San Francisco-based design firm Manual created the Eames Infinite Curiosity Institute’s colorful branding around the shape-shifting lowercase “e” for “curiosity.”
The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity is a newly formed nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of Charles and Ray Eames through physical and digital public programs showcasing their vast archives.
Manual was commissioned to create the organization’s graphic identity, which spanned logos, packaging, merchandise, stationery, posters, publications and websites.
“We began this project in 2019 and, through multiple trips and work sessions at the Eames Ranch, deeply immersed, researched, and collaborated with the Eames Collection and the granddaughter of Ray and Charles Eames. We delved into the personal archives of Chief Curator Lisa Demetrios at the Eames Institute,” he said in the studio.
“Our goal was to uncover and find ways to translate Ray and Charles’ approach and work ethos, while creating a modern, forward-looking identity for a progressive organization.”
The studio utilized Eames graphic materials for the branding’s colorful palette, which features bright pinks, yellows, blues, oranges, reds, earthy greens, browns, and grays.
The colors were chosen to work functionally with a variety of digital and print assets.
A bold lowercase “e” is used in the logo and is used in a variety of media. The central counter is designed to move within the circular body.
“The resulting identity is centered around the curious ‘e,’ a symbol that embodies boundless curiosity in its dynamic composition,” the studio says.
“This curious ‘e’ allows us to shift our gaze to observe its context, emphasize its content, and continue Eames’ legacy of seminal discovery.”
topolbold, century school book, Century Schoolbook Monospace and Graphik were used for typography with reference to the Eames archives.
“Topol Bold references News Gothic, the typeface used by the Eameses for film titles such as ‘Powers of Ten,’ while its corresponding Century Schoolbook provides contrast and ‘conversations with Topol. ”, giving the brand a classic and timeless feel. ” he said in the studio.
“Century Schoolbook Monospace references the archival labels found on flat file drawers at the Eames Ranch and on the Eameses’ own business cards, while Graphik serves as the “workhorse” of modern sans-serif fonts. ”
Manual has created a project launch kit that includes a variety of branded merchandise, including tote bags, wooden blocks, prism viewers, and artwork prints.
The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity was founded in 2022. It will eventually be based at Eames Ranch, a studio and residential complex in Sonoma Valley, California.
The facility is being renovated and will house the Eames Collection, an “ever-growing” archive containing thousands of Eames artifacts, prototypes, furniture, artwork, and ephemera.
During construction, the Eames Institute will share its collection through “partner organizations and temporary facilities.”
Manual’s Institute Branding has been shortlisted in the Graphic Design category at the Dezeen Awards 2023.
Other recent branding projects include a playful revamp of Jello-O and a new “I ♥ NY” logo that was hotly contested earlier this year.
Photo courtesy of the Eames Institute for Infinite Curiosity.
