Award for Brand Design
Award Sponsor: q30 design
Winner: Cody Garcia
Winning Project: City of Nanaimo
Award Sponsor: q30 design; School: Wilson School of Design at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Richmond, BC; Educator Support: Michael Cober
The City of Nanaimo rebrand was designed for a broad civic audience that includes residents, visitors, businesses, city staff and potential investors. It also supports internal departments with a flexible system for consistent communication across signage, digital platforms, documents and outreach.
As Nanaimo grows, the identity needed to resonate with long-time locals and new arrivals while aligning with the city’s 150th anniversary. The previous brand, centered on the “Harbour City” slogan and wave graphic, lacked adaptability, with a serif typeface and rigid system that proved difficult across applications. The new identity introduces a custom wordmark with geometric, wave-inspired curves as its foundation, paired with a modular layout system that accommodates sub-brands and a simplified “N” symbol. Iconography, image containers and motion design echo the wave motif to create cohesion, while a vibrant coastal colour palette reinforces place. The result is a timeless, adaptable civic identity rooted in Nanaimo’s coastal character.
Honourable Mentions
- Expose Films by Cody Garcia, Wilson School of Design at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Richmond, BC
- High Line Canal by Gisoo Kang, Seneca Polytechnic, Toronto ON
- Loud Mixers by Eva Morenets, Wilson School of Design at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Richmond, BC
- Wink Lingerie by Oleksandra Polska, Wilson School of Design at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Richmond, BC
- Leinala's Finnish Bakery Client Rebrand by Justin Trottier, Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology, Sudbury, ON
Judges
- Andrew Boardman RGD, Creative Director at Mangrove Web, Montreal, QC
- Karl Chen RGD, Creative Director and Senior Designer at KeyVis, Toronto, ON
- Ania Czupajlo RGD, Multimedia Designer at CIFAR, Toronto, ON
- Bianca Jozwiak RGD, Graphic Designer at CPA Ontario, Newmarket, ON
- Sophie Lacerte RGD, Art Director at ATB Financial, Calgary, AB
- Andy Kelly, Senior Designer at Q30, Toronto, ON
- Tara Kerner, Graphic Communications Director at Government of British Columbia, Victoria, BC
- David Nuff RGD, Head of Product Design at oneshot.earth, Toronto, ON
- Mostafa Zohdy RGD, Wayfinding Designer at MJMA, Toronto, ON
Sponsored
