Other Ways to Walk
Prompting mindful connections with nature
Artist and wellbeing practitioner Rachel Howfield Massey began the Other Ways to Walk project to help people (re)connect with nature. The idea came from evidence that shows that even brief moments of meaningful connection with nature can lower stress, boost the immune system and increase our sense of purpose and wellbeing.
Together with Rachel, we worked on the branding for Other Ways to Walk and its related projects, including two sets of mindful prompt cards, a series of maps, a playful take on park signage, and a digital resource for people who can’t get outdoors.
Creative approach
For our first project together Rachel came to us with sketches and notes, plus a bag full of twigs and leaves. We brought these elements together to create intriguing and playful prompts and invitations for users to explore.
On one side of the cards, we combined Rachel’s illustrations with our graphics. On the other, we featured her text prompts in a typewriter-style font and poetic typesetting. We presented the cards in a screen printed plastic slip case, to give them a little protection from the elements.
Take your pick from two packs: Other Ways to Walk in Woodland and Other Ways to Walk in Formal Parks. Whether you take them with you to the park for a potter or make a day of it between the trees, they’re designed to inspire you to relax, play and dream.
Following the card packs’ success, we’ve created Other Ways to Walk projects for arts organisations, local authorities, the NHS and health and social care providers.
The Compton Verney estate in Warwickshire commissioned Rachel and us to produce a trail, Walk Towards. We’ve also created a series of walking routes for River Holme Connections and some playful public signage for Kirklees Council.
“Working with Eleven feels like a perfect partnership. Other Ways to Walk wouldn’t be where it is without all the help I’ve had from Glenn and the team. I totally trust his judgement and can rely on him to have brilliant ideas when I can’t quite put my finger on what needs tweaking. I feel excited every time we create something new together.”
Rachel Howfield Massey
Nature Fix
Rachel expanded Other Ways to Walk with the Nature Fix online subscription. Each month, members receive mediations and activities sharing the joy and benefits of connecting with nature. We created the logo for this sub-brand, to sit in harmony with the Other Ways to Walk branding.
