A Brand World for Humanity's Next Journey
A conceptual branding project exploring the creation of a visual identity for the first human colonisation of Mars.
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Sector: Aerospace, Conceptual Design
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Discipline: Brand Identity, 3D Modelling, Motion Graphics, Environmental Graphics
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Role: Brand Designer, 3D Artist
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Outcome: A comprehensive brand world for a conceptual Mars mission
A Complete Brand Universe
The result of this project is a rich, multi-faceted brand world for the MARS 2030 mission. It successfully demonstrates a creative vision executed across multiple disciplines, from print and branding to advanced 3D environmental design. The project is a testament to the power of a well-researched concept and showcases the advanced digital skills praised in my university feedback, proving my ability to bring ambitious and complex ideas to life.
Creating a Culture for a New World
This project was a self-initiated brief born from a personal passion for space exploration. The challenge was to create a complete visual identity for the "MARS 2030" mission, envisioning a brand that would not only represent the technology but also inspire a new generation of pioneers. The brand character was defined as "Trendy, Inspiring, and Spirited", requiring a design that spanned every touchpoint of the mission from the official logo to the colonists' daily environment.
Analogue Experiments, Digital Worlds
My approach was a deep, multidisciplinary exploration aimed at creating a unique aesthetic. The process began with physical, hands-on experiments using letterpress and RISO printing to explore textures and colour palettes that could inform a futuristic brand. This analogue foundation was then combined with advanced digital tools, primarily 3D modelling and motion graphics, to build an authentic and immersive sci-fi world from the ground up.
Inspiration & Exploration
The visual language for the brand was drawn from unexpected sources. I conducted photographic research around Swansea, capturing architectural shapes and patterns that would later inspire 3D forms and abstract motifs . This local, real-world research provided a unique foundation for the futuristic designs.
Logo & Brand Identity
The logo development was an extensive process of sketching and iteration. The final logo was inspired by the image of Phobos, one of Mars's moons, creating a partial solar eclipse as viewed from the planet's surface. It features a clean, geometric typeface to align with the sci-fi theme, paired with a dynamic, circular emblem that suggests movement and transformation.
World-Building Through 3D
To truly realise the brand, I used 3D modelling to design and visualise key elements of the Martian environment. This involved creating assets from scratch, including concepts for futuristic drink bottles and building detailed interior and exterior scenes of the habitat. This process was crucial for translating 2D brand concepts into a tangible, immersive world.
System Application
A successful brand must be consistent across all applications. The MARS identity was systematically applied to a wide range of touchpoints, from official mission collateral to everyday items for the colonists. The signage system, for instance, was inspired by the clarity and logic of the New York City Subway's wayfinding to ensure intuitive navigation in a new environment