De Havilland
Reviving a Legendary
Aviation Brand
Overview
Branding, Web Design, Art Direction, Copy Writing
Venture Play breathed new life into the De Havilland name, a legendary Canadian aircraft maker with close to a hundred years of history. Once under Bombardier’s umbrella, De Havilland was ready to stand on its own again. We leaned into its heritage, selecting colors, typography, and design elements that carried its legacy forward. The goal was to renew the brand in a way that spoke to longtime admirers while drawing in fresh audiences. Our work spanned a full identity system: logo, brand suite, digital presence, aircraft styling, and event collateral. With a careful balance of tradition and forward-looking design, we shaped a brand that feels both timeless and contemporary.
Notable mentions: Dylan Smith / John Halliday / Fillipe Biondi
Solution
A Bold New Brand Identity
and Website Experience
As Associate Art Director at Venture Play, I worked on redefining the identity of De Havilland, a Canadian aircraft manufacturer with nearly a century of history. Having recently transitioned out of Bombardier’s portfolio, the company needed more than a logo refresh—it required a system that honored its heritage while positioning it confidently for an independent future.
The project included a refreshed logo, aircraft livery concepts, event collateral, and a suite of supporting visual elements such as typography, color palette, and design treatments. Alongside this, I led the design of the new website, crafted to highlight De Havilland’s legacy while presenting its modern vision. Every detail was considered to balance tradition with forward-looking design, giving the brand a cohesive, contemporary presence rooted in its rich past.
results
Successful Relaunch and Renewed Market Confidence
The revitalized De Havilland brand brought fresh energy to one of aviation’s most historic names. The updated identity and website created a clear and modern representation of the company while honoring its legacy. This transformation strengthened trust with partners and investors, improved visibility in the global aerospace market, and supported the rollout of programs like the Dash 8. The relaunch positioned De Havilland as a competitive force in regional aviation once again, balancing heritage with forward momentum.