Ukraine’s national brand design, called “Ukraine Now,” has won a prestigious Red Dot Award in the category of corporate design.
The international competition announced the results on Aug. 16. The creator of Ukraine’s design, advertising agency Banda, made the design they submitted to the award competition at the request of Ukraine’s government. The brand consists of a logo and motto “Ukraine Now.”
Based in Essen, Germany, the Red Dot annual international design competition selects winners in the areas of product design, communication design, and design concepts. Ukraine’s brand competed in 2018 with over 8,000 other works by designers, agencies and companies from 45 countries, which were judged by a jury of two dozen members.
“In terms of aesthetics, ‘Ukraine Now’ is perhaps not the most sophisticated of this years’ entries, but it does position Ukraine in a very positive manner, thus sending a strong message – both domestically and to the wider world,” one of the 24 Red Dot jurors, Knut Maierhofer, said of Banda’s design.
The Banda branding agency wanted to change the country’s image, which is often associated with “corruption, revolution, and military actions,” Banda’s website says. The agency said it aimed to create a brand for Ukraine in the world, attracting investments and improving tourism potential.
The designs is produced to be seen on billboards, flyers, and video ads.
Uwe Melichar, the Red Dot jury member and the president of the European Brand and Packaging Design Association said that “Ukraine Now” is a “young but serious, playful and full of impact” brand. All elements derive from Ukrainian culture, with the colors coming from the flag, and the typeface from a famous Ukrainian constructivist, Melichar added.
“This is perfect‚ fluid branding, with a seamless flow between analog and digital media,” Melichar said.
“This iconic project by Banda Agency really deserves a Red Dot for its great communication and outstanding design quality – and the country deserves this powerful, highly visible brand campaign!”
It is the second time the agency has won a Red Dot award. Earlier, Banda received a Red Dot award for the corporate logo of the Eurovision Song Contest 2017, with its motto “Celebrate Diversity.”
A Banda agency video promotes Ukraine with their “Ukraine Now” brand design.
