Design | Print:
Commencement
A change in venue for commencement prompted the addition of a set of banners to complement the established graphics led by the Commencement book
A traditional gonfalon style banner was requested to lead each school in the commencement procession; I modified it to make it more unique to the university
The final iteration of banners seen here are hand-sewn heavy felt. Felt banners had the weight to not blow in the wind as much as nylon, combined with long-term durability.
Stock gonfalon-style banners have a pronounced cross shape, making them look medieval or overly-religious. I modified these to a T-shape to make them more unique.
The upward angle evoked the university's motto of "ever better" and became part of the visual language of the event.
Silver was chosen to match the university's commencement symbols, two silver and wood batons. These were modeled and then 3D printed, with an eye toward eventually making molds and having them cast and silver plated.
The university seal, 3D printed and then mounted to the top of the steel crosspiece.
Traditional gonfalons have their crosspiece attached to the pole with a hook and loop method that works well when stationary, but waves excessively in the wind. I worked with the university's machine shop to design and build custom-made stainless steel connectors which provided tremendous strength and logevity.