Skip to content
The Zlin Region Značka identity by Radoslav Dostal

The Zlin Region Značka identity by Radoslav Dostal is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2023 Bronzová cena A' Design Award in Grafika Competition Category.


BronzGrafika· 2023

The Zlin Region Značka identity

by Radoslav Dostal

Client: Zlín Region

Bronzová cena A' Design Award Winner in Grafika Category

Colors

Email this page

The Design

About The Zlin Region Značka identity

Zlínský kraj je značka a vizuální identita vytvořená pro region v České republice. Identita je založena na čtverci a čtyři rohy představují čtyři historické okresy kraje. Čtverec rámuje design a zároveň označuje místo, kde dochází ke změně, jelikož tvary a písmena přesahují za jeho okraje. Použité barvy jsou černá, bílá, tmavě žlutá a světle žlutá, přičemž žlutá odkazuje na tradiční barvu Zlína. Identita vyjadřuje kreativního a podnikavého ducha regionu a jeho obyvatel.

The Recognition

About the Bronzová cena A' Design Award

The Zlin Region Značka identity je vítězem Bronzové ceny A' Design Award, vysoce prestižního uznání udělovaného vynikajícím designům, které se vyznačují kreativitou, vynalézavostí a bystrostí. Bronzoví vítězové jsou hojně zručné a nápadně kreativní artefakty, které dosvědčují rozsáhlé zkušenosti, představivost a vynalézavost svých designérů. Očekává se, že The Zlin Region Značka identity bude vysoce ceněným, obdivovaným a milovaným předmětem, pozoruhodně profesionálním a inovativním. Tento design, který získal Bronzovou cenu A' Design Award, zahrnuje osvědčené postupy v umění, vědě, designu a technologiích a vyniká pozorností k detailu. The Zlin Region Značka identity nádherně uspokojuje potřeby, dotýká se tužeb, okouzluje city a oslovuje zvědavost.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties
The design dispenses carefully crafted brand DNA and essence of Live Creative Spirit to reinterpret the phrase Outside The Box. This manifests through a complex square-based visual identity, portraying a philosophical dichotomy of self imposed limits and unrestricted possibilities. A Region Without Borders symbolising Zlin's creative and entrepreneurial spirit, ambition, worldliness and courage. Where the region's creativity breaks out beyond a boxed in comfort zone and our own shadows.
Dimensions & Packaging
Digital
Tags
Zlin, Czech Republic, creativity, borders, square, architecture, DNA, change, openness,
Production Technology
The design and methodologies disrupt traditional Czech regional branding styles. The square's edges represent natural roots, anchoring and framing, while denoting where transformation happens. A creative cube defying corners, recast as a box growing beyond imagined and actual borders. Amid the primary colours black, white, dark yellow, light yellow. Yellow is a reverential nod to Zlin's traditional hue. Covering part of the word Zlinsky emphasises the iconoclasm of the design and region.
Design Challenge
Perhaps the hardest challenge was to overcome the region's recent history. A declining population had been leaking talent to Prague. Existing branding had been hampered by a traditionally dry and dull approach. This presented challenges when it came to reframing historical and social perspectives. Faced with these obstacles, it was a strategic and creative decision to go bold with the branding, breaking out from the constraints of the past.
Research
The project started by examining Zlin's history and its visionaries. Among these, Tomas Bata, one of the world's biggest footwear manufacturers and retailers. Analysing his and others successes formed the basis for the brand essence of Live Creative Spirit. Discussions with the Regional Governor uncovered a disconnect between the region's youth and the area and government. This inspired the logo design to be as a visual disruptor, defying pigeonholes and inspiring creativity.
Inspiration
The turbulent times we live in, technology driven changes, plus ever evolving Zlin, all are inspirations for the project. The Czech Henry Ford, Tomas Bata the visionary, is a catalyst and totem with his saying What you want, you can. Of course, the region's inhabitants too, as their creativity enables emancipation from self imposed mental borders. Geographic frontiers are also motivations, with the square's four corners representing Zlin's four historical districts.
Project Duration
The project started in 2021, when the government decided it needed a rebrand. The project finished in 2022.
Operation Flow
The design transforms perceptions and conceptions of Zlin. Positioning the region away from Prague's periphery, towards a new horizon of creativity and innovation. These characteristics are inherent to the region, and can now be exported through its inhabitants, as they interact and break through the four walls, in a physical and metaphorical sense. The square performs as their base, providing the foundation for communicating the brand's values of acting, thinking and living Outside The Box.
Team Members
Strategy: Zuzana Behova, Jan Blazek
Creative Director: Tomas Nedved
Art Director: Radoslav Dostal
Graphic Designer: Milan Nguyen
Image Credits
Photographer Julius Filip
Film maker Radim Vanous

Sponsored

Explore Beyond Designers.org

Discover products, services and opportunities from our advertising partners.

Good Design Deserves Great Recognition

Nominate Your Work for the A' Design Award.

Nominate