Ensemble Arts is the leading performing arts in Philadelphia, and the two entities have a large impact on each other. I created this brand with a few core elements focusing heavily on the city’s history and the energy of live performance.
Early on, I started playing with horizontal lines and boxes within the system just to create a horizontal structure. But that evolved into much more. Ensemble Arts has a wide variety of performances; from large orchestras to independent artists. I wanted to represent that with the shape and scale of the boxes in the system.
I also liked tying EA to the city itself. While it’s a little on the nose, Franklin Gothic is beautiful and really feels like Philadelphia. I used it large and textured as if it was a wood type from traditional American advertising. It gives the brand a historical context that makes it feel intelligent and important.
While it is beautiful static, the system really shines with motion. The elements that vary in scale and speed mimic the people and cars you might see on Broad St. as you pass the Kimmel Center. Or if you want a tie to performance, the movement of dancers leaping across a stage.
