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

Medium
Identity

Role
Creative Direction
Identity Design
Graphic Design

Year
2012

Objective
Couchsurfing is built on the spirit of global exploration, cultural exchange, and human connection. As the platform evolved, leadership sought a new identity that would visually capture this ethos—one that felt welcoming, adventurous, and deeply tied to the idea of shared experiences across cultures and continents.

Solution
For the logomark, I employed the letter “C” to help craft a silhouette of a desktop globe, a recognized icon of adventure and global exploration in the cultural zeitgeist. Using a hand-drawn style to add warmth and a sense of spontaneity, it evoked the personal storytelling and serendipitous moments that define the Couchsurfing community. For the primary brand color, I chose International Orange as a subtle nod to the company’s San Francisco roots and a fitting symbol for a brand built on bold, global connections.

Key influential selections from styleboard presentation

Design progression of the logomark

Brand Activation

Branded travel accessories: membership card, luggage tag, and passport protector