Rhys Tranter, who designed the BAMS logo, explains what inspired him.
The Internet is transforming the way we think about academia. New technology is not only changing the way we work, but the way our research can be presented to the world. The British Association of Modernist Studies is embracing this evolution in a number of ways: it promotes new studies, conferences and events through online social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, and will engage with an international audience with the launch of its newly-designed website.
In designing the logo, I wanted to give BAMS a friendly and accessible look – a contemporary brand identity that still connects with modernist cultural and historical traditions. The logo is inspired by abstract shape formations found in British and European modernist design, presenting a series of multi-coloured rectangles in a way that might suggest books on a shelf. The colour scheme is borrowed from ‘The Mud Bath’ (1914), a work by British Vorticist painter David Bomberg. And the choice of font was an inspired suggestion from Cathryn Setz. Known as Johnston, many recognize it as the official typeface of the London Underground (or Transport for London). It mixes practical utility with a unique sense of character. I think that for BAMS it offers a clean, economical look with an artistic connection to Britain’s modernist past. I want to thank Cathryn for her helpful feedback, and her numerous contributions to the final look. I would also like to thank everyone responsible for choosing this design as the new public face of BAMS.
Visit Rhys’ website, which includes interviews, musings and discussions about modernism and writing, here.
British Association for Modernist Studies - Website Designed and Developed by Callum Leith 