Studio Dunbar

Design is at the heart of what we do. We describe our work as ‘visual branding, online branding’, meaning we create every visible expression of a brand or organization — offline and online. This involves expertise in strategy, communication, branding and process-management. It is in our nature to look for the pure essence — in the people we work with, and the projects we take on. It’s a mentality that helps us to build a great team and achieve extraordinary results, no matter how complex or demanding a project might be.

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Studio Dunbar was founded in 1977 and currently consists of twenty people (five different nationalities). I felt I learnt so much in this lecture. About the design industry and how it works, the different aspects of graphic design that can be considered if you have the imagination for it and that bad ideas can actually lead to good things.

Creative Director, Liza Enemies entertained us all. She spoke in simple words that we could understand and told it how it was. I found it peculiar to learn that she isn't interested in drawing as such, but still has such a creative mind. Liza prefers to write every thought down, showing the process to her ideas.

letterstoloveliza.com was a real eye opener to me. Although part of me feels 'why does she feel she has the ability to help so many people with such life changing things?', the other part knows that it is only an opinion and changes should not be made based on one single person's comment - especially one who doesn't know the ins and outs of the situation. However, I love it. Liza says that the website gives advice to designers but also to herself. I'm sure I will find myself checking it every now and then. Humorous and intriguing.

@DesignRhymes is awful. But just so good at the same time. typeradio.org may also come in use somewhere down the line. Studio Dunbar have really made me wonder about what aspect of design I enjoy. I have concluded with all of it. I love being creative and experimenting.

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Mauritshuis - A new identity for the home of Dutch Golden Age Painting (June 2014)

Inspired by artists' anagrams, the new logo overlaps reproductions of key paintings to communicate a clear link between the Mauritshuis and its collection. I find it unbelievably clever that the logo hints at the museum's heritage while pacing it in the 21st century. During the lecture we were shown the development of ideas for the logo through means of an animation. This was extraordinary. The movements and changes of the two letters, showing all possibilities and thoughts throughout the process left me memorised. The attention to the new brand's colour palette is carefully considered also, linking back to the house's interiors and wall coverings. 

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Meridian Van Velsen and Daan Rietbergen joined Liza at the lecture. So many different styles are brought together as a studio and they all produce some really inspiring work. Daan explains that he is inspired from the streets and packaging around rather than pinterest boards and already published data. He is fascinated in different cultures and this is certainly shown in his work. Studio Dunbar seems to have a strong focus on different typography and shapes. Making their work bold and easy to read feels like priority. I find it amazing that they are able to create such exciting work with such a simple starting point and chosen elements.

Amsterdam Sinfonietta - Visualising the ephemeral nature of music
Studio Dunbar have been creating artwork and identities for this independent music ensemble for ten years. With a focus on 3D objects, creating shapes and intertwining typography, these amazing display visual representations of music. All the posters in the series include main elements such as the central title, company name top left and information on the base. From there, experimentation can take place. I find it amazing that so much can be made from simple shapes and colours. Also, I've recognised that posters like these aren't seen in England. Extremely engaging.

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VBMS - Transforming a European Market-leader into global force
Studio Dunbar was asked to creatively launch the brand. Bringing only the initials of the company to create the brand identity, it also brought it in to the future. The logo is now clear, solid and contemporary. The 'M' dipping below the baseline suggest connectivity to "under the sea". The strong, sophisticated colour palette of black and silver finalises the large, bold font to emphasis the sturdy company. The typography included in any merchandise for NBMS has been left simple to avoid distraction.

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Alzheimer Nederland - Where there is light, there is hope

Studio Dunbar had the job to help Alzheimer Nederland raise awareness by creating an identity for the non-profit organisation. The logotype is bold and confident; having gone through various design developments. However, the 'vanishing points' visualise the effects of dementia, softly, with it not being graphic and unnerving. I feel it does portray the right answer to the question. There is certainly a balance between real and representation. I love the theme running throughout the merchandise. The images capture a real sense of emotion. Very simple but very effective.