Award for Brand Design
Award Sponsor: Q30 Design Inc.
Winner: Maren Brophy
Winning Project: Mockingbird
Award Sponsor: Q30 Design; School: Capilano University, North Vancouver, BC; Educator Support: Elyssa Schmid & Zoe Evamy
Canadians are drinking less than ever, with 41% reporting reduced alcohol consumption over the last two years, particularly those aged 19 to 31. Mockingbird, a Vancouver-based alcohol-free bar, was created to address this shift, repositioning the alcohol-free bar from a restrictive alternative into a desirable and exciting nightlife destination.
The branding balances wellness with high energy and entertainment: bold colours, playful illustrations and cheeky copywriting combine to create a fun, approachable and slightly edgy identity that competes visually and culturally with traditional bars. Taking its cue from the remixing nature of a mockingbird, the brand reimagines both classic cocktails and the nightlife experience itself, proving that a memorable night out does not require alcohol. The intended audience is people aged 19 to 34 in Metro Vancouver who choose not to drink or want to limit their alcohol intake but still want to take part in social events and enjoy the same experiences as their peers.
Honourable Mentions
- Noko Blind Box by Jessica Baker, Conestoga College, Kitchener, ON
- Align by Yuki Huang, York University, Toronto, ON
- TWO FOLD by Patricia Marinay, George Brown Polytechnic, Toronto, ON
- La Ronda by Victoria Mir, George Brown Polytechnic, Toronto, ON
- Memory Lane by Shilo Sun, Capilano University, North Vancouver, BC (with contributor Charis Catotocan)
Judges
- Zoë Boudreau, Associate Design Director at Rethink, Toronto, ON
- Greg Davis RGD, Partner at Annex Graphics, Binbrook, ON
- Raj Grainger RGD, Creative Director at r/grainger studio, Toronto, ON
- Ashe Green RGD, Founder/Brand Director at Hijinks, Charlottetown, PE
- Sophie Lacerte RGD, Art Director at ATB Financial, Calgary, AB
- Amy LeClair RGD, Owner at Amy LeClair Graphic Design, Peterborough, ON
- Edmund Li RGD, Principal Creative Director at Entro, Markham, ON
- Cecilia Mok, Senior Designer at Sinai Health Foundation, Toronto, ON
- Amanda Phillips RGD, Creative Director/Partner at Generator, Thunder Bay, ON
- Natalia Reis RGD, VP Brand at Q30 Design Inc., Toronto, ON
- Stephanie Strawbridge RGD, Communication Designer at Government of Nova Scotia, Halifax, NS
- Caitlin Wharton RGD, Creative Director at Studio Millie, Portland, OR
