Quay School : Identity

After successfully winning the pitch to provide an identity and branding for this new specialist school based in Poole, Dorset, we embarked on designing three concepts, one of which was chosen as the new identity of The Quay School.

The above designs are our initial ideas for the logo. These are quick concepts that are conceived in Illustrator after having been researched and penned down on paper. The best ideas from this starting stage were developed into four proposed concepts. Below are the final concepts we presented to the client.

Concept 1 - Together

One aspect that came out of our development was the number of different ways that the letter ‘Q’ can be rendered. We wanted to use this as a metaphor for the different needs that each of the individuals attending the Quay School are going to need, and the extra special education that will be tailored to each of their needs. Here the letter ‘Q’ is made up from several different fonts that, together, make a unique and individual motif.

Concept 2 - Waves

The symbol of the wave is a great fit with the name of the institution as well as the geographic location of the main building and various satellite campuses. We chose a type face that mirrors this shape in its rendering of the letter ‘Q’. Where possible we suggest that the type in the logo be rendered in metallic silver (on signage for example). Additionally the wave motif can be used independently from the logo.

Concept 3 - Pie

This mark uses the idea of a pie chart to to illustrate that the facility that this logo represents caters to a particular need in the education system. By pulling the ‘slice of pie’ out from the circle it also creates an abstract ‘Q’ mirroring the first letter of the schools name. Where possible we suggest that the grey areas in the logo be rendered in metallic silver (on signage for example).

Concept 4 - Faces

This logo would use photography of a selection of students faces as its focus. This would bring the reason for the schools existence, the students, to the forefront. We suggest the use of a variety of faces, for example there would be three or four options of letterhead, a web-site header could select a different face at random from a selection of half a dozen or so options, etc. Where possible we suggest that the gold areas in the logo be rendered in metallic gold (on signage for example).

Concept 1 was chosen by the client to use as the logo for The Quay School.

We had several meetings with the client, and this concept stood out as one they wished to pursue. Together we decided on a few changes to the colour and logo type, and a final solution was developed.

The core typeface used for the logo is CG Bernhardt. To compliment this, a typeface has been chosen for all body type on printed literature. This font is available on all operating systems. For windows users the font family is Lucida Sans and for Macintosh users the font family is Lucida Grande.

As well as providing artwork and brand guidelines for the identity, we are currently working alongside the school and a team of architects to provide the design and installation of a sign which will be fixed to the side of the building. In addition to this, we have also provided branded stationery such as letterheads and compliment slips in an electronic format, as well as a pitch for the schools uniform and branded clothing.