For more than a decade, Elsa and Tyler Lang have been sharing a home and a studio—creating visual systems and brand identities that emit warmth, optimism, and a sense of wonderment. Known collectively as “Always With Honor”, their design and illustration studio based in Portland is driven by a sense of purpose, which comes across in their very name.
According to the Langs, their love of nature and respect for living things of all kinds drives everything they do. “Nature was a big part of both of our upbringings,” explained Elsa in an interview with The Great Discontent. “So that’s part of what drove Tyler and I together, and one of the reasons we moved to Oregon.” According to Elsa, there’s a joy in being surrounded by flora and fauna. “If you can’t be out in it all of the time, why not draw it, or make it a part of your work? So that’s what we try to do as much as we can.”
Nature also provides an endless source of inspiration for the two. “There’s so much wonder and beauty in nature,” says Tyler. “It’s the highest form of design. Just look at a leaf—you can’t design one more perfectly than it already has been. Every single curve and notch has a specific role and purpose. And as a designer, you’re always trying to uncover and chase that kind of perfection in your own work.”
The Tylers don’t just admire nature—they also work actively to conserve it. Their goal? To be open and willing to learn about the changes needed in order to make our planet a better place, and to create visuals that will start and keep these conversations going.
Elsa and Tyler put their money where their mouth is. According to their website, they donate 1% of their income as a studio every quarter to a cause that reflects their beliefs. They’re also avid activists and have added some activism posters to their website which are available for free download to print and share.
