Couchsurfing International

Wander Together Here

Creating a brand identity for a platform that connects wanderlust travelers with hosts worldwide for authentic travel experiences

Project
Couchsurfing Brand Identity

Roles
Creative Direction
Identity Design
Graphic Design

Objective
As Couchsurfing evolved into a global social travel network, leadership sought a refreshed identity that moved beyond the literal “couch” and spoke to the platform’s broader purpose: authentic connection through shared cultural exchanges. The new brand needed to feel personal, mobile-ready, and globally relevant, while still honoring the grassroots warmth that made Couchsurfing meaningful to millions.

Solution
I designed a logomark that merges the letter “C” with the silhouette of a desktop globe, evoking exploration, community, and movement in a hand-drawn style. A hand-drawn motif was chosen to reflect the serendipity and humanity of the Couchsurfing experience. International Orange became the lead color, a bold nod to the platform’s San Francisco roots and its spirit of global adventure. The final identity system flexed seamlessly across app icons, merchandise, and digital interfaces, helping reposition the brand as a modern, mobile-first social network.