Students transform branding for the Victorian Bar Foundation

Graphic Design students at Billy Blue College of Design recently had the opportunity to work on a live branding project for a prestigious client, the Victorian Bar Foundation.

This exciting initiative was part of the Diploma of Graphic Design subject Symbols & Branding, a course designed to teach the intricacies of semiotics, identity design and how branding communicates meaning to audiences.

The project, running from September to November 2024, gave students the chance to apply their creative skills to a real-world brief with real-world stakes: a logo rebranding competition offering payment for their first client branding project.

A live brief with a real impact

The Victorian Bar Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation committed to promoting access to justice and legal education in Victoria, approached Torrens University with an exciting proposal.

Looking to modernise its outdated logo, the Foundation invited Billy Blue College of Design students, along with students from LCI Melbourne, to enter a competition to create its new visual identity.

The winning design would earn the student $1000, with $500 for the runner up.

The live brief was integrated into the curriculum as an optional alternative for students' first assessment. This meant students could apply their learning outcomes directly to the project, including analysing the organisational and external factors shaping brand identities; developing creative solutions tailored to client needs; and applying theoretical and technical knowledge in brand identity design.

With guidance from academics Benjamin Leddy and Caro Hunt, students explored the nuances of symbols, identity design and visual communication. This hands-on experience allowed them to understand the real-world implications of their work while enhancing their portfolios.

Industry collaboration and support

David Colman, a barrister and representative of the Victorian Bar Foundation, played a key role in facilitating this collaboration. He brought industry insights into the classroom, inspiring students to rise to the challenge of designing a professional logo.

“The Victorian Bar Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation associated with the Victorian Bar, seeking to progress the interests of justice in Victoria and further legal education and training in the community by fostering an understanding of the legal system and the role of law in society. While the Foundation itself has evolved over the years, its logo has not,” Colman explained.

Rather than engaging a professional design agency, the Foundation saw potential in the creativity and innovation of Torrens University students. This decision not only saved resources but also provided students with an invaluable industry-level opportunity.

Creative excellence on display

Students responded enthusiastically to the challenge, producing an array of creative and impressive designs. After careful deliberation by the judges, Danika Atkinson of Billy Blue emerged as the winner, securing the $1000 first prize.

Danika’s rationale for the design highlighted its modernity, accessibility and alignment with the Foundation’s mission of empowering individuals through education and legal access.

“The rebranding initiative for the Victorian Bar Foundation aims to enhance visibility, modernise its identity, and align its messaging with its mission of promoting access to justice and community support,” Danika explained.

“By incorporating contemporary design elements, the rebrand aims to appeal to younger demographics and underrepresented communities, ensuring they feel included and represented.”

Second place, along with a $500 prize, also went to Billy Blue student Cara Moyle, who expressed her gratitude for the recognition. “Thank you so much! I am truly honoured to have come in second place in the competition. I greatly appreciate the recognition and the generous prize,” she said.

Second place design by Cara Moyle

Honourable mentions were awarded to students Dharma Fletcher, Rick Radalj, and Isabella Lam, further showcasing the exceptional talent within the cohort.

Academic and professional growth

Benjamin Leddy, one of the academic leads, reflected on the impact of the project on the students’ learning journey.

“The students found this project exciting, as it allowed them to apply their skills at an industry level. They particularly enjoyed the opportunity to visually reinterpret the law firm’s brand identity, giving them the chance to exercise their own creativity along with developing their professionalism as they get closer to graduation.

“It was great to see their work reach such a high standard, and it also built their confidence in their own personal skill set and design work.”

This sentiment was echoed by the Victorian Bar Foundation’s chair, the Honourable Justice Stewart Anderson of the Federal Court of Australia. He praised the standard of entries and acknowledged the students’ potential to make significant contributions to the design industry in the years to come.

A winning partnership

The collaboration between Billy Blue College of Design and the Victorian Bar Foundation highlights the value of integrating real-world projects into academic programmes. It provided students with an authentic experience of responding to client briefs, managing expectations, and producing professional-grade work.

As Billy Blue continues to foster partnerships with industry leaders, opportunities like this will inspire and prepare students for successful careers in design.

If you are considering the Diploma of Graphic Design, this project is a testament to the transformative experiences and industry connections available. By engaging with live briefs and industry professionals, you can graduate with not only a qualification but also the confidence and skills to thrive in a competitive creative landscape.