Resonare Visuell Identitéit by Made Milicevic

Resonare Visuell Identitéit by Made Milicevic is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award an Eisen in Grafik, Illustratioun a Visuell Kommunikatiounsdesign Competition Category.

EisenGrafik· 2026

Resonare Visuell Identitéit

by Made Milicevic

Client: Luthier Zeljko Catic

A' Design Award an Eisen Winner in Grafik Category

5,232

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #183059

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Resonare Visuell Identitéit

Resonare ass eng visuell Identitéit fir de Geigebauer Zeljko Catic zu Dubrovnik. De Monogramm weist eng rhythmesch visuell Rimm tëscht Z an C, wou d'Stréche mat der natierlecher Geometrie vum Steg vun der Gei verschmëlzen. Andeem kroatesch diakritesch Zeeche an d'Anatomie vum Instrument integréiert ginn, gëtt d'Design en onzertrennlechen Deel vu senger Form. Dës intim Ënnerschrëft lieft am Häerz vum Instrument a weist sech nëmmen als diskreet Spuer duerch déi elegant f-Lächer.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award an Eisen

Resonare Visuell Identitéit ass e Gewënner vum A' Design Award an Eisen, enger prestigiéiser Unerkennung, déi un gutt Designe vergi gëtt, déi déi professionell an industriell Ufuerderunge erfëllen, déi vu gutt gestaltene Kreatioune erwaart ginn. Eisen-Gewënner weisen déi grouss Fäegkeet, déi héich Spezialiséierung, dat Expertewëssen an d'kreativ Kapazitéit vun hire Schëpfer. Et gëtt erwaart, datt Resonare Visuell Identitéit eng héich geschätzt, bewonnert a beléifte Kreatioun ass, déi praktesch an innovativ ass. Dëst mam Eisen ausgezeechent Design integréiert déi beschte Praktike vun der Industrie a huet kompetent technesch Eegeschaften, déi mat Know-how an Talent verbonne sinn. Resonare Visuell Identitéit gëtt fir seng Grëndlechkeet respektéiert a ass gestalt, d'Liewensqualitéit ze verbesseren an ze hëllefen, d'Welt zu enger besserer Plaz ze maachen.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: Resonare is a sophisticated visual identity designed for luthier Zeljko Catic in Dubrovnik. The monogram features a rhythmic visual rhyme between the characters Z and C, where the typographic strokes are thoughtfully crafted to merge with the natural geometry of the violin bridge. By integrating Croatian diacritics into the instrument's functional anatomy, the design becomes an inseparable part of its form. Conceived as an intimate and enduring signature, the handmade label lives within the heart of the instrument, revealing itself only as a discreet trace through the elegant f-holes. This work celebrates the unbreakable bond between exquisite craftsmanship, noble wood, and the timeless nature of music.
Dimensions & Packaging: Labels are 70 x 25 mm. The material used is bespoke handmade cotton paper with natural deckle edges. Printing methods include traditional letterpress and hot branding. The system is specifically scaled for the intimate interior space of the violin, with typography weight strategically adjusted to compensate for ink gain on handmade paper.
Tags: Visual Identity, Monogram, Luthier, Violin, Internal Label, Typography, Handmade Paper, Dubrovnik, Hot Branding, Craftsmanship, Minimalism.
Production Technology: The identity is realized through a fusion of traditional and modern methods. It utilizes letterpress printing on handmade paper for internal labels and high-precision hot branding for the wooden elements. This reflects the luthier's own process of classical craftsmanship aided by modern precision.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was integrating complex Croatian diacritics into the narrow, elongated format of a traditional violin label. Balancing the visual harmony of the Z and C forms with the restrictive space inside the instrument required a precise geometric synthesis. The goal was to ensure that the monogram remains legible and elegant when viewed through the f-holes, while maintaining a symbolic connection to the structural anatomy of the violin bridge.
Research: Research focused on the visual synergy between the structural geometry of violin bridges and classical typographic initials. The objective was to find a geometric intersection where the phonetic diacritics of the Croatian alphabet could naturally integrate with the instrument's traditional anatomy. The study aimed to create a visual identity that respects the craftsmanship of the luthier while adding a layer of contemporary graphic expression.
Inspiration: Inspired by the fusion of classical luthiery and manuscript initials. The design incorporates a violin motif where strokes mimic the instrument’s fluid lines. The research focused on the bridge, known as the konjic, as a geometric centerpiece to resolve the challenge of Croatian diacritics. The goal was to honor the luthier’s patience by creating a silent signature that resides within the instrument, visible through the shadows of the f-holes.
Project Duration: The project was conducted over a period of three months in 2024. The research and design process took place in Dubrovnik, Croatia, in close collaboration with the luthier's workshop.
Operation Flow: The interaction is a gentle discovery, a glimpse into the violin’s interior where the label dwells as a quiet, permanent presence. It is a subtle dialogue between the luthier’s touch and the musician’s gaze, shared through the instrument's wooden heart.
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Srdjan Babic, Resonare Hero Label, 2026.
Image #2: Photographer Srdjan Babic, Concept Correlation, 2026.
Image #3: Photographer Srdjan Babic, Final Application, 2026.
Image #4: Photographer Srdjan Babic, Craftsmanship Process, 2026.
Image #5: Photographer Srdjan Babic, Letterpress Label and Violin Body, 2026.

Design and Art Direction by Made Milicevic. Handmade paper and print by Valnea Dzamarija. Luthier by Zeljko Catic. Design Consulting by Nora Mojas.