Twinning Logo System

When I was invited to develop a visual identity for the Dundee & Alexandria Twinning Association, the opportunity was exciting. This wasn’t just about two cities on opposite sides of the Atlantic, it was about celebrating connection, shared values, and the spirit of international friendship.

My concept centred around a stylised graphic that brought iconic buildings from both Dundee, Scotland, and Alexandria, Virginia into one unified composition. Carefully selected architectural elements, the industrial and cultural silhouettes of Dundee alongside the Georgian and waterfront landmarks of Alexandria, created a visual bridge between the two cities, rich with symbolism and balance.

The identity was designed to be clean, optimistic, and adaptable, a mark that could lend itself to everything from event materials and educational programmes to social campaigns and civic promotions. Typography, colour palettes, and illustrative styles were chosen to reflect both the warmth of partnership and the historic character of each place.

Though the project was ultimately not adopted for use, it remains a piece of work I’m proud of. It brought together thoughtful research, cultural sensitivity, and expressive design in a way that felt genuinely respectful and celebratory.

Sometimes, design work doesn’t make it past the final hurdle, but the process of exploring visual storytelling across borders was an invaluable creative journey in itself. It was a lesson in diplomacy, design, and the quiet power of shared identity.