Context

Nommo is a platform dedicated to African literature, connecting readers with stories by emerging and established writers across the continent and diaspora. The founders needed a brand identity that honored cultural depth while remaining contemporary and digitally native.

Our approach

We explored language, pattern, and rhythm — using oral tradition as inspiration for both tone and visuals. The brand had to feel local yet borderless, literary yet accessible.

The name Nommo comes from a Dogon concept meaning “word” or “power of speech” — it captured the heart of the project in a single sound.

Visual identity

The logotype is bold and rhythmic, with letterforms inspired by both African typography and modern editorial design. The color palette draws from textiles — deep ochres, warm earth tones, and rich blues. We developed a pattern system inspired by storytelling structures — linear, spiral, layered.

Outcome

Nommo launched with strong traction in its first year, gaining visibility across book festivals, cultural institutions, and digital communities. The brand helped unify a diverse contributor base and give visibility to a new generation of storytellers.