Good Work, Good Partnerships

For more than a decade, 5 by 5 Design has partnered with the state of Minnesota and has collaborated with numerous departments, agencies, and state-led organizations.

As a certified Targeted Group vendor, we understand the importance of balancing statewide brand standards with the unique needs of individual agencies and the communities they serve. From statewide campaigns to brand development and public-facing resources, our work with state agencies has always centered on a shared goal—making a meaningful difference for Minnesotans. And we’re excited to continue that work with three new state projects!

Past client, the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology, has asked for our help updating their current system of forms to be more user-friendly and aligned with state accessibility standards. Effective communication means more than sharing the right information—it means making sure people can access, understand, and use it.

For the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), we’re focusing on making complex information more approachable and digestible. To accomplish this, we will help determine the best strategy and messages for each audience to reduce barriers and make resources more useful to the people they’re intended to serve.

We’re also working with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education on a brand audit and recommendations for its SELF loan program. This research will take a closer look at the program’s existing brand, identify opportunities for improvement, and provide strategic recommendations to help guide its future direction.

Our state experience has taught us that effective public-sector communications require more than just eye-catching design. Behind every message, resource, or program are real people looking for information they can trust and use. We listen, collaborate, and use a design-thinking approach to create engaging communications and accomplish project goals.

Here’s to more good work that helps make a difference across Minnesota.