Substrate Studios

05/22/2026

A few weeks ago, and I dove deep into the seaweed industry at the . There were approximately 200 attendees from different parts of the value chain. From First Nations harvesters and business owners to scientists and academics working on restoration and research, to producers of everything from tech to building supplies to food. Everyone is working toward a future where we can preserve and protect wild kelp forests and develop new techniques for sustainable mariculture. Most importantly, the industry is coming together to shape a future that is equitable and sustainable for the long-term.

Key takeaways:

🌊 The seaweed industry is growing fast, and BC is in right there in the heart of it all. The Pacific Seaweed Industry Association and Canadian Seaweed Network are central to building a regional and national strategy for the sector from coast to coast to coast.

🌊 Climate change is a real concern that puts ocean ecosystems and livelihoods at risk. The warming waters and biodiversity loss have already done harm. But, dedicated teams are working tirelessly to find solutions and turn things around.

🌊 With the BC sector still in its early stages, there is an opportunity to move forward in a good way: one that is grounded in Indigenous laws for the planet that maintain a healthy balance and prevent us from over-consumption.

🌊 BC seaweed companies are SO interesting. From sound panels and insulation to pickles, cocktails, and fertilizer, small companies are making really innovative products right here.

🌊 Kelp can help! We can also think of seaweed as a nature-based solution to challenges like buffering shoreline erosion and flooding, filtering polluted water, and sequestering carbon.

🌊 Kelp is a completely regenerative resource, and one that we can harvest the entirety of. It is the ultimate circular economy rock star.

🌊 Follow my friend .ihuber ’s fantastic industry resource, , for everything you ever wanted to know about the industry - and more!

Thank you to the supporting partners of this great event: Wei Wai K*m First Nation, , ,

04/30/2026

Marketing Highlight 📣 Wildlife corridors are vital to preserving biodiversity and supporting all life in our communities. Amber recently wrote the script (and did the VO 😎) for this little video that explains what they are and how organizations are implementing them in Átl'ka7tsem / Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region.

Client: Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative
Video: The Grove Films

Wildlife Connectivity in the Átl'ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region

04/29/2026

Last week, Amber spent a few days at an international learning exchange with Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region, Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative,and Norhordland Biosphere Reserve. Our group of participants—from Canada, Germany, Norway, Faroe Islands, and Iceland—discussed the role of Biospheres as community conveners, connectors, and advocates. They are the beating heart of a healthy and livable community.

It’s been refreshing to gather with folks who believe in and are working towards a future where humans and nature can co-exist and thrive. But in order to get there, we must stop to listen, and then let the land walk first.

Thank you to our amazing hosts at Mt Arrowmith and to Ruth Simons for the invitation to join her on behalf of Átl’ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound.

Special thanks to our academic facilitators:
University of Saskatchewan, Vancouver Island University, and the University of Bergen, Norway.

📍Homelands of Qualicum, Snaw-naw-as, Snuneymuxw, K'ómoks, Tseshaht, Hupacasath, and Ditidaht First Nations

03/17/2026

Top of the morning to ya, from Substrate HQ. Happy St Patrick’s Day! ☘️ 🇮🇪 💚

03/12/2026

It is always such a joy to see how clients take their brand ID and run with it. And we love a good piece of merch. Look at these adorable throw pillows for a new Squamish doggie daycare. Well done .adventuredogs! High paws to you. 🐾 🐶 💖

02/11/2026

Our hearts are with our friends in Tumbler Ridge during this tragic time. When we visited the community for a work project several years ago, we were taken by the warmth and kindness of the people who live there. This is a small, remote community of just 2,000 people, and this tragedy will no doubt reverberate for a long time to come. In times like these, we must help carry the load and support our neighbours. BC and Canada are with you every step of the way. ❤️

HOW TO HELP:
If you can donate, there is a GoFundMe set up by The Tumbler Ridge Parent Advisory Committee (PAC:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/tumbler-ridge-strong?fbclid=IwY2xjawP5275leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETEwcWd6SHZodWdaS0xJMmNPc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvnBsKTV-bDi7DdAukpjPQhFLCQm1XAucq3BcSNeda3-xnx8Y4OnkktPVruU_aem_f4tNOqoBBP_uryJfcJiFSQ

02/04/2026

💡Design Spotlight💡 We are always happy to support new businesses as they launch into the world, especially when it involves four-legged friends. Congratulations to our dear friend, Robyn, who will be emBARKing upon an exciting new endeavour very soon. See what we did there?

Follow .adventuredogs for all of the details. 🐾🐕

11/12/2025

💡Design Spotlight💡We're excited to share a new logo we designed for The Harvest Hub, a project by Squamish CAN (Climate Action Network). An initiative developed in collaboration with the District of Squamish and Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, The Harvest Hub will be a climate-controlled, secure space in downtown Squamish, acting as a centralized collection point for farmers and food producers to drop off customer orders—saving time and mileage for deliveries. Customers then have 24 hours to collect their purchases during open hours.

"Amber and Neil from Substrate Studios guided us through the exciting process of creating a new name, logo, and visual identity. They took the time to truly understand our organization and what we wanted to express through our brand. Their creative approach and thoughtful collaboration helped us land on a name and design that feel both meaningful and distinctive. We’re thrilled with our new logo and color palette — it perfectly captures the spirit of The Harvest Hub." ~ Krystle tenBrink, Executive Director of Squamish CAN

👀 Watch for The Harvest Hub launch in 2026!

10/23/2025

Congratulations to our clients, Seair Seaplanes, on the launch of their new Vancouver to Victoria route! 🎉 This marks an exciting expansion for the business. Over the last year, we've worked with their marketing department to improve the brand consistency of their marketing collateral across print and digital mediums. Our work has included:

✈️ Outdoor signage
✈️ Flatsheets
✈️ Brochures
✈️ Social Ads

We look forward to continued work with this enthusiastic and innovative team!

08/22/2025

Delighted to contribute to Whistler’s 50th celebration by creating this little lock-up and supporting design elements to use for Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) 50th activities this year. Whistler is a place very near and dear to us, as we met here, lived here, and still spend many days in the mountains here each year. Happy 50th Whistler! 🎉 And here’s to many more good years ahead. ⛷️🏔️

08/18/2025

💡Design Spotlight💡A clean and colourful annual report for District of Squamish, launched this June. The design pays tribute to the stunning natural backdrop of Squamish.