AWOL Studios is home to artists and creatives in the Manchester’s Ancoats district. Housed in a grade II* listed mill built in 1824, the building was originally a cotton spinning and fustian weaving business.

My brief was to create an industrial looking logo motif that had references to some of the 1980s and 90s branding of the period, such as Factory Records.

The letter A is made up of three blocks that create a strong roof-like pyramid shape akin to a roof or shelter. The motif also has similarities with the anarchy symbol, which felt relevant for a creative hub of artists and designers. The linking and overlapping of the blocks gives a sense of unity and coming together of a community.

The tessellating motif is created using a stencil format that gives the design versatility with a range of creative applications.