Case StudyApr 02, 2025

Experience Brampton a new identity developed by Blok promotes the city’s cultural vibrancy

Written by Vanessa Eckstein RGD, Blok Design

Context

Experience Brampton started as an invitation to explore, experience and reimagine the city of Brampton and its relationship to place. As the city continues to grow and evolve in both its size and offerings, it was clear that it needed a more expansive identity that was reflective of the vibrant communities and cultures that live there.

Methodology

This project involved many knowns as well as unknowns. We had previously worked with the Brampton Arts Organization (BOA) to relaunch their identity and through that experience, had the opportunity to discover Brampton and meet many talented people who call it home. Still, as with any project, we had to avoid preconceived assumptions and arrive with an open mind to understand the diverse layers and points of confluence that bring together many different cultures.

The logo itself was inspired by the idea of bending a corner of a page to make note of that which moves us. The logo's structure allows for multiple iterations—working as both a full wordmark and the simplified "XB" depending on the application. We also created a solid and an outline version of the logos to adapt to the expansive variety of events and contexts they had to serve. The colour palette is inspired by the many flavours, textures and rituals within Brampton's diverse communities.

Process

We worked closely with the city and spoke to a wide variety of individuals to ensure that the vision of Brampton that guided our design process was reflective of the richly layered and multifaceted Brampton of today. From here, we created a dynamic and flexible system that was instantly recognizable yet provided the versatility to encompass the wide variety of offerings underneath the “Experience Brampton” umbrella.

Results

Guided by Brampton’s multifaceted nature and continuous transformation, we designed a colourful, energetic and flexible system that gives space for diverse offerings and is reflective of the city’s cultural vibrancy. Versatile and dynamic in both expression and intent, it celebrates the fabric of the city through arts, culture, community, events, sports, food, etc.

Credits

Creative Director: Vanessa Eckstein RGD
Sr. Graphic Designer: Christopher Jessop
Sr. Creative Producer: Crystal Basaez
Illustrations by Meegan Lim

Vanessa Eckstein RGD

Blok Design

Known for her passion for taking on initiatives that blend cultural awareness, humanity and a love of art to advance society and business alike, Vanessa’s experiences living and working in Buenos Aires, Los Angeles, New York, Mexico City and Toronto, have given blok design a unique international perspective that has been recognized and awarded around the world. Her experience includes top global brands such as Nike, Pepsi, Nestle, and the Museum of Modern Art Miami, among others. She is a member of The Brookfield Sustainability Institute’s League of Innovators & Scholars and a newly inducted fellow of The Canadian Academy of Arts. She has served as D&AD’s Design Jury President in London, Co-Chair of The Marketing Awards, and juror for Cannes Lions among many others.