Branding Hope: The Story Behind the Zanda Panda Foundation

At KianDesignCo, every project holds a story — but some stories transcend design. The Zanda Panda Foundation is one of those rare and deeply human projects that reminded us why branding, at its heart, is about meaning, emotion, and legacy.

The foundation was created to honour Aleksander “Zanda” Kandiliotis, a courageous young boy who fought an aggressive form of bowel cancer for over three years. Though his battle ended too soon, his strength, joy, and resilience inspired everyone who knew him. The Zanda Panda Foundation was established by his loved ones to continue his legacy — helping children facing their own fight with cancer, and spreading the same hope and positivity that Zanda carried through his journey.

When KianDesignCo was approached to develop the brand identity, our mission was clear: to craft a visual and emotional language that captured Zanda’s spirit — one of brightness, courage, and joy — while representing the foundation’s noble purpose.

We began by developing the brand identity system, anchored by the panda, a symbol of innocence, warmth, and playful strength — all traits that embodied Zanda’s personality. The colour palette was carefully curated to balance optimism and empathy: vibrant hues that celebrate life, softened by nurturing tones that reflect compassion and care.

Every design element — from the logo mark to the typography and brand tone — was created to evoke hope, comfort, and connection. The goal was not only to create a recognisable identity, but to build an emotional bridge between the foundation and the families, children, and communities it serves.

The Zanda Panda Foundation brand stands today as a symbol of love transformed into action — a living legacy that brings light to those walking through darkness.

At KianDesignCo, we are deeply honoured to have played a small part in shaping the visual identity of a foundation built on such profound purpose. It is a testament to how design, when guided by heart, can help carry a story of courage into the world — one that continues to make a difference long after the battle has been fought.