OUGD503: LCA Promotional Stand (02)

Research into Leeds College of Art's Brand Guidelines, outlining the structure the stand needs to follow in order to be consistent with the rest of the university. However, as this is a competition for an external company (Display Wizzard), it is worth questioning if realism and practicality are key functions in this solution? Will this design win because of a transferable functionality in a hypothetical sense, or for an interesting concept and striking visuals?...

Leeds College of Art's brand guidelines reflect the use of the logo, colour ways and typography across all platforms and distribution ways possible- these guides must be adhered to if designing a realistic re-design of the Graphic Design program's stand with functionality in mind.  

The importance of the role of the mosaic in LCA's is diverse and easily applied as a graphical solution accross all platforms in, and out of the university parameters. The incorporation of the mosaic is a symbol of connectedness, so if applied consistently can definitely suggest the presence of a wider message. The mosaic is already recognisable and notable for incoming students, parents, creatives, academics and alumni- so why change a good thing?

LCA use a wide variety of typefaces varying from event to season- the consistency remains in the identity typography, rather than the fluid temoporary pieces of design throughout the year. In addition each course, Graphic Design inperticular, have a preferable typeface selection for them (course-specifically), which may be carried across individual promotional collateral. It would be interesting to see if the Graphic Design program have anything they implement to their prospective students differing from the universities identity as a whole.

- A2 Grot              - Bureau Grot   - Garamond

- Cheltenham       - Elementa

Other typefaces are used such as Trebuchet and Georgia as substitutes for A2 Grot and Garamond. 

Cheltenham is more of an elegant typeface which features within our prospectus, it is used to quote alumni suggesting that the use of Cheltenham gives off more of a historic/prestigious feel to the college.

Around Uni

The whole concept of bold - bright - colourful is consistent across all mediums, with the textural qualities present throughout all outdoor communication. The defined striking use of the hexagonal logo is clearly visible and legible from a distance, negating the need for typography in some cases.

The communication between University and Student, vs, University and Possible Student is remarkably different. Current students don't need to be marketed to, so are therefore void of branding collateral in an attempt to seem more relaxed and friendly. As I want to explore the playful side to art school, it would be good to find out what gives that 'relaxed' quality, setting students at ease, yet still implementing the logo for Prospective Student recognition.

LCA's History

Over the last 170 years, Leeds College of Art has contributed significantly to the development of art education in Britain, having pioneered new ways to teach and to structure qualifications, evolving with a new building for the next band of students. Previously called the Jacob Kramer College (1968-1993) in 1846, the Leeds Mechanics' Institute (which offered drawing classes) merged with the Literary Institute, to create what we now know to be Leeds School of Art. In 1903 the school took over the present day Vernon Street campus, whose radical design reflected the clean lines of the Art & Craft movement of the day as well as practice based learning, mirroring prestigious institutes such as The Royal School of Art (RSA) or The Bauhaus/Reimann School.


Alumni as a draw to LCA

Notable Alumni include Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth (enrolling in 1919 and 1920) are the colleges most famous successors. The full scope of alumni cover array of creative walks of life, including Damien Hirst and Leigh Francis.

Alumni News on the LCA Website:

- Quarterly Email Bulletin, with all the latest news, events and opportunities
- Invitations to Exhibition Previews
- Invitations to College and Alumni Events
- Alumni Discounts on Postgraduate Study. All Home and EU BA (Hons) graduates qualify for a £500 discount on fulltime postgraduate study, and £250 per year for part time study.
- Access to Leeds College of Art Alumni LinkedIn Group
- Access to use the Leeds College of Art Library for Reference. Please get in touch to make an appointment.
- Opportunities to present to current students and industry peers
- Creatives in Residence Scheme
- Studio opportunities at Duke Studios and Barkston House
- Invites to Creative Networks events