Pentagram creates an uplifting model identification for the Psychological Well being Coalition
Pentagram partner Paula Scher has teamed up with social activist and fashion designer Kenneth Cole on his new joint initiative, the Mental Health Coalition. The coalition's mission is to destigmatize mental illness and address the ongoing public health crisis in US mental health that has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Cole wanted to remove the stigma of mental illness," explains Scher CR, why she took on the project. “He equated it with the stigma that surrounded AIDS. I thought he was right and it was a great thing. “Scher's identity revolves around an icon that represents the idea of a“ square pencil in a round hole ”, a general symbol of non-belonging and a feeling that manifests itself in different ways for millions of people worldwide.
Pentagram's identity for the Mental Health Coalition
"Cole's hope was that everyone sometimes had emotional problems and that everyone had to feel that it was okay to feel like that and talk about it and get help when they needed it," explains Scher. “I feel like I'm not emotionally stable, equated with the feeling of being like a square pencil in a round hole. I wanted to create a symbol and system that can be universally recognized and that eliminates the sanatorium aspect of mental health. "
The symbol shows that there is no “normal” in terms of mental health and that everyone fits, no matter how they feel. In Druk by Commercial Type, the chunky black letter shapes are set against a rainbow of colors that has been applied to business cards, stationery, the website and a number of posters with strong phrases.
The simple sign is also applied to the branding Pentagram created for a digital storytelling platform that is part of the coalition titled "How Are You, Really?" Is. The platform is intended to be a place for those seeking help and guidance related to mental health, while encouraging individuals to share their experiences and stories, and to start discussions about their problems. Here, visitors will also find the voices of celebrities, influencers and supporters who discuss "mental, open, authentic and provocative" health.
The Druk script is used again here to signal the connection to the coalition. A bright, but somewhat more varied range of colors was also used to represent the broad spectrum of mental illnesses and at the same time to awaken a feeling of optimism and hope.
"I like the way Pentagram does that. How are you really doing? Identity that is different from the Mental Health Coalition but still sticks to it, ”says Cole. "The platform's identity is appropriately subdued and calm, as it will be a center for often serious discussions, but it's also interwoven with splashes of color and fun to lighten the mood and increase engagement."
For Scher, it was her and her team's responsibility to create an appealing but safe space. "I think the graphics have to be powerful and accessible, not shy or calm, and give people the feeling that it is okay to come and take part in the website, ”she says.
Cole added: “We wanted to create a platform where our users feel safe to connect and be vulnerable. Pentagram understood our vision from the beginning and ultimately an appealing and inviting aesthetic for How Are You, Really? We know that this will encourage users to share authentically – and help us achieve our goal of destigmatization. "
According to the World Health Organization, one in four people will suffer from a mental illness at some point in their lives. Given the impact of many's blocking, it seems more important than ever that such initiatives exist and provide support.
The Mental Health Coalition Platform How are you really doing? will start this month for Mental Health Awareness Month and will be accompanied by the #howareyoureallychallenge on social media, asking people to share their feelings and then nominating friends to do the same.
pentagram.com; thementalhealthcoalition.org