Explore Magazine

Background

Explore, an iconic outdoor media brand with a 42-year heritage, is a leading voice in the Canadian outdoor storytelling space. The brand boasts a highly acclaimed print publication, Explore Magazine, accompanied by a strong online presence including a website, social media platforms, a podcast, an email newsletter, and a YouTube channel. In addition to its media ventures, Explore also offers a quarterly outdoor gear subscription box called the Live the Adventure Club, fostering a community of engaged members and promoting the mission of #InspiringOutdoorExperiences.

Despite its long-standing legacy, Explore recognized the need to rejuvenate its image to resonate with a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts. With substantial brand equity, the challenge was to maintain its heritage while also making it more appealing and relevant to a contemporary audience.

The Opportunity

Explore partnered with the branding and design experts at Relish to revamp its image. The first step was a subtle yet impactful refresh of the brand’s logo, keeping elements that evoked the essence of the great outdoors while introducing contemporary nuances. The aim was to strike a balance between tradition and modernity.

In terms of the Explore Magazine, the focus was on modernizing the layout. The design team incorporated more white space, enhancing readability and visual appeal. Subtle elements were added to emulate the feel of an outdoor journal, bringing a touch of adventure to the pages.

Explore’s sales tools, including its media toolkit, case studies, and pitch decks, were revamped to reflect the brand’s refreshed identity. The new materials were designed to not only showcase the brand’s rich history but also highlight its relevance in today’s outdoor enthusiast landscape.