Designing the Legacy: The George Nelson Modernism Exhibit

Overview

The George Nelson: A Symbol of Modernism exhibit was more than an homage; it was an immersive celebration of Nelson’s impact on mid-century design. The goal was to create a cohesive brand identity that encapsulated his design philosophy—functional elegance, clean lines, and timeless aesthetics.

This brand identity informed every detail of the exhibit, from logos and signage to marketing materials, exhibit space, and even the website. Together, these elements created an experience that bridged the past and present, highlighting Nelson’s enduring influence on modern design.

Duration

3 Weeks

Deliverables

Brand Guidelines, High Fidelity Website

Tools

Figma, Illustrator, Photoshop

The Research

  • The journey began with a deep dive into Nelson’s work and his design philosophy. I analyzed his iconic contributions to mid-century modernism and identified key themes:
    • Clean, functional design: Elegance rooted in practicality.
    • Timeless aesthetics: A style that remains relevant and inspiring.
    • Visual harmony: A balance between form and function.

    This research became the foundation for the exhibition’s thematic direction, ensuring every element reflected the innovative spirit of mid-century modernism.

Moodboard & Concept Development

  • To capture the essence of Nelson’s philosophy, I curated a moodboard featuring bold typography, earthy tones, and geometric patterns characteristic of the mid-century era. These elements became the building blocks of the exhibit’s identity.

Brand Guidelines

  • I developed a comprehensive branding guide, drawing inspiration from the colors, fonts, and stylistic nuances of mid-century design. This ensured that all visual elements—from promotional posters to banners—embodied the aesthetic principles of the time.

Brand Materials

  • The identity came to life through carefully crafted materials, including:
    • Promotional Posters: Eye-catching designs to build anticipation.
    • Entry Tickets: Functional and stylish, designed as keepsakes.
    • Banners: Large-scale visuals that introduced the exhibit’s theme.

Website Design

  • The website was designed as a digital extension of the exhibit, offering a preview and engaging content to enhance the visitor experience: