Request for Proposals:
Branding and Design Services for the Near North Makerspace

Issued by: Near North Makerspace
Budget: $4,000 CAD (all-inclusive)
Deadline to Submit Proposal: April 28th, 2025

Background:

The Near North Makerspace is a new community-driven initiative. This project grew out of a shared space used by local organisations offering free arts workshops to different communities—including youth and artists with lived experience of mental health. What began as a practical space-sharing arrangement has evolved into a broader vision: a shared, inclusive Makerspace open to the wider community.

With initial grant funding secured, we’re launching a pilot phase of the Makerspace. It will offer access to digital, media, print, and visual arts equipment, supporting individual creators and small organizations running community-based programs. We aim to create a welcoming and flexible environment at 108 Main St East, where artists, hobbyists and groups can make things, learn new skills, and connect.

This is a grassroots, collaborative project built on values of accessibility, inclusion, and peer-to-peer learning. We’re looking for a designer who is excited to work with a small team on a meaningful project that supports creative expression and community building in North Bay.

Scope of Work:

We are seeking a designer or small studio to create a warm, approachable visual identity for the Near North Makerspace. Deliverables will include:

• Logo Design (primary and secondary versions)
• Visual Identity System (colour palette, typography, iconography, etc.)
• Style Guide / Brand Book (PDF)
• Templates for Print, Web, and Presentation Use, including:
  • Flyers, posters, signage
  • Social media posts and event graphics
  • Presentation slides (PowerPoint or Google Slides)
• Digital and Print-Ready Asset Package, including:
  • Logo files in various formats (vector and raster)
  • Colour and typography guides (with codes and licensing info)
  • Branded social media assets (profile images, banners, favicon)
  • Any patterns, icons, or graphic elements created as part of the identity

We welcome proposals from individuals, teams, or organizations, and we encourage applications from equity-deserving communities.

Timeline:

Project start: Early May 2025
Project completion: On or Before June 30, 2025

Budget:

Our total budget for this work is $4,000 CAD, inclusive of all design time, revisions, and any licensing costs. This is a grant-funded pilot project being developed by a small team, so clarity around pricing and deliverables is appreciated.

Who We’re Looking For:

We welcome proposals from designers or studios who:

• Have experience creating brand identities for community-based or nonprofit organizations
• Can work collaboratively with a small team
• Understand and reflect values of accessibility, inclusion, and creativity
• Can deliver all assets within the project timeline and budget

How to Submit:

Please email your proposal to Sharon Switzer at [email protected] with the subject line “Makerspace Branding Proposal.” Include the following:

• A short proposal including:
  • An introduction to you/your team
  • A brief outline of your approach and process
  • Confirmation of your availability and estimated timeline for delivery
  • Confirmation of your total fee
  • Portfolio or samples of relevant work

Deadline to submit: April 28, 2025