The challenge:
I partnered with Stellenbosch University, one of South Africa's top tertiary institutions, to develop a comprehensive brand identity system that would last for the next 100 years and more.
While Stellenbosch University was undergoing a brand refresh, they called me in to provide direction, strategy, and execution for a very complex task.
The project held great significance as this is the town where I grew up and where I went to school, and attended university.
The solution:
The year-long project focused on intense consultation and execution, improving and refining new brand development attempts as well as expanding on them significantly, developing a new ceremonial emblem design to replace the outdated coat of arms, a sustainable brand architecture for a very complex brand world, brand guidelines, creating many sub-brands for the university, a custom typeface, wayfinding signage, and much more.
Part of my role was to develop new brand assets and improve existing ones. Creating new sub-brands. Developing a brand hierarchy and structure. Figure out a grid system that would work for all the marketing material the university generates on a daily basis. I developed a full typeface for the University as part of the project.
The process went smoothly, and they were thrilled with the outcome. It was great working with the university branding team and having discussions with senior university management about the best ways forward, given the intended longevity of the work we were implementing.
Stellenbosch University
Team:
Marguerite Cloete: Deputy Director: Brand
Identity at Stellenbosch University
Iaan Bekker: Brand consultant. Designer of
South Africa's coat of arms.
Brand Strategy & consultation
Branding system
Typeface design
Logo refresh
Ceremonial emblem design
Sub-brand design
Grids & guidelines
Wayfinding signage
Here's what the client had to say:
" Luke played a pivotal role in Stellenbosch University's comprehensive rebranding, contributing significantly as both designer and typographer. Collaborating closely with the University's branding team, Luke was instrumental in developing a modern and cohesive visual identity and brand architecture. Luke's involvement in Stellenbosch University's rebranding exemplifies his exceptional design and typographic skills, his dedication to cultural relevance, and his ability to craft a timeless design system for the institution."
- Marguerite Cloete: Deputy Director: Brand Identity at Stellenbosch University
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