A new identity in the North Atlantic

A little on the background: The Faroe Islands are a homerule governed part of Denmark in the North Atlantic, around 2 hours flight from Copenhagen right in the middle between Scotland and Iceland. A little less than 50.000 people live there. One of the biggest banks on the islands, Føroya Banki - The bank of the Faroese - is today owned by the homerule government, but is to be privatized during 2007. Due to the privatization, the management of the bank has put forward an ambitious plan for expanding the business beyond the islands.

The bank's strategy demanded a new and stong visual identity that could underline the steadfastness, business focus and commitment of the bank as the preferred partner for especially off-shore businesses.

Føroya Banki has a long standing relationship with the Faroese advertising agency Reproz. Reproz was given the task of finding the right design partner and they turned to Kontrapunkt for the development of a brand strategy and design solutions. Kontrapunkt developed the visual identity for the new Føroya Banki in close colaboration with Reproz and the management of the bank.

THE NAME

Føroya Banki chose to keep their name to support their 100 year long commitment to their client base and the fluctuating Faroese economy. For markets outside the islands, the name will be Føroya Bank. The design of the logotype took into account that the letter Ø should be intepreted as a O for those not familiar with Nordic languages.

THE LINE

Føroya Banki's long history is visualied by the black line that runs through all covers, frontpages and adverts. The actual messages are dominant, but behind underlining all communication is the strong focused black line containing the logotype.

THE COLOURS

The corporate colour is clear blue, but images are often black and white and the black and white expression runs through the design as important elements. The inspiration for this is the islands and the high contract that strikes every visitor. This contrast is represented by the black and whites in all material.

SIGNAGE

Kontrapunkt has designed and developed the concept behind the signage for the banks. The buildings housing the banks are quite unharmogenous and the design solution had to take this into account. At the same time there was a need for a more active use of the buildings. The solution is a communication banner that interacts with the signage carriying the name of the bank - thereby signage and communication melts together and creates visual statement communication the offerings of the bank as well as the identity. The banners can be changed as often as it is wished for.

Kontrapunkt's work for Føroya Banki included brand strategy and positioning, PR roll-out planning, design concept including all areas covered by print and web and a full implemented signage system across the islands. Reproz was responsible for implementing the identity in print and on websites.

See the TV-adverts for the bank using the identity elements here.

For question or comments, please contact Senior Identity Consultant Thomas Sehested,   ///

June 2007