A university orchestra is pure energy: a hive of young musicians coming together to perform the great works of classical music. Instruments that, when combined, form a cohesive whole, and a repertoire rich in color and nuance. The old OSUL image captured none of that. An audit of its materials, as well as those of other orchestras in the region and across France, revealed an untapped opportunity: the fusion of emotions—the effect an ensemble creates when it plays as one. Orchestras often have a stiff, formal image; OSUL could take the opposite approach, opening itself up to the general public without alienating classical music enthusiasts. Mathilde, who led the project, developed an identity where the music is seen before it is heard.
The typeface was custom-designed, with its thick and thin strokes echoing the rhythm of musical notes. The logo is built upon two stylized staves. Surrounding it, gradients structured into geometric patterns convey the explosion of color in a great work when all sections play together, serving as a common thread across all materials. The design draws inspiration from 1950s and 60s Swiss graphic design—from Armin Hofmann to Josef Müller-Brockmann—as well as musical notation.
A flexible grid system carries the design across posters, programs, and social media. The style guide and accompanying Canva templates allow the orchestra to produce its own materials while maintaining a consistent look.
