The other day I was at the photography exhibition at the museum located in an old customs building in Melbourne CBD. It makes me happy to go there. Besides I am fascinated by photography, I love meeting of the museum shop and often the nice restaurants too. There are always so many fine products (rarely found elsewhere).
What I love more with the museum is their graphic communications and website. They have an awesome logo. What you see when you see the logo? Together ‘M’ one way then the other. A logo should work positively (in black), but also negatively (in white). (They have it also in green, as they offer multiple colours choices as well as other things).
The graphic design profile is an established symbol library. Watch e.g. the wheelchair and the baby and compare with “F: t”! The same fine finish and lines, which are well balanced and proportioned.
By constantly reminding recipients of photography and really “engrossing” their brand everywhere, as well as raise the graphic design further, will return the logo and “M” as graphic elements in all their communications. From the website to the physical location, on billboards, on the doors, in the cafe and so on. Once you start looking, you found it everywhere! Check out the actual star of the cocktail glass on the image at the dining room, there is obviously a ‘M’ from the actual logo …
A given aspect is to be consistent with the colours. They have some complementary colours as well, such as red in the toilets and walls painted in soft colours in their exhibitions (which vary so that they lift the motives of the exhibitions). But generally speaking, it will be simple and clear communication that allows the receiver easily recognize themselves. (Even on the doors at the platforms in the subway). Obviously you have to be consistent when working with fonts too. Here is a classic serif font, which feels granted. A classic fonts (Minion) that breathe “history” (as the photo’s history) while being easy to read. In contrast, and in conjunction with, the modern logo are the graphic communications timeless, yet not boring. An excellent good results!
It is not always a graphic profile becomes so well worked. Sorry. Here, designer, Joran Dilucian, really taking it a step further. A further example is where you can hang off his outer clothing on the bars at the toilets, they have deliberately created the “M” of them. And yes, why not? This allows the recipient feel smart when he / she finds out that there is an “M” for Melbourne Museu and thus creates an “aha moment”. It also makes the brand even more memorable.
In other words, the museum is well worth a visit whether you like photography or not!