Emmanuel College, Australia

A refreshed identity that honors 114 years of heritage and illuminates the path ahead

The Challenge

Emmanuel College, a co-educational and multi-denominational institution located in the heart of Queensland’s Gold Coast, carries more than a century of history and pride. Preserving its heritage while embracing a new era of innovation was both the challenge and the opportunity.

A brand audit revealed a fragmented visual ecosystem: more than fifteen different shades of the iconic Emmanuel Blue were being used across materials. Over time, this inconsistency diluted one of the College’s most powerful brand assets, its color, and with it, a sense of unity and recognition. In parallel, the visual toolkit had grown outdated. It lacked the flexibility and expressiveness needed to engage a generation fluent in digital culture. Through a process of deep consultation (engaging students, alumni, staff and parents) one insight stood out clearly: Emmanuel’s reputation remains strong, its brand equity high, and its community deeply proud. The essence of the brand was alive; it simply needed a clearer voice and a renewed visual language to express it.

What We Did

With respect for history and eyes set on the future, the evolution of Emmanuel College’s brand began by revisiting its heraldic roots.

Emmanuel is the only institution in Australia to have received its Ensigns Armorial from the Office of the Lord Lyon, King of Arms, Edinburgh, the oldest heraldic authority in the world. TOTEM Branding took this as both inspiration and responsibility: to craft a brandmark (crest and logotype) that balances modernity with tradition. Each element connects to the College’s origins: - The Stars evoke the Southern Cross, rooting the College in its southern hemisphere home. - The Lion embodies courage, strength and nobility, a nod to both the Royal Banner of Scotland and Emmanuel College, Cambridge. - The Open Book represents the pursuit of knowledge and the wisdom passed through generations.

What We Did

At its core lies a refined and contemporary crest, redrawn to feel both familiar and forward-looking.

The renewed Emmanuel Blue anchors the entire visual system — a deep, vibrant hue symbolizing calm, wisdom and stability. It unites every touchpoint, replacing decades of inconsistent tones with clarity and purpose. Inspired by the College’s motto Fiat Lux (“Let there be light”) and by the chapel’s stained-glass windows, the visual language radiates color, openness and optimism. A new tone of voice complements this evolution — warm, confident and inclusive — mirroring the spirit of a community that welcomes, inspires and grows together.

The Result

The outcome of this transformation goes far beyond a visual refresh, it represents a profound reaffirmation of identity, belonging and purpose. Emmanuel College’s new brand is not simply seen, it is felt.

Today, every element of the brand works in harmony to tell a cohesive and inspiring story: one that honours the College’s proud heritage while resonating deeply with the minds and hearts of new generations. The new crest, refined and contemporary, brings symbolism and meaning to life in a way that feels both timeless and relevant. The Emmanuel Blue has become more than a color — it is now a visual language that conveys trust, wisdom, and continuity across every touchpoint. Photography and videography now reflect the everyday reality of campus life: authentic, spontaneous, full of energy and light. Gone are the posed portraits and rigid compositions; in their place, real moments of connection, learning and community spirit take the spotlight. Students are no longer just represented — they are seen, heard and celebrated. The new communication system — visual, verbal and emotional — gives Emmanuel College a consistent and confident presence across both physical and digital environments. It allows the College to connect more meaningfully with prospective students, alumni and families, while strengthening internal pride among staff and current students. This transformation has also ignited a renewed sense of purpose within the institution.

The Result

By rediscovering what makes Emmanuel unique, the College has been able to align its visual expression with its educational mission.

To create an environment where every individual can flourish intellectually, socially and emotionally. In a competitive educational landscape, the revitalized identity positions Emmanuel College as a forward-thinking institution grounded in values, authenticity and human connection. It now stands out not by shouting louder, but by shining brighter — with coherence, clarity and soul. Ultimately, the project demonstrates that when a brand embraces its truth and expresses it with purpose, it becomes a living symbol — one that inspires, guides and unites.

Stephen Peake (Principal and CEO Emmanuel College)

“Our new identity is a bridge between tradition and progress. It empowers us to honour our heritage while confidently embracing the future, ensuring Emmanuel College remains a place where every student can belong, thrive, and shine.”

Talk to us about your project: Send us an Email
or call us: +34 91 735 56 89