2025 | Professional

MUSE Design Awards Gold Winner

Her Way Home: New England Conservatory Degree Identity

Entrant Company

Mars Pharaoh

Category

Conceptual Design - Communication

Client's Name

NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY

Country / Region

United States

"Her Way Home" is a performance project by the New England Conservatory, launched in 2024 to celebrate the journeys and resilience of Asian female musicians in North America.



The project brings together musicians from Asia to Boston, each carrying unique cultural experiences and artistic perspectives. Through music, dance, interactive visuals, and real-time projections, the performance not only highlights their musical contributions but also explores the complex emotional connections these women maintain with their homelands. The interplay of nostalgia and longing is transformed into an artistic journey, one that symbolizes both a homecoming and a forward-looking path.



The visual system of "Her Way Home" guides audiences on a double-directions journey: return to your roots, and an exploration of new futures. The motion communication system uses a repetitive strategy, much like a memorable musical composition. Variations in visual elements—akin to high notes or harmonies—adapt to different media while keeping the theme consistent. That reflects on the logo design, campaign series, and executive of material promotion. Inspired by the motif of a 'way,' the design system interprets the journey as one of both 'advance and retreat,' visualized through chord structures and creative coding. And the shape of the logo was inspired from the musician's traditional costume. This visual rhythm aligns seamlessly with the performance’s music and dance, crafting a cohesive experience that immerses the audience.



Her Way Home breaks away from traditional performance formats by integrating interactive new media and promoting on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, creating a cohesive experience that successfully engages a wider audience. To ensure a consistent visual identity, the designer worked closely with the musicians, focusing on fine details to develop a clear and representative visual guide system. This approach helps diverse audiences unfamiliar with Asian culture and music connect more deeply with the performance.



In 2025, Her, Way, Home will start the Asia tour. The result is an audiovisual journey that seamlessly blends Asian cultural expression with classical music, crafting a multi-platform experience that unites design, visuals, music, and performance in a resonant and memorable way.

Credits

Design Director
Lingyi Kong
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