Torrens University
In this live brief Torrens University asked to create a cohesive narrative of their journey towards reconciliation by developing a visual identity for a First Nations sub-brand.
The sub-brand was to be an acknowledgement towards First Nations culture and knowledge, creating a more inclusive environment and encouraging awareness in non-Indigenous students and staff.
Main role: Project Manager
Main tasks as manager:
Project ScopeBrand development
Brand strategy
Logotype Live brief
Billy Blue College of Design
x Gianina Purwanta
x Ziya Kalra
x Maya Sidorko
To create a sub-brand that feels connected to Torrens University although it is a separate entity we wanted to look into shared values between the university and First Nations communities. From research we found a common value in the sharing of knowledge and how that helps shape a person’s identity and future, which is strengthened through community and shared experiences.
There is a strong need and want to create a community and presence of First Nations peoples at Torrens University. By connecting the values of sharing knowledge and connectivity, we wish to speak of a journey that is ongoing and a process of taking responsibility for reconciliation with history and culture. We believe it’s important to have a strong representation of this in the new sub-brand, showing diversity and the essence of a nurtured community. The sub-brand is a beginning to create more for First Nations students at Torrens, through acknowledgement and representation.
We wanted to visualise a symbolic representation of Torrens journey towards progress. The logotype is built of two hands coming together, representing a nurturing community. In the middle we have a First Nation’s symbol for a meeting place*, which can be seen as the centre for connection and unity. On each side of the “nurturing community” are two separate artworks that respectively represent the past and future, two distinct parts moving towards each other as we connect the historical culture and knowledge of First Nations Peoples and the future towards reconciliation.
The logotype is seemingly a full entity, but all design parts are essentially separate. This is to represent the journey for reconciliation as ongoing, not yet actualised.
*Symbols in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
peoples culture vary between peoples and have
different meanings. This is only one variation.
Right: Artwork made by Ziya Kalra.
Above: First two posters (side by side) made by Gianina Purwanta.