Graphic Design Degree Show Concept
Create a concept and design a visual identity and promotional campaign for the 2020 Graphic Design degree show and related events.
Our concept uses the typographic element of the ampersand to create a brand that encourages and celebrates connection, collaboration and diversity. The ampersand concept is realised in a stripped back brand identity that emphasises our work as well as a range of practices and people in our year. Ultimately, the & is an encouragement to continue the conversation beyond our degree show and into employment. This is a mood board and our chosen colour palette and typefaces.
The ampersand is an ever changing element in our concept and these posters highlight the beauty of each letterform as well as advertising our degree show.
These posters use the concept of not being ‘just’ a graphic designer, but rounded individuals.
These posters show how the concept can work across the festival as a whole and to advertise the guest speakers.
The ampersand forms the shape of the wayfinding to gently guide viewers round each section of work. This was so that all the work on display has the chance to be seen. Different ampersands might be selected to represent each category of work on display and help visitors find what they would like. Visitors can sign their name on the guest book wall.
A wall of catalogues of student’s work would be on show as visitors enter the space, each with a unique cover. As shown, the stacks of catalogues would reveal different colours and forms as visitors take them away. The reusable coffee cups will also feature an ampersand in a variation of colour combinations. These are available for guest to take around the show and write notes on if they wish.
The invitations use the ‘I am a designer &’ concept to allow receivers to engage with and express other interests, design or not, and are encouraged to share on social media.
Our website pulls together both streams of the concept. The landing page mimics the invitation by allowing the visitor to type their personal identity into the sentence. Large ampersands sit on the right hand of the page, but only parts of the forms are visible on any given screen position, like the catalogue. The portfolios of each student are categorised by the filters; both design related and not. As the mouse is rolled over the portraits of students, it turns to colour and a descriptor chosen by the student appears written over the top. When clicked, each image leads to the student’s personal portfolio page with their contact details.