Request for Proposal: Design the Virginia Zoo’s 125th Anniversary Logo

Proposals due: August 30, 2025 by 4pm

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk wishes to establish a new logo that can be used throughout its 125th anniversary celebration in 2026 to celebrate the many years of saving the world’s wildlife and their ecosystems. The Zoo is seeking a creative, qualified freelance graphic designer or design firm located in the state of Virginia to partner with to create a dynamic graphic logo for anniversary marketing materials. 

All questions and proposals sent to:

Kirstin Pendleton, Senior Marketing & Digital Specialist, [email protected]

Budget for anniversary logo: $2,500

Goal for anniversary logo launch: December 2025

1. Virginia Zoo Overview 

The Virginia Zoo, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is home to more than 700 exceptional animals representing over 150 fascinating species. Founded in 1901 and residing on 53 beautifully landscaped acres, the Virginia Zoo has demonstrated a commitment to saving and protecting the world’s wildlife by inspiring a passion for nature and taking conservation action at home and around the world. The Virginia Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is recognized as a global leader in education, recreation, science, wildlife conservation, and animal care and welfare. For more than a century, the Zoo has connected adults, families and school children with the natural world and its wildlife. 

2. Scope of Work

The scope of the project will extend from initial concept to creation and include:  

  • Present 2‐3 concepts for a new logo for consideration
  • A minimum of two revisions of the selected logo following concept review, working closely with the Virginia Zoo’s Communications Team. 
  • Providing a final high-resolution digital file in vector format (.EPS) of the approved logo in full‐color, single color, and grayscale formats. 
  • Meeting all design requirements outlined below.

3. Proposal Requirements 

Please include the following in your proposal response: 

  • Overview of yourself/company with contact information
  • Resume of your education, experience, and qualifications
  • A sketch of proposed designs (attached rendering preferred)
    • Artist/Designer retains the rights to any concepts or imagery provided until purchased by the Virginia Zoo. 
  • 3-5 work samples, or link to online portfolio 
  • Design references
  • Estimated timeline for completion

4. Design Requirements

Your proposed logo design must meet the following criteria:

  • The words “Virginia Zoo in Norfolk” and number 125 must be included
  • Design should be unique and clearly depict the Zoo
  • Logo should be clean and easily translated to digital and print formats
  • If including animals, must only use exact species housed at the Virginia Zoo (refer to Virginia Zoo website)
  • All art must be original designs (no AI usage or copying of other entity designs will be permitted)
  • Designs must follow Virginia Zoo brand guide (though secondary colors may be used as primary colors in the logo)
  • Vector files will be required. Full color logo will be primary, black and white variations of logo needed. Orientation options are preferred, but not required. 

5. RFP & Project Timeline Details 

RFP Sent: July 11, 2025 

Responses Due: August 30, 2025 by 4pm 

Winner Selected & Contacted: September 22, 2025 

Final Logo submitted: November 1, 2025

New Logo Launch Target Date: December 2025

All deliverables must be in PDF format and emailed with “Virginia Zoo 125th Logo Project” in the subject line by the deadline above to the following individuals:

Kirstin Pendleton, Senior Marketing & Digital Specialist, [email protected]

A selection panel coordinated by the Virginia Zoo, consisting of staff members and Zoo leadership, will review the submissions and notify all applicants to the outcome of the process by September 17, 2025. The recipient should be prepared to work on the design in coordination with the Virginia Zoo Communications Department.

Thank you for your interest in responding to this RFP with a proposal for our anniversary logo. We look forward to your response.