Wildfire Futures: Brand Identity, website design and theme build

Introduction

Part of the University of Melbourne, The Wildfire Futures Hallmark Research Initiative was established to help address the challenges of Wildfires in the Australian landscape, by bringing diverse knowledge and disciplines together to create new ways of living with fire.

I created a visual identity for the Initiative that takes inspiration from Australian colour palettes, textures and the regeneration of flora and fauna. This system was then rolled out across event marketing and a website that pulls together knowledge and information about the team.

Colours & Fonts

The visual identity for The Wildfire Futures Hallmark Research Initiative is deeply rooted in the essence of the Australian landscape. The colour palette was carefully chosen to reflect the natural hues found in Australia’s unique flora and fauna, incorporating earthy tones of ochre, eucalyptus green, and sunset orange.

These colours symbolise both the beauty and resilience of the environment, evoking a sense of regeneration and hope. For typography, I selected fonts that balance readability with a modern aesthetic. The primary typeface is a clean, sans-serif font that ensures clarity and accessibility across all digital and print materials.

Complementing this, an elegant serif font is used sparingly to add a touch of sophistication and contrast, particularly in headings and key highlights. This combination of colours and fonts creates a cohesive and engaging visual experience that aligns with the Initiative’s mission and values.

Assets & Illustrations

The visual identity for The Wildfire Futures Hallmark Research Initiative is enriched with carefully crafted textural assets and illustrations that bring the brand to life. Drawing from the textures found in the Australian outback, such as the rough bark of eucalyptus trees and the intricate patterns of native flora, these textural elements add depth and authenticity to the design. Each texture was meticulously created to evoke the natural environment, reinforcing the Initiative’s connection to the landscape it seeks to protect.

Illustrations play a pivotal role in the visual narrative, featuring stylised depictions of key elements like native plants, wildlife, and fire. These illustrations are not only visually appealing but also serve to communicate complex ideas in an accessible and engaging manner. By integrating these textural assets and illustrations, the visual identity captures the essence of Australia’s natural beauty and resilience, creating a memorable and impactful brand experience.

Brand Application

The brand application for The Wildfire Futures Hallmark Research Initiative extends seamlessly to signage and uniforms, ensuring a consistent and professional presence across all touchpoints.

On signage, the vibrant colour palette and bold typography are used to create clear, eye-catching displays that effectively communicate the Initiative’s message.

Uniforms featuring the custom-designed logo and colours not only foster a sense of unity among team members but also enhance visibility and recognition at events and in the field. This cohesive application of the brand elements reinforces the Initiative’s identity and mission, making a lasting impression on all who encounter it.

Website Design & Build

The website for The Wildfire Futures Hallmark Research Initiative builds upon the established branding, weaving together their story, the team’s extensive experience, the services they offer, and details about both major and current projects. Designed to be both informative and visually engaging, the site aims to attract potential clients and future PhD students, showcasing the Initiative’s groundbreaking research and expertise. By presenting comprehensive and accessible information, the website serves as a powerful tool to secure funding and support, driving the Initiative’s mission forward while highlighting their significant contributions to wildfire research and management.