The University of Toronto is a globally top-ranked public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The University of Toronto is an international icon with a distinguished history steeped in tradition. Redeveloping the visual identity of such an established brand was always going to be a sensitive and challenging process. In fact, we identified over 100 different wordmark designs and crest variations published in recent years alone.

Our first instinct was to modernise the existing crest and typeface, but through our design development process it became quite obvious that the University also had to retain its gravitas. The end result was a visual identity that respected the past while shining the way forward. The accompanying visual identity guideline provided a precise framework that allowed all three-university campuses to move forward with a consistent visual identity

On the back of the final visual identity, we developed a variety of communication pieces including press and magazine ads, websites, e-newsletters, invitations, and kiosks along with pop-up banner displays. Detailed but adaptable templates were created for all media, which could be easily maintained in-house by the university team.

Thanks to our successful UofT brand identity work, we were asked to develop a compelling communication platform for the University of Toronto Alumni Association (UTAA).