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St. John's College at Cambridge University Unveils a Modern and Cinematic Rebrand
St. John's College, one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions at Cambridge University, has undergone a transformative rebrand, led by the London-based branding agency SomeOne. The new identity aims to showcase the college's rich history while also appealing to contemporary audiences.
The rebranding process involved a careful balance between modernity and tradition, ensuring that the college's long-standing prestige was reflected in the new visual identity. The agency achieved this by incorporating a cinematic new identity that evokes a strong sense of storytelling and depth, positioning the college as both historic and visionary.
One of the key components of the rebrand is the use of the GT Ultra typeface, which bridges the worlds of serif and sans with its artful blend of calligraphic forms and structured detail. The new typography weaves in a contemporary flair, inspired by etched lettering, court markings, and historical typography found throughout the College grounds.
The iconic crest of St. John's College was refined by illustrator Anthony Millard, creating detailed and simplified versions. The new bespoke monogram was drawn from the floor plan of Second Court, adding a unique touch to the rebrand.
The rebrand also features flexible assets and motion design that capture a dynamic, contemporary energy. The black and white color scheme brings a strong sense of class, confidence, and authority, while the editorial approach introduces a "zine-like aesthetic" with a modern appeal.
Simon Manchipp, founding partner at SomeOne, stated that branding an institution like St John's is like rebranding fire—you don't invent it, you refine and reveal its essence. The team at SomeOne achieved this by analysing the college's archives and tangible structures across its grounds, resulting in a future-proof brand bursting with revitalized impact.
SomeOne's design work is not limited to St. John's College. Previous projects include the rebrand for InnTravel and Canada Water Dockside. The new identity of St. John's College features a polished crest, an authoritative new color scheme, and a bespoke monogram that sets it apart from other institutions at Cambridge University.
The rebrand for St. John's College respects its 500+ years of history by subtly updating its visual language to feel fresh and dynamic, aligning the college's identity with its standing as a leading academic institution. The result is a rebrand that feels modern yet timeless, striking the perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
[1] SomeOne - St. John's College, Cambridge [2] Design Week - St. John's College, Cambridge rebrand by SomeOne [3] Creative Bloq - St. John's College, Cambridge rebrand by SomeOne
- The rebrand for St. John's College, led by SomeOne, presents a modern and cinematic layout that showcases the college's rich history while appealing to contemporary audiences.
- The new identity incorporates a creative blend of GT Ultra typography, inspired by etched lettering, court markings, and historical typography found on the college grounds.
- Illustrator Anthony Millard refined the iconic crest of St. John's College, creating detailed and simplified versions, and the team also designed a bespoke monogram based on the floor plan of Second Court.
- The rebranded assets feature a flexible design and motion elements that capture a dynamic, contemporary energy, with a strong black and white color scheme and a zine-like aesthetic.
- Branding an institution like St. John's is like refining and revealing its essence, as stated by Simon Manchipp, founding partner at SomeOne, who accomplished this by analyzing the college's archives and tangible structures across its grounds.
- SomeOne's design work extends beyond St. John's College; their previous projects include the rebrand for InnTravel and Canada Water Dockside.
- The polished crest, authoritative new color scheme, and bespoke monogram of St. John's College distinguish it from other institutions at Cambridge University, aligning its identity with its standing as a leading academic institution, and preserving its 500+ years of history by subtly updating its visual language to feel fresh and dynamic.
