National Cannabis Industry Association
CASE STUDY
Building a Scalable Brand for a National Organization.
Over nearly a decade, LMI+D served as NCIA’s trusted design partner—helping shape the organization’s visual identity as it grew in size, influence, and complexity. From the creation of the widely recognized Main Street logo to a full suite of membership level badges and a fold-out Z-Fold brochure, each piece was designed to bring clarity, structure, and credibility to a rapidly evolving membership base.
These branding projects worked together to elevate NCIA’s presence and ensure consistency across communications, recruitment, and engagement—giving the organization a system it could grow into.
Services Provided
Branded Logo Suites | Strategic Design Consulting | Brand Guidelines Development | Non-Profit Association Branding | Long-Term Creative Partnerships
Main Street logo design reflecting community and professionalism for a national association.
The Challenge
As the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) evolved from grassroots advocacy into a national membership organization, it needed a unified brand system to support its rapid growth. LMI+D was brought on to bring cohesion, credibility, and clarity across all member-facing touchpoints.
Main Street social media reflecting community and professionalism for a national association.
"Linda has been NCIA's chief graphic designer for several years and I can't be more happy with her work quality. From event marketing to very long and dry policy white papers, Linda can make anything look beautiful and professional. I couldn't recommend her more."
- Aaron Smith, Chief Executive Officer, National Cannabis Industry Association
Main Street social Event sponsorship guide community and professionalism for a national association.
Our Approach
Since 2014, LMI+D served as NCIA’s brand design partner — building an identity system that could scale. We developed a full suite of membership logos, including the widely recognized NCIA Main Street logo, to support various member tiers and initiatives. A detailed brand guide ensured consistent use across print and digital media.
We also designed a robust membership brochure that clearly communicated value while reflecting the organization’s professional stature. The visual system needed to be flexible, accessible, and built to last — and it was.
Three-tier membership logo system showing seedling, blooming, and evergreen designs representing stages of organizational growth.
Membership Logo System
LMI+D developed a tiered logo system to represent NCIA’s membership levels through clear, symbolic visuals rooted in nature and growth. Each tier reinforces a stage in the member journey while maintaining cohesion within the NCIA brand.
Seedling membership logo design featuring sprouting roots to symbolize foundational growth and early engagement within the organization.
Seedling
Symbolizes early growth and strong foundational roots. This entry-level tier reflects members just beginning their journey with NCIA.
Blooming membership logo design illustrating a cannabis plant in full flower to represent peak involvement and professional development.
Blooming
Represents a thriving member at their peak—fully engaged, active, and in full professional flourish.
Evergreen membership logo design with strong, mature plant imagery symbolizing long-term commitment, resilience, and established leadership.
Evergreen
Conveys maturity, resilience, and long-term commitment. This top tier signals strength, legacy, and deep-rooted involvement in the organization.
Close-up of brochure design emphasizing hierarchy, clarity, and brand consistency.
Branded Z-Fold brochure showcasing NCIA membership benefits in a dynamic pullout format.
The Outcome
NCIA’s visual identity grew with the organization for nearly a decade. Despite industry challenges and leadership transitions, the branding elements designed by LMI+D are still in use today — a testament to their clarity, utility, and strategic value. The design system helped establish trust, elevate NCIA's professional voice, and provide a foundation for future communications.
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