Square Lightning - Graphic Design for Nonprofits

Square Lightning is a boutique agency founded to meet the unique design needs of educators, philanthropists, and nonprofit organizations.

Work with a peer, not a vendor.

At most communications and design agencies, principals close the deal, then disappear.

When you work with Square Lightning, you work directly with our founders—seasoned nonprofit veterans with deep roots in racial and gender justice, civil rights advocacy, and educational equity.

We assemble a custom team around your project, bringing you the A-players you want without bloating your budget.

Meet Our Founders

We get the pressures you’re under—juggling boards, donors, deadlines, and morale while tackling the biggest challenges facing our communities.

When you work with us, you get more than an agency: You get a trusted support team. Your goals become our goals, and we’re in it with you until the job is done.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Russell is an award-winning designer, art director, and visual storyteller with over two decades of experience in social impact, leading the in-house creative team at the Southern Poverty Law Center. Learn more about how we work.

Editorial Director
Adrienne is a communications strategist and UX designer who has helped national and international organizations refine their voice, untangle their content, and tell stories that inspire action. Learn more about how we work.

“As a new CEO navigating this historical time in our country, there is an urgency to support and partner with vendors that model and embody equity and social justice. Their ability to center the voices and power of the most marginalized was absolutely gorgeous in the most impactful way. Thank you.”

Chastity Lord, President & CEO, Jeremiah Program
"Not only did SQL listen to our story, our ideas, and our needs, they offered even more suggestions to bring our website to life. The result is a beautiful website that truly captures the spirit of our small business, our story and identities, our goals, and what we offer. We have gotten so many compliments on our website! It has definitely helped seal some deals with potential clients."

Mayra Almaraz, Co-Founder, Critical Learning Collaborative
“When launching a new project, you want to feel confident that your brand identity reflects who you are and the values you represent. Square Lightning became instant partners in our work. Everything we publish is elevated by their passion and commitment to quality and detail.“

Wendy Via, Co-Founder & CEO, Global Project Against Hate & Extremism
“As an organization that prides itself on centering the voices of families, we knew we needed a partner in this work who valued deep listening and trust building; that is exactly what we got. Everything Square Lightning created was top-notch quality and aligned with our values and vision.”

Sarah Stripp, Director of Socioeconomic Well-Being, Springboard to Opportunities
“Square Lightning crafted an exceptionally thoughtful content calendar and social media templates, enabling our small team to effortlessly engage with our existing supporters and prospective audiences.”

Natasha Walker, CAP, Director of Development and Communications, Ellis Marsalis Center for Music
“Square Lightning is a creative and inspirational thought partner. Their collaborative nature allows my team’s energy and resources to be channeled toward creativity and innovation. I always know my project vision will be enhanced by their editorial and visual concepts. Work with Square Lightning and you’ll WOW clients!”

Sara Wicht, Founder, Wicht Consulting