Title of course: Logo Design / City Branding for a Port-city

Course dates:  9-13^th March 2026

Teacher/s: assoc. prof. Martynas Lapas
ECTS: 3

Study programme:  Graphic Design
Level: BA/MA

Number of accepted students: 6

Hosted by: Vilnius Academy of Arts, Klaipėda faculty, Lithuania

Location:  Darzu St. 18, Klaipeda, Lithuania

Application deadline: 16-02-2026

How to apply: Please submit a motivation letter and portfolio by email to martynas.lapas@vda.lt

Course description:

This short course introduces graphic design students to the principles and practices of creating visual identities for a port city. Through research-driven exploration, students will learn how to translate a city’s maritime heritage, cultural landscape, and future aspirations into a compelling logo and cohesive branding system. The course covers concept development, symbolism, typography, colour theory, and adaptability across media. By the end of the course students will produce a professional logo and mini-brand toolkit that reflect the unique spirit, economy, and identity of a port-based urban environment.

Objectives and outcome:

Course objectives:

• To introduce students to the fundamentals of city branding with a focus on port-city identity.
• To explore how history, culture, geography, and maritime economy shape a city’s visual narrative.
• To develop students’ skills in conceptualizing and designing meaningful, research-based logos.
• To strengthen abilities in typographic selection, colour strategy, and symbolic representation for urban branding.
• To teach students how to build a cohesive visual system adaptable across digital, print, and environmental applications.

Course outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Identify and translate key themes—such as maritime activity, heritage, and innovation—into visual concepts.
• Design an original logo that reflects the essence of a port city’s identity.
• Apply appropriate typography, color palettes, and graphic elements to form a cohesive city-branding system.
• Present design decisions through sketches, mood boards, and a final brand toolkit.
• Demonstrate professional skills in preparing logo files and brand assets for practical implementation.

IMPORTANT: Applicants are expected to check that participation in the intensive course will not clash with scheduled activities in their home academies, BEFORE submitting their application.

Practical information: 

The workshop is funded under the Nordplus/CIRRUS network framework.

VDA Faculty of Klaipeda will provide accommodation facilities for students who will attend the course for free. Students will be accommodated in double rooms.

Contact for practical enquiries: lina.koseleva@vda.lt

Contact regarding the course content: martynas.lapas@vda.lt