Founded in 2019, the non-profit organization Istorima is committed to gathering and preserving oral histories from people across Greece. The primary goals of this mission are to protect significant facets of the nation’s cultural legacy and to elevate the human voice of history. Made possible by a founding grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) as part of their “Recharging the Youth” campaign, the organization believes in the transformative power of stories. These stories serve as a bridge between evolution and tradition, inspiring, instructing, and uplifting people. The organization aims to promote a better understanding of ourselves and the world by collecting and sharing these experiences.
The previous logo was functional but not ideal. It featured elements resembling statements that conveyed a narrative, but the design was overly harsh and forceful. Additionally, mismatched characters and excessive spacing compromised the wordmark’s overall coherence. Recognizing the need for a more unified and captivating corporate identity, Istorima collaborated with the design firm HØLY to develop a new logo and visual language more closely aligned with its goals.
The new logo uses a dynamic graphic metaphor to symbolize storytelling, akin to a megaphone representing the amplification of a story as it reaches a broader audience. The whimsical, rounded sans serif typeface used in this design fluctuates in width, giving the letters a sense of expansion and growth. The logo effectively conveys the idea of increasing volume and influence while visually capturing the essence of the work. It is both engaging and visually appealing.
The new logo and graphic identity draw inspiration from vinyl records and movie posters. This approach reflects the organization’s focus on compelling storytelling while giving the brand a dramatic, cinematic feel. The primary typeface used by the company is Helvetica Neue, known for its simplicity, cleanliness, and readability. This typeface allows for strong and direct messaging, making it suitable for titles and lengthy phrases in print and digital media.
Istorima’s materials feature a typographic arrangement that combines elements reminiscent of movie credits and quote extracts, contributing to a unique and cohesive visual language. This prominent alignment enhances the dramatic impact of the material and underscores the brand identity’s cinematic inspiration.
The new visual identity includes a carefully chosen color scheme and graphic elements that support the brand’s mission. The primary colors are vivid and bold, reflecting the power and dynamism of storytelling. Based on geometric shapes and clear lines, the graphic elements give all branding materials a unified and contemporary look.
Additionally, the identity incorporates unique graphics that complement the artwork of the new logo. These images depict architectural features, flora, and pollinators, strengthening the visual connection to the organization’s mission of preserving and disseminating stories. The images are designed to evoke curiosity and awe, aligning with the brand’s exploration of diverse perspectives and cultural legacies.
Overall, Istorima’s rebranding effectively creates a cohesive and captivating visual identity that aligns with its mission and core values. The new logo and related graphic components effectively communicate the organization’s dedication to promoting a deeper understanding of our shared cultural heritage and elevating the human voice of history. This rebranding initiative positions the organization as a cutting-edge and engaging storytelling platform that can inspire and engage audiences in Greece and beyond.
