As a K-12 independent school in Santa Monica, CA, New Roads School inhabits a robust education market in west Los Angeles.
We considered their unique legacy. New Roads was founded as a social necessity, addressing inequity by spending more than double what their competitors spend on financial aid to ensure an authentically diverse community. Given a marketplace in which their tony competitors made specious claims about diversity — plus a bland brand that lacked inspiration — we reimagined an evocative, proprietary visual language that boldly asserts New Roads’ core purpose.
Culturally and socially, we understood that the school’s dedication to social activism resonated in a moment when free expression matters more than ever. We leveraged this culture of activism for our brand messaging. Additionally, diversity of voices (50% women on board; 40% faculty of color; LGBTQ+ representation on board/staff) gave our work richness and authenticity.
The resulting visual language uses striking silhouettes highlighted by strips of color to establish memorable, radical imagery. The accompanying messaging employs pithy, unflinching statements to deliver New Roads’ values in a voice few schools would have the guts to use. We even crafted a bespoke typeface, Liberation.
Gold in Branding for Social Change 2020
Gold in Integrated Graphic Design for Social Change 2020
Gold in Websites Design for Social Change 2020
Silver in Illustration for Social Change 2020
Daniel Schludi, Asa Beal
New Roads School, US
New Roads School, US
Head of School: Luthern Williams, New Roads School
Director of Communications and Marketing: Dawn Fairchild, New Roads School
Vice Chair of the Board: Justine Schreyer Lewin, New Roads School
view more