegan Hacktivists. In 2019, he created the organization to address gaps in technology & data for the animal protection movement. Prior to Vegan Hacktivists, he ran a software company for K-12 and higher education institutions across the U.S. David is passionate about technology and capacity building. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, watching anime, and playing handpan.
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Gabrielė Bernotaite
Communications Director
Gabrielė is the voice behind Violet Studios’ written content. She advises organizations and individual activists on how to fight for animals through effective communication and social media. Leveraging her background in communications, Gabrielė understands how to connect with readers and helps advocates establish a closer relationship with their audiences. Outside work, she enjoys cafe-hopping all over the globe, exploring museums and art galleries, and going out for an occasional run.
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Thomas van den Heuvel
Senior Motion Designer
Thomas has been working in design for almost 15 years. He specializes in character-driven explainer animations, but considers himself a design generalist. He loves collaborating with people who have a shared passion for education, science and social change. Thomas has been actively working with animal advocacy non-profits since 2016. In his free time he loves doing outdoor activities, reading, trying new restaurants, and doing martial arts.
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Elizabeth Leach
Senior Web Designer
Elizabeth is dedicated to creating unique and thoughtful solutions that promote a more equitable, compassionate world. She has enjoyed working on a wide range of design and illustration projects over the past decade, but these days she is particularly drawn to web design. She likes to unplug by taking long walks in the woods, getting lost in a book, cuddling with sanctuary animals, and drawing.
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Leanne Bowers
Senior Designer
Leanne specializes in corporate design and enhancing established brands. She loves adding an artistic touch through illustration. Beyond design, Leanne enjoys cozy couch co-op video games and tabletop board games. She's a perpetual learner, exploring random topics on the internet, and transforming childhood recipes into delicious vegan dishes. In her downtime, you'll find her cuddled up with her beloved cats.
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Luuly Truong
Senior Brand Designer
Luuly is a brand designer whose purpose is to shine a light on causes that create social change. With more than a decade of expertise, she creates meaningful, audience-focused experiences. Luuly enjoys all forms of art, including performing arts! She likes to experiment with making her own versions of restaurant dishes, being in nature, learning kalimba and piano, and watching dramas.
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Join Our Team
Are you a designer who is passionate about making a difference? Did you know you could use your skills for animals? We’re always looking for dedicated design professionals to work with us.
We’re looking for designers with experience in branding, web design, social media graphics, illustration, and more!
Our Sister Org
We are originally the design team from Vegan Hacktivists, a passionate group of animal advocates from all over the world. Today, we partner with VH for the development of our web designs and collaborate on the design of VH-led projects.
Branding for New Initiatives
We’re proud to offer design services to qualifying organizations launched and accelerated through ProVeg's Kickstarting for Good incubator! Pro-bono branding and web design can be critical in the early stages of a launch – attracting funders, partners, audience members, and more. Apply for the program here!
Our brand is inspired by the idea that flowering plants use vibrant visuals, like ultraviolet light patterns, to attract pollinators. Design isn’t only about beauty – it's also about strategic communication, about helping people see you.
At the core of what we do is shining light on the hidden, making the invisible, visible. We're all about showcasing the unsung heroes, these amazing organizations and activists doing incredible work. We take concepts that are hard to put into words and turn them into visuals that speak volumes. We want everyone to open their eyes to the suffering of animals, something that is right under our noses but often goes unnoticed or unconsidered by so many.