Co+Lab Makerspace, Billings Public Library
Billings
,
 Montana
Graphic Design
Visioning & Branding

Designing a makerspace brand for creativity and community.

When the Billings Public Library created Co+Lab, they envisioned a makerspace where people of all ages could learn new skills and experiment with new tools—from 3D printing and coding to sewing and sound recording. The space needed a brand that could capture that dynamic energy, and be simple enough for the library’s day-to-day communication needs.

We designed an identity system built on geometric forms, bold STEAM-inspired colors, and clean typography that feels both playful and practical. Each element connects to a subject area—science, technology, engineering, art, and math—so the visuals serve as wayfinding as well as branding. The grid-and-void logo structure functions as a toolkit, giving the library adaptable pieces they can apply across posters, signage, websites, and wall graphics. Clear, modern typography makes for quick, legible reading and scales seamlessly from small labels to large displays.

The identity comes to life in the Makerspace Passport, a tool that tracks participation through stamps tied to each STEAM category. For users, it turns learning into an ongoing journey. For the library, it creates a ready-made system for engagement, making programs easy to promote and measure.

With this identity, Co+Lab has a magnetic brand that is approachable, flexible, and built to last. It supports the library’s mission, strengthens the user experience, and reinforces the idea that creativity is open to all.

Copyright © 2025 A&E & SMA Design
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