Natchez, Mississippi, is a city brimming with cultural and historical significance. It is positioned at the intersection of over 15 nationally recognized trails and serves as a terminus of the iconic Natchez Trace.
Renowned for its beautifully preserved historic homes, Natchez draws its name from the Indigenous Natchez people who originally settled the area. Their legacy endures as part of a National Historical Park, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's early roots.
Natchez also holds a pivotal place in the history of the Southern Civil Rights Movement, with emerging attractions dedicated to educating visitors about these transformative events. Today, the city’s charming, walkable downtown—perched atop a 200-foot bluff overlooking the Mississippi River—features unique accommodations, exceptional dining, and boutique shopping, creating a welcoming experience for modern travelers.
Previously, the convention and visitor bureau’s branding showcased a paddle-wheel boat at sunset. While sunsets in Natchez are undoubtedly spectacular, the boat symbol evoked a troubling period in Southern history that overshadowed the city’s rich, multidimensional story. It failed to represent the true character and evolving narrative of Natchez.
The new Visit Natchez logo captures the spirit of the city with a blend of elegance and approachability.
The word “Visit” is rendered in a flowing, script-style font in a warm, earthy tone that evokes both Southern charm and natural beauty. Below it, “Natchez” is set in a bold serif font, with a dramatic flourish on the “N” that mimics the curves of the Mississippi River and hints at the city’s elevated bluff setting. This stylistic contrast between the typefaces symbolizes the balance between Natchez’s rich heritage and its vibrant present.
The color palette—featuring warm browns and deep teals—further reflects the natural landscape, while the overall design feels modern, refined, and welcoming. A Brand Standard Guide outlined not only the appropriate use of the Visit Natchez logo but also the approved companion color palette and accompanying fonts.
The new Visit Natchez tagline seeks to reframe the city’s identity, focusing on its elevated geography and abstract connection to the river. The brand honors Natchez’s legacy by embracing these elements while inviting a broader audience to experience its depth and diversity. The result is a brand that respects loyal visitors' expectations while signaling inclusivity and a fresh perspective to new travelers.
We designed stand-alone tagline graphics and a simple Natchez "N" monogram to extend the brand across social platforms, use in displays and environmental graphics plus a wide range of merchandise.
The brand received a Gold Award in the category of Logo/Letterhead Design at the National Service Industry Advertising Awards and a Silver ADDY® Award in the Logo Design category of the American Advertising Federation Awards.