University of Oxford Collection: Branding

In preparation for the launch and development of a brand licensing programme for the University of Oxford belted trademark, the brand needed consolidating and refreshing. I was involved as the designer at Superior working closely with the team at Oxford Limited (a subsidiary company of the University of Oxford) designing the following projects: 1. Recreating the Official Device of the University of Oxford I created new artwork redrawing and refining the elements of the belted device trademark to create the new official registered Device of the University of Oxford (Many inconsistencies in the brand and poor quality versions of the device, plus unauthorised versions, had arisen across the immensely diverse institution with 45 colleges. 2. Device Variants Creating a comprehensive range of 8 colour variants of the device with 2 artwork versions for each modified to accomodate large and small size reproduction and colour requirements for a variety of different applications. 3. Redefining Oxford Blue Overseeing ink mixes with a colour lab and proofs to create the definitive Oxford Blue ink mix spec to be supplied to all licensees. 4. Proofing Document Creating the design and artwork for a comprehensive proofing document to evaluate the print quality of all the device variants across a variety of papers and print finishes including newspaper through to coated and uncoated board stocks, varnishes, mat & gloss lamination and the reproduction of the device in full colour, foiled and spot uv versions. 5. Brand Licencing Manual I did all design, layout, development and artwork for the brand licencing manual for the University of Oxford Collection. I created a design comprising of hinged covers, 43 leaves and held together using exposed brass screw posts so it could be updated. I sourced a traditional bookbinders and had the manual hand bound and foiled. The manual contains guidelines for the correct application of the visual identity onto commercial products and focuses on the Oxford University belted arms device trademark. Sections include: Policies and procedures, The registered Device, Approved colour palette, perforated swatches, Woven and printed labels, Product packaging, Typefaces, Approved design concepts, perforated colour swatches & samples. 6. Collateral Materials Design for an assortment of labelling, tags, POS material. 7. Official University of Oxford Collection Range Design for a range of retail stationery products specially commissioned to carry the University’s device.