Dessein comes of age... in a year of renewal and transformations
Dessein celebrated its 21st birthday in 2008, and what a year it was...... magical partnerships, historical recollections, blue bears and swans galore, glittering in silver and swirling inks among them.
It was a year of renewal and transformation, with Dessein creating a myriad of logos and branding solutions for clients ranging across a spectrum of industries from theatre, mining, finance and law to hotels and the arts.
branded!
Taking centre stage was the rebranding of the Black Swan State Theatre Company. Black Swan's Year of Magical Thinking was launched in October with a new name, logo and brand which reflected the status of the Company as Western Australia's Flagship Theatre Company. A number of design concepts were displayed at the Playhouse Theatre where patrons had the opportunity to participate in the selection process with additional independent market research conducted before settling on the final logo - a black swan blazing in a swirl of red with a face emerging from flaming feathers.
The logo teamed with a suite of photographs encapsulating Western Australian landscapes was created to represent each of the plays for the upcoming season in the Company's 2009 subscription booklet.
Further development of the branding was undertaken including stationery, posters, advertisements, signage and website www.bsstc.com.au with the other items such as vehicle graphics due for completion in the not too distant future (see branding).
The black swan - the State's emblem, took flight to represent two other logo solutions in two very different applications.
The first for Price Sierakowski Corporate and the second for the Western Australian Business Arts Partnership Awards (WABAPA).
Having previously designed Price Sierakowski's existing logo (which won a Gold Pica printing award in 1999), the firm approached Dessein to update their brand to reflect the successful status their business had achieved. The integration of the initials ‘P' and ‘S' took shape as a swan insignia replacing their existing logotype to cement Price Sierakowski as one of Western Australia's leading corporate law firms. Combining black with a silver foil became the signature look for the stationery and in stainless steel for the reception signage (see no 7 corporate identity).
Western Australian Business Arts Partnership Awards (wabapa)
Creating a brand that acknowledged outstanding partnerships between business and the arts sectors with a distinct corporate Western Australian flavour was the task assigned by the Department of Culture and the Arts. Transformation, renewal, innovation and inspiration were all the subliminal messages underlining the two inter-connecting swans that became the new wabapa logo.
Adapting the logo to include swirls of green and orange floating ink entwine and combine to simulate the harmonious relationship of each partnership. The vibrant use of these ink swirls used within the logo provided the design foundation of material produced for the Awards.
Creating a logo and a suite of three labels for the new Western Australian company, Blue Bear, was a challenge met with great enthusiasm by the Dessein team. The range of exotic flavoured sparkling waters explores a range of exciting combinations with an interesting ingredient list including Lychee with Cardamom, Pomegranate and wild Lemongrass, Lime with Cinnamon and Coriander, and Vanilla with Ginger, Passionfruit and Kaffir Lime. The locally made beverages are making their way onto Perth shelves - be sure to look out for, and sample them! (see no 10 corporate identity)
When PR company Impact Communications asked Dessein to create a graphic pack for the Road Safety Council's Towards Zero campaign, little did we realise it would be an all-hands-on-deck project! Dessein's concept evolved with designer Esther Lee and the Director's nine year old son - Joshua featured throughout the package and on the cover reaching towards an inflated zero. The campaign's objective to reduce road trauma in Western Australia was designed as a two part strategy and packaged in a protective sleeve.
The campaign involved the creation of a mobile learning centre - a van branded with the Towards Zero graphics to deliver its messages throughout WA's regional centres. The model illustrated here (see branding) was used as a prototype for construction and features Dessein staff and family before the final photography was taken.
When web developers Simplisite approached Dessein to create a funky design for a new arm of their business - Red Tiki - the groovy octopus inspired tiki resulted (see no 8 corporate identity). Last year Dessein's web concepts were brought to life by Simplisite for clients including: Black Swan State Theatre Company www.bsstc.com.au; Corporate Evolution www.corpevolution.com; and Road Safety Council's Road Safety Forum www.waroadsafetyforum2008.com.au.
awards & accolades
Evidence that Dessein has forged relationships with suppliers to deliver quality material for our clients time and again was recognised on both state and national levels, with Pilpel Print winning a Gold Pica Award (WA) and Bronze Medal at the National Print Awards with Dessein's stationery designs for Zen Resources (see no 5 corporate identity).
Logo Lounge - an internationally produced book showcases 2,000 logo designs from studios around the world. In 2008, two of Dessein's logos where chosen from over 33,000 submissions. Ignite - a logo developed for a Department of Culture and the Arts initiative and the Transformation Program logo for Vanguard Investments (via client Changeworks) feature in the book when published later this year. (see no's 12 & 13 corporate identity)
Early in 2009 the publishers advised Dessein that 4 other Dessein logos had been selected for inclusion in a Master Library Book series that focuses on specific logo categories. Dessein's logos for ecologia (see corporate identity), Brian Coulsen and Legacy (see branding) are to feature in the inaugral book, Initials and Crests.
historical records
Dessein has long standing associations with clients such as The National Trust (since 1991), and the Heritage Council (since 2003) and has continued pursuing these interests in the preservation and conservation of our historical past by working on a number of other projects that support and document our past.
Dessein collaborated with the WA Museum to produce the Australian historical book - 1772: The French Annexation of New Holland, The Tale of Louis de Saint Aloüran. The 270 page soft cover book investigates the expedition of two young ambitious French naval officers and their voyage to discover and claim, in the name of France, Terres Australes. A fascinating blend of illustrations, letters and colour plates of this epic journey retell a chapter of Australian history (see publications > booklets).
Revitalising the Kalamunda History Village with a suite of 16 informative signs nestled amongst the settlement including cottages, post offices, school, locomotives and old train platforms, Dessein illustrated the stories of the pioneers for both current and future generations to enjoy. The signage provided individual recollections and historical information and a child friendly ‘kangamunda' character to encourage their learning experience (see signage).