Library Branding
My journey in this project began with a massive question:
How can I create a brand strategy that projected a pleasing, but also functional and accessible space for everyone? To answer this question, I embarked on a research that included touring the library a couple of times, interviewing some people who frequented the library, some that work there, and observing their needs, behaviors, and preferences.
Through this research, I gained so much more than deep understanding of what the library portrayed and what I wanted it to portray next: a space that was comfortable, inviting and inspiring, fun yet formal for every occasion and approved by its current community.
As I worked on creating a specific presentation on the research that I made, that included a very diverse, kid friendly and inclusive library, through my interviews I came up with the values that I believe represent this specific branch.
Knowledge
Equality
Safety
Community
These values of knowledge, safety, community, and equality are not just words that I came up with - they are the guiding principles that keep this library alive and frequented by its community. I chose these values because they reflect the needs and values of the community and because they inspire a sense of inclusivity and belonging.
One of the most remarkable things about the Spicewood Springs Rd Branch is how it caters to its community and diverse group of people. As I explored the library's resourc- es and services to come up with the values, I also discovered the audience of this li- brary.
According to the librarian I interviewed, the most frequented audiences are mostly: students that seek academic support and social connections,
retirees that seek resources for their interests, professionals for personal and career development, and families with young children that attend for educational and entertaining activities
After determining the values, audience, and brand voice for the Spicewood Springs Rd Library Branch, I began the fun part of creating its visual identity. As the library needed to have its own identity logo outside of the Austin Public Library main one, I took inspiration from the interior of the library itself. The shades of blue, yellow, red, lilac, and green that are present in the wordmark design can be found throughout the library's interior, as well as in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
By using colors that reflect the library's physical environment, I was able to create a visual identity that is not only distinctive but also reflects the library's commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all.
As a passionate reader and book lover, I can never resist the temptation to add just one more book to my collection, and so my arms are always overflowing with books. That's why I came up with the idea for a canvas bag with the quote:
"This bag always has space for one more book."
I wanted a fun and eye-catching quote that would not only reflect my own reading journey but also inspire others to keep adding to their own collections. The quote speaks to the never-ending cycle of reading and collecting books, and how there is always room for one more.
When it came to choosing the type of bag, I opted for a canvas bag because I think they have a simple yet artistic look that complements the design of the quote. Plus, canvas bags are eco-friendly and reusable, making them a great choice for the Library which has a lot of eco-friendly elements.
The wordmark I came up with features everything I wanted the library to convey:
a playful, flowing design that evokes the movement of water to envision the springs surrounding the library area, variation of colors to symbolize the diversity of the library’s community and a sense of welcome.
The "this bag always has space for one more book" canvas bag is not only a practical accessory for any book lover, but it's also a statement piece that shows off your love for reading and your willingness to keep adding to your collection. Whether you're heading to the library, the bookstore, or just out and about, this bag is a reminder that there's always room for one more book in your life.
The quote I chose for the pop socket was inspired by the simplicity and power of the library's "read, return, repeat" concept.
To me, it perfectly captures the essence of what a library should be: a place where people can come to borrow books, read them, and then return them for others to enjoy. I thought that this simple quote could be used to inspire others to read more and support their local libraries.
The design captures the energy and movement of the library, while also encouraging people to keep coming back to read and return books.
For the small bag I wanted a fun and catchy quote that would be eye-catching and make people smile. This quote is simple but powerful, and it captures the joy and excitement that comes with diving into a new book. It's a reminder that no matter what's going on in your life, taking some time to read can make your day a little bit better.
The quote also complements the other quote on the bag, "this bag always has space for one more book," by reinforcing the idea that reading is a positive and re- warding experience.The bag can also be used as a pencil case, a mini bag for char- gers, or for any other small items you need to keep organized.
Creating each element was a unique and exciting process for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed designing and crafting each one. In total, I made 14 elements, each with its own distinctive character and style. The idea behind creating multiple elements was to bring a bigger perspective to the library's brand and to give it a unique personality.
From selecting the right materials to choosing the perfect colors and typography, I poured my heart and soul into each element, ensuring that it was not only visually appealing but also functional and durable. The end result was a collection of items that represented the library in the best possible way and captured its essence and mission.
To answer the question I asked myself at the beginning of the project:
How can I create a brand strategy that projected a pleasing, but also functional and accessible space for everyone?
I focused on several key factors:
Research: This helped me gain a better understanding of what the library stands for and what its community expect.
Design: I paid close attention to every detail, including color schemes, typography, and materials used, to ensure that each element was not only visually appealing but also functional and durable.
Inclusivity: I made sure that the design elements and the proposed brand strategy including, values, voice and audience were inclusive, catering to users of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. I also paid attention to acces- sibility, ensuring that the items and the elements that I wanted the library to project were applicable to anyone and that everyone could relate.
Overall, by considering these factors and tailoring the design elements to meet the needs of the library's users, I was able to create a brand strategy that projected a pleasing, functional, and accessible space for everyone.
Photography credit Marla Sapien
Spring 2023
St. Edward’s University/ Spicewood Springs Library