The Edit: five projects including adam&eveDDB’s unexpected, variable brand world for EmergentX

Each and every day, we’re lucky to discover dozens of interesting and inspiring projects from around the world. From global identities and campaigns to side projects and independently published books, The Edit is home to five of them; every two weeks.

EmergentX, a company committed to transforming disruptive technologies like blockchain into practical, life-enhancing solutions, has unveiled an identity crafted by creative agency adam&eveDDB. The identity had to be both exciting yet hard-working, and able to encapsulate EmergentX’s work in the realm of often unfamiliar, cutting-edge technology and its mission to simplify the world. The result is a dynamic, variable identity that morphs from abstract forms into clear, functional text. This transformation is mirrored in the variable font, named EX Abstract, created by adam&eveDDB in collaboration with two font foundries. The font, which is believed to be a world first, enhances digital touchpoints with its interactive nature and embodies the brand’s journey from complexity to clarity. The agency also designed EmergentX’s website, ensuring the transformative essence of the brand was consistently represented.

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Thorn & Burrow Wines is not your average wine company. With their unconventional natural wine blends, they knew they needed a visual identity to match. Enter Santa Monica-based design studio TRÜF. Together, they crafted a captivating look that offers consumers a visual experience as unique as the wines themselves. TRÜF developed a series of high-contrast typographic illustrations for Thorn & Burrow’s wines, including RG+, RIES, and F*CK Rosé. The labels for the red wines feature their own unique edgy, rebellious designs, including a pair of grumpy cats and a salty pirate. In addition to the highly shareable front label designs, TRÜF developed a matching T&B monogram for use on the back of all labels and informational materials.

Cardiff University, a world-leading institution and the undisputed top university in Wales, has undergone a brand refresh, aiming to amplify the already prestigious reputation of the university and firmly establish it as the definitive first-choice destination for the world’s most brilliant minds and talented professionals. The new brand strategy, ‘Together in Progress,’ and accompanying visual language conceptualised and designed by Manchester-based branding agency Only encapsulates the university’s forward-thinking spirit and united ambition in working towards a better future for all. Typography takes a central role whereby the primary typeface, Darby, paired with Marr Sans, references the university’s heritage while placing the institution at the forefront of discovery. In support of the Welsh Language Standards, the typefaces were extended to include bespoke glyphs common to the language, highlighting the university’s proud Welsh heritage and aiding readability across dual language applications. Likewise, with Wales’ vibrant national colour red at the forefront, Only ensures a striking visual impact. The broader visual language is not only simple but also highly adaptable, empowering the university to seamlessly integrate the new approach and implement it on a grand scale.

The Mo Chara Lager is a brainchild of the renowned beer boys at Mo Chara, who after two successful years running their taphouse in Dundalk, Ireland, have ventured into the world of brewing. This 4.2% gluten-free lager offers a clean, smooth taste, and its branding holds significant historical and local relevance. They reunited with past collaborators, local design studio Grandson, who built the identity for the taproom itself. Following meticulous research, the lager label’s design pays homage to the rich brewing heritage of Dundalk and features arched forms that echo the architectural details of the historic building – an arts and crafts-influenced public house – where Mo Chara is located. The project involved collaboration with local artist Classquatch, who was commissioned to illustrate the building and the Mo Chara team for the four-pack holder.

Another Creative – a multidisciplinary design studio, which is now a part of LA and Montréal-based full-service creative house TUX – has crafted a sophisticated and minimalist brand system for a sustainable bodycare brand, Cyklar, created by Claudia Sulewski. The brand’s design ethos highlights sustainability, with a focus on reusable materials and a minimal waste footprint. For example, the brand’s identity draws notes from the phases of a cycle, subtly expressed through the cyclical nature of its glass jar, meant for repeated use, and marked by the minimalist logotype. Sulewski’s personal touch is seen in the integration of her handwriting into the brand system, transformed into a font by the studio. There’s also an attention to tactile details, like the embossed lettering on the glass vessel and the raised dot illustration of the jar on the packaging.