Strengthening Cold Islanders’ Identity Through Design

This is the story of how Ryoko Finnerty, a talented Skilled Volunteer, worked with Tamera Heron and the team at Cold Islanders to create a new logo and refreshed brand identity that truly reflects their vibrant mission of celebrating Caribbean culture and community.

The Organisation

Cold Islanders is a community initiative dedicated to cultivating connection, creativity, and learning within the Caribbean community. From art classes and panel talks to wellness sessions and intention-setting dinners, their events bring people together across generations to celebrate heritage, share stories, and strengthen community bonds.

The Project

As a small, volunteer-run organisation, Cold Islanders knew how important it was to have a strong and professional brand identity but didn’t have the time or resources to focus on it themselves. That’s where Link UP London stepped in, connecting them with a Skilled Volunteer to help design a logo, visual identity, and brand kit that would carry their work forward.

Ryoko set out to create not just a logo, but a full brand system that included social media frames, an email signature, lanyards, and badges. By exploring Cold Islanders’ existing posts and website, Ryoko immersed herself in their story, values, and culture, making sure the new designs felt authentic and aligned with the community they serve.

The Skilled Volunteer

Ryoko brought creativity and curiosity to the project, as well as a willingness to try new tools – using Canva for the first time to deliver some of the work. She admitted that managing the timeline was a challenge, but thanks to Tamera’s approachable and supportive leadership, she was able to complete the work without feeling overwhelmed.

Reflecting on the experience, Ryoko said:
“I came to learn about aspects of history and culture I hadn’t previously engaged with and was deeply moved to discover such wonderful events where people of all ages come together. This experience reminded me of how meaningful it is to spend time with others and be part of a community. It deepened my appreciation for human connection and the value of coming together.”

The Impact

With Ryoko’s help, Cold Islanders now have a brand identity that feels professional, consistent, and true to their mission. They can use their new branding guide to create templates across all of their marketing, giving them stronger external communications and helping the community recognise their brand both online and in person.

Tamera described the project as “Exceptionally Professional” and shared how much of a difference the support made:

“As a small volunteer-run organisation, we don’t have the time or money to pour as much as we’d like into our work. Link UP London lifted a weight off our shoulders by connecting us with a creative professional who has strengthened our brand identity and helped us keep moving forward.”

Making a Lasting Difference

This partnership between Ryoko and Cold Islanders shows the power of skilled volunteering to amplify the work of grassroots organisations. With a clearer identity and stronger presence, Cold Islanders are better equipped to reach their community, celebrate their heritage, and continue building spaces for connection and creativity.