Brand Design for Exalt Africa
I had the privilege of designing the branding for Exalt Africa.
Exalt Africa launched in September 2021 and they highlight weddings, destinations and products that magnify the luxury of Africa. I designed the main crest logo, and submarks and gave directions on typography and font pairings.
When illustrating and designing the main crest logo for Exalt Africa I wanted to encompass the vision for the brand with meaningful elements that highlight the beauty of Africa, her nature, people, and strength. The sun that sits atop the crest was designed to symbolize shining a light on Africa and uplifting her people. Also, Africa is known for her glorious sunsets and sunrises especially when viewed on the Zambezi River in Zambia.
The florals within the crest were carefully chosen. Flame lilies (Gloriosa) are a native plant to Southern Africa and are the national flower of Zimbabwe. The roses symbolize romance and highlight the beautiful roses that are grown in Africa in particular Kenya.
When I visited Zimabwe in 2017 I had the pleasure of meeting a Pangolin at a sanctuary in Harare, Zimbabwe. I wanted to Pangolins, are a protected and endangered species of Anteater. Their strong scales (that I intertwined within the crest) are there to symbolize the strength and resilience that Africa possesses.
As a nod to the Exalt Africa founder, Mwai Yeboah, I included some beautiful wooden flowers to illustrate her use of African artisanal goods within her stunning luxury African destination weddings and events. Protea flowers anchor the crest at the bottom and throughout. A native plant to South Africa - the Rainbow Nation. Proteas exemplify courage, diversity, and transformation. The foliage throughout was inspired by the lush flora and fauna that surround the Victoria Falls in Livingstone, Zambia.
Lastly, I infused some tribal patterns throughout the logo to highlight the Africa continent and her people as a whole. These exquisite patterns and markings are rich in tradition, culture, language, and history.
"Luxury exists within her walls. Talent bursts from her borders. Innovation makes its mark in city towers and village stalls. And world wonders boast from plain to plain of natural brilliance. At Exalt Africa, we help the world esteem Africa with higher regard by connecting clients and customers to products, places, services and talent in Africa or inspired by her people."
EXALT AFRICA
Photography Credits
DESIGN & STYLING @joyproctor
PLANNING, PRODUCTION & LOGISTICAL MANAGEMENT
@lovefrommwai @exaltafrica
TRAVEL & CONCIERGE @lovefrommwai_experiences
PRODUCTION MANAGER @lonahshawa
PHOTOGRAPHY @stepanvrzalaphoto
CINEMATOGRAPHY @madetoreminisce
VIDEO EDITOR @joyproctor
CAMERA ASSISTANT @conwayphotoandfilm
FLOWER AGENT @yesexclusiveflowers
FLOWERS @yesexclusiveflowers @antheia.roses
FLORIST @fg_floral_design @dois.oceanos
VENUES @anantara_bazaruto @anantara_hotels
SPECIALITY RENTALS @efiegoods @urbanedesiigns
PAPER GOODS @elsamadelinedesign
GOWNS @clairelafaye @millia.london
ATTIRE @shonajoy_
SHOES @bellabelleshoes
SWIMWEAR @emete.fashion
MENSWEAR @mossbros
BRANDING @roseyandcostudios
