South Carolina Student Loan (SCSL) is a financial aid provider and advisor helping students and families achieve their education and career goals. Guided by the belief that access to education strengthens communities and the workforce, SCSL planned to expand their impact by launching a new brand that could grow beyond South Carolina. They engaged Additive to develop a name and visual identity to take them there.
Key Deliverables
Our work began with research to better understand SCSL’s strengths and opportunities. We reviewed their communications and strategic materials, conducted a peer audit and interviewed staff and partners.
SCSL stood out as a champion for education access — a responsive, trusted partner rather than a typical loan provider. The name and visual identity needed to reflect SCSL’s broader role while evoking the momentum and aspiration at the heart of their nonprofit mission.
Using these insights, we explored names centered on achievement that felt personal and purposeful. When SCSL selected Archer Student Lending, we turned the name into a full visual language. To support accessibility, our design options leaned into the ideas of multidimensional growth and direction — from opening pathways to rising to meet ambitious aims. The paper airplane we created expressed Archer’s ability to propel students upward.
Archer Student Lending’s visual identity exudes confidence and clarity. It reflects their work supporting students no matter how their journeys unfold. Using the guidelines we created, Archer partnered with Cyberwoven to bring their brand to life across their website and marketing materials.
The branding process itself reignited the Archer team’s deep sense of purpose to make higher education possible for all who aim for it. Now, they have the tools to reach more markets and help the next generation pursue their education and career goals.
