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I was tasked with developing an identity that positions Manchester Poetry Library as a cultural resource regionally, nationally and internationally. Poetry is a diverse work in progress and I felt that the poetry library identity should be a reflection of this and embody Manchester as a city. The identity does this through a fluid and organic combination of bold typography,  multicultural patterns, bright colours, and a mixture of conceptual and journalistic photography. This is knitted together with duotone and halftone effects, giving it a ‘real’ and tangible quality.

CATEGORY Branding, Identity
CLIENT Manchester Poetry Library
AGENCY Manchester Met, inhouse
Front and back of green bookmarks on green background with origami birds flying and poetry quote
front and back of orange and yellow flyer propped against a yellow wall showing manchester poetry library and a building with crowds of people infront of it

The mixture of abstract imagery, photography and pattern helps create a striking and interesting identity, at the same time reflecting the diversity, textile heritage, industry and edge of the city in which it resides. 

orange poster with african type pattern advertising Yoruba Poetry Workshop
orange leaflet with african type pattern advertising Yoruba Poetry Workshop

I wanted the materials created to look and feel different, more tangible. The following brochure was designed to be slightly more reserved, being for a corporate audience of potential stakeholders and funders. I didn’t want it to lose its edginess however and achieved this balance through a more muted colour palette, combined with off size pages, and a stitched spine.

Three brochures stacked on light green background for Manchester Poetry Library
inside of brochure with different sized pages on light green background
gif image that flicks through the pages of a brochure for Manchester Poetry Library

The imagery is a balanced mixture of urban edgy photography, shots of groups collaborating and more abstract or isolated imagery and patterns. It is vital that the imagery is not too clichéd, and maintains the diversity that the city has to offer.   

Imagery

The identity can appear as a collage of imagery, or something more simple and yet still impactful. Language and words are something the poetry library celebrates, and it is only fitting that they make up an important part of this identity, appearing as bold quotes, dominating the design, or interwoven into the artwork itself.  

poster with print of pink bust of wordsworth and the words 'poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings'
White tshirt front and back on pink background with print of pink bust of wordsworth and the words 'poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings'
white pin badges with print of pink bust of wordsworth and the words 'poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings' on pink background
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