Bolt needed a logo that could eventually sit comfortably on apparel or sportswear, and be embossed, etched, embroidered, and printed. We developed a geometric symbol that could bridge the worlds of bio-technology and consumer products. Within the logo are a number of subtle meanings and connotations. Its cyclical helix-like dimensional quality implies materiality while also sitting comfortably within a universe of recyclable and biodegradable symbols. The linear structure bears a resemblance to both protein helix structures, threads around a spindle, and a silk cocoon—the original inspiration for the inception of the company and its resulting venture into bioengineered spider silk.

Bolt Threads is a leading voice in the advocacy of sustainable materials, challenging the status quo with a mission-driven point of view that stewards for people and the planet. The typographic voice in the brand identity was important in establishing the right tone for the brand. We opted for the unusual typeface Elephant. The typeface’s unapologetically bold stance, with odd visual quirks, has an idiosyncratic warmth and character which provided the perfect tone for Bolt’s optimistic-yet-slightly provovative tone. We contrasted Elephant with a delicate and intentional use of Plantin—an old style serif that brings both a tone of scientific academia, and a humanist sensibility.

Bolt Threads looks at the world through a scientist’s eye and employs an end-to-end approach to materials development—from R&D, product development, brand partnership, through to direct-to-consumer channels. They evaluate sustainability and product development through a unique framework that aims to make significant improvements at every stage of the product development and use. We employed the vernacular of flow-charts as a dynamic graphic system that could succinctly convey their approach.