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melanoma and skin cancer research institute

logo design

Melanoma and Skin Cancer Research Institute

The Melanoma and Skin Cancer Research Institute (MASCRI) is a national organisation involved in research into various treatments for melanoma. It is also responsible for promoting public awareness of this devastating disease.

We have enjoyed a long association with The Melanoma Foundation and were asked to design the MASCRI corporate identity and associated public information material. Because the skin damage which is a precursor for the disease usually happens early in life, much of the material was designed for school children, parents and teachers. The central message was the urgent need for sun safety.

There were two significant challenges in addressing this target audience. Firstly, pictures of the disease in advanced stages are quite disturbing. Secondly, most Australians have an entrenched culture of ‘sun worship’. The sun was generally perceived as ‘healthy’ rather than something which could potentially kill you. It was decided that material which was unduly ‘negative’ would be counterproductive with this audience. We therefore arrived at a strategy which emphasised the positive aspects of fun in the sun, whilst stressing the dangers and suitable safety measures.

This strategy naturally lead to a common visual style which involved the use of bright colours and ‘youth-oriented’ typography, together with an easily understood, non-technical text.
We have produced a wide range of material, including pamphlets, teachers kits, newsletters and a website. We also designed and helped launch the Melanoma Awareness Day (MAD), during which thousands of light sensitive MAD badges and information packs were distributed to schools throughout Australia.