Troy alumni rebrand downtown Troy

Four Troy University alumni redesigned downtown Troy’s brand for a fresh, new look.  The brand refresh includes updated colors, new logos and a new presence on social media. 

The company behind this revitalized look is Studio 207. Founded by Reanna Thompson, Jared Hester, Howard Purvee and Nathan Hobbs, the group was not sure if they would be chosen for the job. 

University Relations photo

A billboard for downtown Troy stands in front of a Troy water tower.

“It was actually a huge leap of faith,” said Chief Executive Officer Reanna Thompson. “We met Leigh Anne Windham from the City at the Idea Bank, and she said she would love to hear us out. 

“We worked on a possible new logo and branding for downtown Troy, almost an entire brand campaign, with no promise of getting the job. We pitched the project, and she ended up loving it.” 

The redesign process for downtown took some time. However, most of the work was done before they were guaranteed the job. 

Thompson shared a bit of insight into the group’s creative process. 

“The redesign process took about two months,” Thompson said. “We did a lot of the heavy lifting with no promise of getting the project.  

“We thrifted postcards from a thrift store downtown called Burlap and Silk, and we sat outside the Idea Bank and watched people. We watched them go to business meetings, lunch, grab an afternoon coffee, kids being taken to dance class.” 

After being told they got the job, Studio 207 was excited to get started. They could officially start working to help the community they watched and love. 

“We love this community,” Thompson said. “We got an amazing education from Troy University, and we wanted to give back what our school gave to us.” 

The upstart graphic design company has already made a big splash, helping rebrand not only downtown Troy but also Troy Regional and the Idea Bank. However, they say their work with small businesses is equally important. 

“The smaller businesses are what make Troy keep moving,” Thompson said. “They are the grunt work behind the big companies.  

“They are just as important as Troy Regional or downtown Troy.  

We are a small business, and we get to work with people we never thought possible.  

Behind the business name, we are all just people trying to make a living.” 

After completing the downtown Troy rebrand, Studio 207 is excited to get started on its next project, named “Go Local.” 

“Our next project is ‘Go Local’, which is a sister campaign under the city of Troy, with downtown,” Thompson said. “Go local is a campaign that showcases all the local businesses in Troy, and we are working to rebrand this as well.” 

Studio 207’s full campaign can be seen on Downtown Troy’s Facebook page at facebook.com/downtowntroy. Those interested in seeing more of Studio 207’s work outside of downtown Troy can visit their website at studio207.design.