Next Generation Project
Next Generation Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a dance performance group that bridges generations. Focused on preserving and passing down Black American generational knowledge and history, the project is led by previous generations who teach the younger ones, ensuring that cultural traditions, dance styles, and stories are kept alive and continue to thrive for years to come.
Role: Graphic Designer, client communication
Project Context: Non Profit Organization
Product Type: Logo, Merch
Duration: 2 weeks
Tools: Figma, Procreate, Adobe
Problem
The Next Generation Project is seeking a logo that visually captures its mission to preserve and pass down Black American generational knowledge and history through dance. The logo must symbolize the connection between past and future generations while reflecting dance and music. It needs to be versatile for use on hoodies, merchandise, and branding, resonating with both the community and supporters of this important cultural movement.
Solution
The logo for the Next Generation Project will incorporate similarities to powerful symbols such as the Black fist and musical elements, merging dance and culture into a unified visual identity. The Black fist will represent empowerment, unity, and the strength of Black heritage, while musical notes will tie the visual back to the art of dance. This design will be versatile and meaningful, making it suitable for hoodies, branding, and merchandise, while resonating with the mission to continue Black American generational knowledge.
Branding
The branding for the Next Generation Project draws on a combination of symbols and colors that are consistent with Herräng Dance Camp, reflecting the organization’s strong partnership with the camp and reinforcing the sense of community and shared cultural legacy. This kit ensures that the logo and visuals are versatile across various applications, including hoodies, merchandise, and digital content, for both Next Generation Project and Herräng Dance Camp.
Mood boards
The Options
This mood board presents various logo and design concepts for the Next Generation Project, exploring different color themes that reflect the project’s mission to preserve and pass down Black American generational knowledge through dance. Central elements like the rising hand and “uplifting” are highlighted, with color schemes inspired by Herräng Dance Camp’s branding, ensuring versatility across different platforms. Drawing inspiration from Chester Whitmore’s powerful dance photography, the designs capture the energy, cultural richness, and connection of Black American dance, creating a visual identity that resonates with both history and movement.
💡 music 💡 HDC colors
💡 black culture 💡 Elders
Designs
Sketches
Mockups
These mockups display the Next Generation Project hoodies in various styles, showcasing different placements and combinations of logos. The designs feature bold and impactful logo placements on the chest, sleeves, and back, ensuring visibility and versatility. Each hoodie mockup highlights the integration of the large logo, with some featuring single logos. These combinations allow for a range of visual expressions, from minimalist designs to more graphic-driven styles.
Hoodie: Front , Back, Sleeve
Final Designs
Here are the two final assets for the Next Generation Project hoodie design. The other assets were not approved for use with Herräng Dance Camp branding and were combined with the existing Herräng Dance Camp logo on the front. .
2 Final Assets
Reflection
What I Learned
Deadlines
I learned the importance of clear communication when it comes to deadline expectations. Ensuring everyone was on the same page helped avoid any last-minute issues, resulting in a smoother and more efficient process.
Printing DPIs & Quality
I learned about printing standards and the necessary image quality and DPI required for printing larger scale images. Understanding this ensured that the designs looked sharp and professional when produced in larger formats.