RISD Museum Identity Rebranding

2022

CATEGORIES

graphic design
logo design
editorial design
branding

MEDIUMS

MUSEUM BOARD
COIL BINDING SPINE

PROGRAMS

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR
ADOBE INDESIGN
ADOBE PREMIERE PRO

THE CONTEXT

The RISD Museum, founded in 1877 in Providence, Rhode Island, is a renowned art museum affiliated with the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). It houses over 100,000 diverse artworks, including American, European, Asian, African pieces spanning across various historical and contemporary periods. The museum serves as a key cultural and educational hub, offering exhibitions, educational programs, and community events.

THE APPROACH

redesigning the identity and design language for the RISD Museum with a focus on the dichotomy of things that are revealed vs. concealed

THE CHALLENGES

perception: challenge viewers to look beyond traditional curatorial perspectives
inclusive vision: emphasize the importance of exploring all art pieces, not just the traditionally highlighted ones
dichotomy: use blurred and focused elements to symbolize uncovering hidden narratives
neutrality: maintain a neutral tone in branding elements, letting the art take center stage
education: position the museum as a lens for students and visitors to gain a deeper, clearer appreciation of art

original BI

redesigned BI

THE OUTCOME

The RISD Museum, though home to diverse artworks from various cultural and historical contexts, tends to unfortunately but frankly emphasize certain collections, more prominently than others. The redesign aims to challenge this historical imbalance shown by fostering a more reflective viewing experience. The new branding, inspired by the "RISD" text logo in Gotham typeface, features a series of dots that spell out "RISD." These dots represent gaps in perception in which encourage viewers to "look beyond" the obvious or what is directly revealed to them. They also symbolize RISD as a lens through which students and visitors can gain a deeper appreciation of art. This approach ensures the museum remains an unbiased platform, highlighting the artworks themselves rather than imposing its own identity, and serving as a place for learning and contemplation.

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