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InspirationGraphic Design

The Colburn: Branding that conveys the essence of music for performing arts school

For the graphic identity of The Colburn performing arts school in Downtown Los Angeles, designed by New York-based Melia Tandiono, the inspiration came from the two most important guides for any performer; the metronome and the conductor’s baton.

Written By:
Colburn School branding materials in blue and red featuring Steve Reich & Philip Glass and 40 Years of Colburn text with metronome-inspired graphics on accompanying white patterned sheets

By using mainly typography, the brand conveys the essence of music without using customary symbols and characters. Both confident and bold, the visual identity speaks volumes without saying a word.

Designer Melia graduated from the ArtCenter College of Design with a BFA in Graphic Design. Her main interest lies in print, identity, type design and packaging, which means she often buys items that are of no use to her, but that are packaged beautifully. Let's face it, we've all been there.

Discover more of her work at meliatandiono.com.

Directional wayfinding signage on a white wall listing floors and facilities of The Colburn school, with a blurred figure walking past and stairs visible on the right
A page spread from a design magazine showing article text about The Colburn school alongside images of blue hands and a quote about the privileged experience of attending a conservatory
Close-up of The Colburn school branding showing blue vertical stripe alongside printed text with typography-led identity design
Blue poster for The Colburn's March 2020 season beside a white page listing performing artists and concert dates with minimalist line details
The Colburn's website homepage displaying a concert listing for Carlos Kalmar with event details and an orchestra performance photograph
Four event posters for The Colburn performing arts school featuring minimalist black and white designs with typography and monochromatic imagery of musicians and instruments
The Colburn logotype in white serif text with a diagonal line on bright blue background, referencing a conductor's baton
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