M.Giesser's identity for art festival Next Wave is entirely screen-based

M.Giesser created the entirely screen-based identity for Next Wave, a biennial festival in Melbourne that promotes the work of young and emerging artists. Since founding in 1984, Next Wave has become the most comprehensive platform in Australia for new generations of artists taking creative risks. Having gone without a refresh since 2008, the brand had become stale and required a new lease of life. The new identity is unlike anything else in the sector; it doesn’t try to be sleek, sexy or timeless and instead relies on dynamism and interactivity. The flexible system of erratic shapes and clashing colours doesn’t rely on a fixed logo, adapting to whatever canvas it’s applied to. Next Wave’s website approaches accessibility in a forward-thinking way by including a host of customisation options that can be played with by the user. A set of business cards were designed but were later shelved after being deemed unnecessary.