The Association of Registered Graphic Designers

Celebrating branding's most overlooked symbol.

Challenge

The Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD) is one of the world’s largest associations for professional graphic designers. In 2023, they introduced a new award program – RGD Branding Awards – to celebrate the best in branding and design from around the globe.

RGD needed a brand identity for RGD Branding Awards that would stand out on a global stage, attracting design studios from around the world to submit entries.

Text on a black background reads "2023 RGD Branding Awards" in a creative, geometric dot font made of registered trademark symbols.
Three posters on a gray wall: Left and right posters feature circular patterns of small registered trademark symbols on dark backgrounds; the center shows large registered trademark symbols on white.

Solution

To celebrate the most notable branding and design from around the world, we drew inspiration from branding’s most overlooked symbol: the registered trademark ® – and used it to create the entire identity for RGD Branding Awards.


First, using nothing more than the ® symbol, we designed a custom typeface – Registered Grotesk – that features more than 160 unique characters, multi-language support, and a host of OpenType features.


Then, we extended the (R)-only system by developing a dynamic suite of graphics for both print and digital outreach material. We even exclusively used (R)s to painstakingly recreate portraits for each of the internationally acclaimed judges.


Ultimately, we used nothing but the (R) to create the entire identity system, taking branding’s most overlooked symbol and turning it into something worth celebrating.

A black poster lies on a concrete floor, featuring white text reading "REGISTERED GROTESK" composed entirely of registered trademark symbols. Sunlight casts diagonal shadows across the poster, creating a dynamic contrast.
Split image: left side features a question mark and exclamation point made of registered trademark symbols on a black background; right side shows an upside down question mark and exclamation point similarly formed on a white background.
Pixelated alphanumeric characters made out of registered trademark symbols in various cases and accents are displayed on a dark background, showcasing a digital typeface.
A beige background with a border made of dotted registered trademark symbols forming a rectangular frame.
A large brick wall features a blackboard with the words "MAKE YOUR MARK" in bold, white letters made of small registered trademark symbols.
A gray tote bag with a circular pattern of white registered trademark symbols is on the left, its shadow cast on the surface. On the right, a folded, shadowed paper with text.
Two rolls of decorative tape with a registered trademark symbol pattern lay on a light wooden surface. Next to them, a white t-shirt with a similar design hangs on a textured wall.

Impact

The ®-based brand identity immediately had an impact, helping RGD surpass their projected revenue from entry fees by over 200% – making RGD Branding Awards the most successful program launch in their 30-year history.

  • 200%

    Revenue above projections

  • #1

    RGD’s most successful program launch to date

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