The School of International Relations is the oldest one at MGIMO. It was founded in 1943 as a School of International Relations at the Moscow State University. School alumni constitute the core of the young graduates accepted every year into the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Graduates also choose to work at government bodies, ministries and departments, and international organizations. Russian and international school alumni hold senior diplomatic positions around the world. The Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), considered the most elite university in Russia.

MGIMO university has a dated logotype that hasn’t been revised since the 90s, but the main faculty (FMO-the Faculty of International Relations) decided to look more modern and attractive for young students.

A core goal was to create a logo based on the main MGIMO logotype but which contains a more simple and practical form, to equip ФМО with a new sense of modern identity.

I simplified the original logotype and created branding that mixes modern and minimalistic graphic line elements and classical serif typography. On the one hand, identity’s linear elements and grids are simple to use and on the other hand, they provide a lot of possibilities for different design approaches. You can use them as independent elements or as frames for images, or typography blocks. In addition, I created 3D linear illustrations (globe, domino with continents, and Rubik’s Cube) as metaphors of international relations and politics.

The outcome doesn’t contradict the conservative style of MGIMO, while providing a more contemporary and relevant feel to the faculty of International Relations.