First established in 1846, Taylor University has been a pillar in the higher education landscape of Indiana for nearly 180 years. With such a rich history and a vision for its future, Taylor partnered with Carnegie Higher Ed on a comprehensive brand study in an effort to reimagine their brand, messaging, and ways to faithfully elevate the distinctiveness of the University.
As a component of this institution-wide update, I had the opportunity to partner with Carnegie on the update of Taylor Athletics brand identity, including a revamped Trojan logo, new wordmark, and custom typeface.
Encompassed within their broader strategic planning process, Taylor first began this brand update by gathering input from thousands of individuals from every constituent group of the University. From this conversation, they found there was a desire for the University to do a better job telling the Taylor story. With this as their goal, Taylor partnered with Carnegie Higher Ed on a robust brand study that helped them examine their position and reimagine ways they could faithfully elevate the distinctives of the University.
Focusing on the question of, “What makes Taylor, Taylor,” and through dialogue with the Taylor community, including students, employees, alumni, parents and friends, a vision for the refreshed athletics imagery was set. Anchored by the Trojans’ determined spirit, call to excellence, and combination of spiritual formation with academic rigor, the new Trojan logo speaks to Taylor’s longstanding tradition of athletics and qualities of merit within all Trojans.
Kicking off with Discovery and the projects’ strategic foundation, Carnegie lead Taylor through the process of determining the projects’ higher level goals and practical considerations. Assessing the current landscape of Trojan, or categorically similar, logos, regional competitors, and stylistic priorities for the new mark, Taylor and Carnegie set a clear path with flexible boundaries for the design stage to follow.
As with any project, there were many of twists, turns, and many many variations before the final identity was created. Each detail was considered, ultimately leading us to a stoic, yet purposeful, Trojan logo in profile complemented by a classic collegiate block type system with subtle, yet unique, calligraphic features.
As always, thanks for checking out the project and a HUGE thanks to Carnegie for the opportunity to collaborate on this project!
Credits
Carnegie Higher Ed | Agency
Ian Strawn | Creative Director (Carnegie) Carl Bannister | Art Director (Carnegie) Jeremy Nelson | Design
As the identity's centerpiece, consideration of each detail was taken when developing the new Trojan logo as its style and construction were informed by both historical reference and iconic features.
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TROJANS | Custom Display Typeface
Trojans is block typeface drawn for headlines, graphics, and branded messaging. Inspired by classic collegiate block type and remixed with diagonal crossbars, the custom typeface gives Taylor a unique and functional tool for its refreshed identity.
Within the design process, a variety of type styles were explored. Some took inspiration from Greco-Roman inscription, some from contemporary athletic type, but we ultimately returned to a classic block style representing the strength and leadership of the athletes.
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Rolling out in the Fall of 2022, the new Trojan and refreshed identity lead Taylor into competition with new challenges to be faced and new victories to be claimed.
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Thanks for checking out the work and thanks again to Ian, Carl, and the entire Carnegie team – top notch partners and a pleasure to work with!
First established in 1846, Taylor University has been a pillar in the higher education landscape of Indiana for nearly 180 years. With such a rich history and a vision for its future, Taylor partnered with Carnegie Higher Ed on a comprehensive brand study in an effort to reimagine their brand, messaging, and ways to faithfully elevate the distinctiveness of the University.
As a component of this institution-wide update, I had the opportunity to partner with Carnegie on the update of Taylor Athletics brand identity, including a revamped Trojan logo, new wordmark, and custom typeface.
Encompassed within their broader strategic planning process, Taylor first began this brand update by gathering input from thousands of individuals from every constituent group of the University. From this conversation, they found there was a desire for the University to do a better job telling the Taylor story. With this as their goal, Taylor partnered with Carnegie Higher Ed on a robust brand study that helped them examine their position and reimagine ways they could faithfully elevate the distinctives of the University.
Focusing on the question of, “What makes Taylor, Taylor,” and through dialogue with the Taylor community, including students, employees, alumni, parents and friends, a vision for the refreshed athletics imagery was set. Anchored by the Trojans’ determined spirit, call to excellence, and combination of spiritual formation with academic rigor, the new Trojan logo speaks to Taylor’s longstanding tradition of athletics and qualities of merit within all Trojans.
Kicking off with Discovery and the projects’ strategic foundation, Carnegie lead Taylor through the process of determining the projects’ higher level goals and practical considerations. Assessing the current landscape of Trojan, or categorically similar, logos, regional competitors, and stylistic priorities for the new mark, Taylor and Carnegie set a clear path with flexible boundaries for the design stage to follow.
As with any project, there were many of twists, turns, and many many variations before the final identity was created. Each detail was considered, ultimately leading us to a stoic, yet purposeful, Trojan logo in profile complemented by a classic collegiate block type system with subtle, yet unique, calligraphic features.
As always, thanks for checking out the project and a HUGE thanks to Carnegie for the opportunity to collaborate on this project!
Carnegie Higher Ed | Agency
Ian Strawn | Creative Director (Carnegie)
Carl Bannister | Art Director (Carnegie)
Jeremy Nelson | Design
Carnegie Higher Ed
Taylor Athletics
Taylor Athletics IG
Rebrand Press Release
Visual Identity
Logo Design
Typography