Untold is an educational programme that teaches creative and vocational skills to prisoners as a means of supporting effective rehabilitation. However, its branding was failing to resonate with prisoners, and enrolment was low.
We worked with the Design Against Crime Research Lab at University of the Arts London Central Saint Martins, to help young men serving time at HMP ISIS completely overhaul Untold’s brand identity, collaborating with them to build a brand from scratch. Inside HMP Isis, the process of co-design relied on analogue techniques reminding us all that you don’t need a computer to create great design.
Through this process, over 18 weeks, the participants were given the opportunity to take complete creative ownership of the project, devising the brand strategy and making every decision about logo, colour palette and typography. We couldn’t be prouder of the work these young men have created and are excited to finally share it with the world.
Through its work, Untold allows young men in prison to feel heard. And so, the logo uses speech marks to communicate the importance of giving a voice to those who are routinely silenced. Yellow, a warm and inviting colour, was chosen by the prisoners as they felt it “inspires optimism”.
Alongside the core brand assets, which were co-designed, back in the studio we created a website for the charity. We hope this will spread Untold's important work beyond the walls of HMP Isis, helping to attract more partners and inspire policy-makers by demonstrating the potential of creative education in prison.
Since brand launch, Untold has doubled its funding and gained five new educational/industry partners. This year Untold will trial its programme in a second prison.
To learn more and get involved visit www.untold.org.uk