ODTU Sanat 20: A Visual Identity Design Celebrating 20 Years of Art

Kenarkose Creative's Innovative Approach to Highlighting Two Decades of Artistic Expression

The annual ODTU Sanat festival, hosted by one of Turkey's most successful state universities, Middle East Technical University, is a month-long event centered around a themed exhibition. For the festival's 20th year, Kenarkose Creative was tasked with creating a visual language that would highlight the festival's longevity. The result is a design that emphasizes the number 20 as if it were an art piece waiting to be unveiled.

Kenarkose Creative's design approach for ODTU Sanat 20 is unique in its use of shadows and color. By using shadows of the same colored layers to form the numbers 2 and 0, the design creates a 3D illusion, giving the feeling of relief and making the numbers appear as if they have melted into the background. The choice of a vibrant coral color creates a subtle contrast with the tranquility of the wavy 20, ensuring the design stands out amidst the greenery of the Metu campus.

The design was realized primarily through printed materials, with the sense of depth achieved through careful use of shadows. The smallest printed material was an A6-sized event program brochure, while the largest were banners measuring 5m x 8m, displayed outside the Metu Culture and Convention Center.

The project, which started in October 2018 and finished in March 2019, was the fourth consecutive year of Kenarkose Creative designing the visual identity system for ODTU Sanat. The design team, all graduates of ODTU, drew on their familiarity with the university's values and identity to create a design that would resonate with the festival's audience.

The design was not without its challenges. The ODTU Sanat administrative committee, comprising members with various design and fine arts backgrounds, had diverse opinions that needed to be unified into a single system. Additionally, visibility, legibility, and noticeability were crucial considerations given the various printed and digital materials to be designed and produced.

Despite these challenges, Kenarkose Creative's design for ODTU Sanat 20 was recognized for its creativity and professional excellence, winning the Silver A' Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design Award in 2020. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, showcasing a remarkable level of excellence and evoking positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.