Ishkōdé Records

about

Ishkōdé Records is an Indigenous, women-owned record label dedicated to fostering and amplifying Indigenous voices in the music industry. As a designer, I played a key role in shaping their visual identity and enhancing their outreach efforts.

info

Tools : Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, Notion

Category : Graphic Design, Branding

branding

In collaboration with the label’s owner and manager, I restructured the existing branding guidelines to create a more user-focused document, grounded in thorough audience research. This process involved aligning the label’s guiding principles with the needs and expectations of their audience.

The creative decisions were deeply informed by strategic analysis, ensuring that every element of the guidelines reflected the intersection of the label’s values and their audience’s preferences. The result was a cohesive and research-driven framework designed to promote brand consistency and audience engagement.

key contributions

  • Designed graphic assets for print and social media, ensuring brand cohesion and an appropriate representation of indigenous artists.
  • Directed micro-campaigns to spotlight Indigenous creators, celebrating their artistry and fostering deeper connections with the community.
  • Strengthened the label’s presence on social media by curating engaging content and driving community engagement through storytelling.
  • Combined creative design with strategic thinking to elevate Indigenous talent and build a thriving online community that reflects the label’s mission.

trailblaizer of the month

This Instagram campaign was crafted around the concept of a “trailblazer”—an Indigenous pioneer and innovator—celebrating artistic expression and cultural innovation. The series was designed to resonate with the label’s audience by featuring Indigenous artistry in a way that felt authentic and engaging.

As an Indigenous-owned label that promotes Indigenous artists, I uncovered a key insight: the audience values more than just music related updates—they are also drawn to educational content that fosters a connection to culture and community. This campaign successfully bridged that gap, highlighting the intersection of creativity, heritage, and artistry.

community feature

The Community Feature Series was proposed as a strategy to promote Instagram engagement while creating a collaborative platform for Indigenous creators. This initiative spotlights other Indigenous artists, promoting their art and products to the label’s audience.

By highlighting the collaborative spirit inherent in marginalized communities, this series not only strengthened ties within the creative network but also enriched the label’s social media presence with community-driven content. It served as a bridge, celebrating shared heritage while growing meaningful connections between creators and audiences.

pushing boundaries

As a designer, I was driven to continuously learn and explore new ways to create meaningful content for the label’s audience. This approach led to the development of videos such as “What Does It Mean to Be Non-Binary and Two-Spirit in Indigenous Cultures?”

By leveraging moments like Pride Month, I aimed to spark fresh conversations around modern topics of inclusivity, framed through the lens of ancient Indigenous worldviews. This content not only resonated with the audience but also highlighted the label’s commitment to embracing and celebrating diverse identities within their community.