Rounded

Through a collaborative design process, the 2024 graduating class of IADT's Visual Communication Design program developed "Rounded," a versatile identity that effectively promoted our graduate exhibition.

"Rounded" emerged from the desire to showcase the well-rounded skillset developed by students during our four years of design education. The circle became the core motif, symbolising the completion of our 4 years of study and the strong sense of camaraderie within the graduating class. Fisheye photography and videography were used to communicate the values of playfulness and inclusion that "Rounded" represented. This distorted perspective created a sense of fun and immersion, drawing viewers into the world of the graduating class. The blue and white colour palette was pulled from the studio space where the students learned and where the exhibition took place.

We identified Instagram as a space where we could reach our audience visually, allowing us to establish the brand identity and well as showcase our exhibition work. Short reels and videos in our fish-eye style combined with upbeat music were posted. They served as entertaining content that represented the brand values while providing a shareable vehicle for more practical event information. Static posts offered visitors a glimpse of each student's work, sparking curiosity and encouraging attendance.

"Rounded" branded the physical exhibition space as well without overwhelming or drawing attention away from students' work. Two large posters were placed in the centre of the room to greet visitors as they entered from both ends of the room. One featuring a large circular mock-serious group photo and the other, a grid of circles containing individual student portraits, again echoing the theme of diverse individuals belonging to a larger group.

A leaflet was available for visitors as an introduction to the course for those who were unfamiliar and as a directory of our class for future reference or contact. We developed a fold-out square format that enhanced the core graphic elements of our identity, the large circle and grid of circles. The text on the leaflet explained some of the thinking and skills that made us "well-rounded designers," as well as a note about our cohesion as a group and our gratitude to the Vis Comm lecturers and IADT staff.