JSGS modernizes logo and brand identity

The Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS) recently unveiled a new logo and brand identity that prominently recognizes the School’s namesakes, clarifies the School’s campuses and better aligns with the legacy of Albert Johnson and Thomas Shoyama, modernizers of government.

This new design was a collaborative effort between the communications teams at the University of Regina (U of R) and the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) and is very symbolic of the School’s identity. The four sections of the new diamond graphic represent the three levels of government and the profit/non-profit sectors that are integral to the School. Together, these four elements form a perfect square on the outside; however, on the inside they are offset, representing the need to work together. Each triangle within the graphic has three equal sides, reflective of the three units that comprise JSGS: the U of R campus, U of S campus and the JSGS Outreach and Training unit. The colours represented in the graphic elements reflect the diverse disciplines and backgrounds of the students, alumni and faculty.

“One of our main goals through this project was to better showcase our identity,” said Kathy McNutt, Executive Director of JSGS. “Our new logo visually represents that we are a single school operating on two campuses, which embraces the diversity of our students and faculty.”

During the process, different concepts representing the School were developed and, in the end, there was one clear choice that was unanimously agreed upon.

“The design that was chosen is an evolution of the JSGS brand,” said Brian Kachur, creative services specialist at the U of S. “It was inspired by existing School materials such as the alumni pin, the hallmark triangle graphic element used across all school materials, and the primary and secondary colour palettes. So this logo design is not a new invention for the School, it’s the modernizing of a piece that brings everything together in a more comprehensive design package—the finishing touch to the already developed brand.”

The new brand is featured prominently on the School’s website, schoolofpublicpolicy.sk.ca.