Brooks Music Logo Design
I was recently commissioned by the Brookes Music Department to develop a logo as part of their visual identity that aligns with the broader university branding. While each department at Brookes University maintains its own unique logo, it is essential that they all complement the established institutional brand guidelines.
The Brief
The client’s primary objective was a design that felt cohesive with the rest of the university’s departments—nothing that felt like an "outsider." The specific requirements included:
Aesthetic:Simple, elegant, and sophisticated.
Style:A logotype (text-based) integrated with musical elements or symbols.
The Creative Process
Admittedly, I do not come from a music background. To bridge this gap, I worked closely with my client, whose deep knowledge of music theory guided me through the technical nuances of the symbols.
During the initial sketching phase, I experimented with incorporating complex symbols like Common Time and the Segno. However, through iteration, we discovered that the clean, minimalist look of a single musical note was the most effective for this specific purpose. It provided the elegance the client requested without overcomplicating the brand mark.
This project was a great reminder that as a designer, success lies in the balance between professional expertise and active listening. By implementing design principles while staying receptive to the client’s specific taste and industry concerns, we were able to create a result that was both meaningful and brand-compliant.
