Revitalizing Tradition: 50 Years of Emily Carr University's Student Art Sale

Overview: Celebrating half a century of creativity and innovation, Emily Carr University's Student Art Sale embarks on a journey to refresh its brand while honouring its rich legacy. The event, which has become a cornerstone of the university's artistic community, achieved remarkable success with record-breaking sales, marking its significance as a platform for emerging talent. The revitalization of the brand aims to maintain its recognizability while infusing it with renewed energy and contemporary appeal.

Key Objectives:

  1. Preserve Legacy: Respect and honor the tradition and heritage of the Student Art Sale, acknowledging its 50-year journey and the contributions it has made to the artistic landscape.

  2. Enhance Recognizability: Retain core elements of the existing brand identity to ensure continuity and facilitate instant recognition among the university community and beyond.

  3. Infuse Freshness: Inject vitality and modernity into the brand to attract new audiences and reflect the evolving artistic sensibilities of today's generation.

  4. Reflect Success: Celebrate the achievement of record sales and emphasize the event's role in supporting and showcasing the talent of Emily Carr University's students.

  5. Promote Engagement: Create a visually compelling identity that encourages participation and fosters anticipation among students, faculty, alumni, and the wider community.

Design Concept: Harmonizing Legacy with Innovation

The design concept revolves around the seamless integration of tradition and innovation, weaving together elements that pay homage to the event's rich history while introducing contemporary visual language.

Iconic Symbolism: Retain the iconic elements of the existing logo, such as the halftone patterns and recognizable motifs, serving as a visual anchor that links the past with the present.

  1. Dynamic Typography: Introduce dynamic typography that captures the essence of creativity and movement, reflecting the vibrant energy of the student artists and their diverse artistic expressions.

  2. Color Palette Evolution: Evolve the color palette by maintaining traditional hues while introducing complementary tones that add depth and vibrancy, symbolizing growth and transformation over 50 years.

  3. Versatile Imagery: Incorporate versatile imagery that showcases a spectrum of artistic disciplines, from painting and sculpture to digital media and design, highlighting the event's inclusive nature and the breadth of talent.

  4. Interactive Elements: Integrate interactive elements into promotional materials, such as QR codes linking to artist profiles or augmented reality features that allow viewers to virtually explore artworks, enhancing engagement and interactivity.

Implementation:

  1. Branding Collateral: Apply the revitalized brand identity across various touchpoints, including posters, flyers, digital banners, social media graphics, and merchandise, ensuring consistent visual representation.

  2. Digital Platforms: Optimize the brand for digital platforms, leveraging interactive elements and multimedia content to create immersive online experiences that extend the reach of the event beyond physical boundaries.

  3. Community Engagement: Foster community engagement through collaborative initiatives, such as artist spotlights, alumni showcases, and interactive workshops, cultivating a sense of belonging and excitement among participants.

  4. Feedback Mechanism: Establish a feedback mechanism to gather input from stakeholders and attendees, facilitating continuous improvement and refinement of the brand identity for future editions of the Student Art Sale.

Conclusion: The revitalization of Emily Carr University's Student Art Sale brand honors its 50-year legacy while embracing the spirit of innovation and creativity that define the institution. By striking a balance between tradition and modernity, the refreshed brand not only celebrates past achievements but also paves the way for a dynamic and inclusive future, ensuring the event remains a beacon of artistic excellence for generations to come.