Modernizing a 500-year-old institution: Here's the approach you need
St. John's College at Cambridge University Undergoes a Refined Rebrand by Branding Agency SomeOne
St. John's College, one of the oldest colleges at the University of Cambridge, has undergone a significant transformation with a new identity designed by branding agency SomeOne. The rebrand aims to create an impactful, cinematic, and inviting tone that appeals to today's audience.
The project began with a hands-on approach, involving analysis of the college's archives and tangible structures across its grounds. This thorough examination led to the discovery of a contemporary, open appeal to the space, which inspired the overarching warmth and modernity of the new brand.
The new identity features a polished crest, an authoritative new color scheme, and a bespoke monogram. Illustrator Anthony Millard refined the key components of the iconic crest, creating detailed and simplified versions for a flexible identity. The black and white color scheme brings a strong sense of class, confidence, and authority. A bespoke monogram was created, drawn from the floor plan of Second Court, to harmonize past and present.
The branding includes flexible assets and motion design that capture a dynamic, contemporary energy. The GT Ultra typeface was chosen, bridging the worlds of serif and sans with its artful blend of calligraphic forms and structured detail. This typography weaves in a contemporary flair, inspired by etched lettering, court markings, and historical typography found throughout the College grounds.
The editorial approach to St John's College's branding introduces a "zine-like aesthetic" with a modern appeal. Simon Manchipp, founding partner at SomeOne, states that branding an institution like St John's is like rebranding fire. He adds that the work sets itself apart due to a commitment to a core idea and a single-minded belief to make things compelling for new audiences.
The result of the branding is a future-proof brand with a revitalised impact. SomeOne, known for their work on InnTravel and Canada Water Dockside, has once again demonstrated their expertise in creating vibrant identities that resonate with their clients' audiences.
Despite extensive online searches, a detailed case study or example of this rebrand is not available in the current data. If you are seeking a refined rebrand case study of St. John's College by SomeOne, you might need to consult design industry publications, SomeOne agency’s portfolio or website, or branding case study databases directly.
- The new brand for St. John's College, a historic institution at the University of Cambridge, intentionally exudes an impactful, cinematic, and inviting tone.
- SomeOne, the branding agency responsible for the rebrand, immersed themselves in the college's archives and physical structures to gather inspiration.
- Anthony Millard, an illustrator collaborating with SomeOne, re-imagined the key elements of the iconic crest for a flexible and polished identity.
- The updated crest, monogram, and color scheme bring an aura of class, confidence, and authority, while the bespoke monogram blends the college's past and present.
- The branding incorporates dynamic, contemporary assets and motion design to appeal to today's audience.
- The GT Ultra typeface, with its unique blend of calligraphic forms and structured detail, plays a role in the contemporary flair of the typography.
- The editorial approach for St John's College introduces a "zine-like aesthetic" that resonates with modern audiences.
- St John's College's new brand, created by SomeOne, serves as an example of expertly crafted identities that appeal to various fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, travel, education-and-self-development, and lifestyle enthusiasts.
- If you are interested in acquiring further insights into the refined rebrand of St. John's College, you may consult design industry publications, case studies in SomeOne agency’s portfolio or website, or branding case study databases directly.
