Radient, based in Richmond just outside of London, have designed the logo for this year’s UEFA Champions League Final to be held at Wembley.
The illustration is nice, and in keeping with previous Champions League Final identities (below), though I have to say I’m not a massive fan of the typography. It seems to me they missed a trick here to produce something stunning and, to me, the type seems a bit slap-dash.
Now into the third edition of Alina Wheeler‘s Designing Brand Identity: An Essential Guide for the Whole Branding Team is a rich, comprehensive but well sectioned publications that asks; who are you? Who needs to know? Why should they care? How will they find out?
“In a densely crowded marketplace, corporations, organizations, and even individuals look for ways to differentiate themselves. That is the job of branding. Whether your goal is to express a new brand or to revitalise an existing one, here is a proven, universal five-phase process for creating and implementing effective brand identity. From research and analysis through brand strategy, design development through application design, and identity standards through launch and governance, Designing Brand Identity is an essential reference for the entire process.”
Encompassing 300 attributed quotes and 249 case studies which showcase successful world-class brands from Herman Miller and GE to the Obama ’08 election campaign plus offering insights into emerging trends such as sustainability and social networks as well as some great before and after references.
The book is broken down into five main headings – Brand basics; Brand identity ideals; Brand identity elements; Brand forces; Before and after – and covers everything from naming and culture through to cognition, Marks, authenticity, licensing and everything in between. An expansive and thorough resource which acts as a superb reference throughout the branding process, though probably not for novices.
Alltoment produce work which is both clinical in its construction and stunning in its exectution. Their portfolio is both brave and elegant with use of whitespace married with a very real, human element to the work. Sweet stuff.
Tw. @allotmentbrand
Three60 have carved out a niche in the field of Fashion. Their work is chic and beautiful; beautiful photography marries with elegant shapes throughout.
London based Build‘s work is beatiful in its construction. Both geometric and abstract forms flow through their work to produce beautifully crafted outcomes and an enviable body of work that has a distinct structure.
Tw. @wearebuild
Masters of Design: Logos and Identity (published 2008) complied by AdamsMorioka profiles twenty well known designers, who are recognized for the particular areas of design in which they’re profiled in the Masters series. Profiles include Pentagram trio Paula Scher, Michael Bierut, Kit Hinrichs, Michael Johnson (JohnsonBanks), , Felix Beltran, Vince Frost, Bart Crosby (Crosby Associates), Matteo Bolgna (Mucca Design), Margo Chase (Chase Design Group) and Steff Geissbulher (C&G Partners).
“It’s about the methodical and analytical process of reduction. Simplification. It’s also about working and learning from the people around you” – Vince Frost
Through real world examples and illustrations, the authors present the work of the 20 legends focusing on the subject of identity and logos. This ranges from simple mark-making to full scale programs applied to multiple mediums. The book also includes a gallery of marks, sidebars on heroes and inspirations, and diagrams to explain concepts or processes. The designers included have a good mix of experience experience, sector, in-house, small and large agencies and international designers.
“A Chinese proverb says ‘the reed that does not bend will break.’ When Morla Design was founded in 1984, this philosophy was in contradiction to all accepted identity rules. Logos and identity systems were historically rigid and unchangeable” – Jennifer Morla
The book is around 230 pages with each profile at about 2,000 words, including a handful of projects with captions detailing approach, background, design theory and process. Overall it’s become one of the most pick-upable books on my shelf, a handy guide and reference you can dip in an out of it with ease and get something new each time.
VentureThree have done a stunning job at rebranding UK road-side eatery Little Chef.
Firmly part of Britain’s roadsides since the late 50’s Little Chef recently had it’s tired old brand a modern facelift by employing services of tele ‘chef-scientist’ Heston Blumenthal to revamp their public gastro image, the new identity follows hot off the heels.
The work is vivid, fun, engaging and combines bold slab type with pop colours that are not only modern but gives a nod back in time through the era’s Little Chef has stood firm through. Thoroughly British, thouroughly fun, thoroughly revitalised.
Hailing from Brighton, UK, Lume Design Studio produce creative work with adistinct illustrative flashes that draw influence from nature and music style.
Tw. @lumebrighton
