'Irish Independent' has rebranded in collaboration with Mark Porter Associates. The Irish Independent is a local Irish magazine published since 1905. The project was led by Mark Porter, who worked as creative director at The Guardian for over 10 years.
The harp has been a symbol of Irish Independence for more than 60 years. However, several Irish brands use the harp as their symbol. What represents Ireland? They say they asked questions and explored widely, from the Neolithic era to Irish design of the 60s and 70s.
The studio defined the harp and green as key elements that make Ireland instantly recognizable. The Cláirseach (Celtic harp), a traditional Irish harp, was refined as the core symbol. Since there are so many places that use the harp, in order to give it a unique impression, the magazine and the harp, which are the identity of Irish Independent, were combined and expressed as a symbol.
The typeface was created by Max Philips. The Celtic-style font, which matches the Gaelic language used in Ireland, is attractive. It feels like a rough energy, as if it was carved into stone or wood with a hand or tool. However, it is not too scattered, but rather modern and sophisticated.
And Goodman's illustrations convey greater living energy. It feels like the ink has seeped into the paper using a palette often used in past print magazines. Various colors harmonize with green tones without overpowering Irish green as the main color.
This is a rebranding that maintains a traditional impression of symbols, colors, and fonts while conveying a modern feel with unique illustrations. You can feel the feel of print even in a digital environment. This rebranding of Irish Independent seems like a good example of not simply repeating visual elements, but organizing the whole thing to feel like it has one tone.
