‘The revolution will be drawn by hand’: Otherwhere Collective is reimagining educational design

Otherwhere Collective has introduced a unique brand identity for Super Genius Society, a new platform that revolutionizes learning by incorporating handcrafted design and tactile educational materials. Super Genius Society, launched in April, aims to make arts, humanities, and philosophy more accessible through a visual identity that intentionally veers away from the digital perfection commonly seen in modern design, opting instead for a raw, analog aesthetic.
Andrew Bellamy, the founder of Otherwhere Collective, describes the brand’s goal as creating a brand that not only looks different but also evokes emotions like surprise, delight, welcome, empowerment, and a touch of mischief. The brand’s comprehensive identity system features a custom typeface inspired by confident children’s handwriting, symbolizing the uninhibited authenticity of learning before formal structures are imposed.
At the core of the visual identity is Scribble, a logo snake that symbolizes transformation and breaking away from conventional thinking. The brand’s aesthetic draws inspiration from cultural icons like Monty Python, Mister Rogers, and the Beastie Boys, blending nostalgia with a sense of rebellion.
Super Genius Society has launched with physical card decks exploring music history and banned authors, in addition to apparel and print goods. The brand emphasizes tactile learning experiences that encourage physical engagement with educational content. The brand’s photography and art direction embrace imperfection, offering a stark contrast to the polished visuals typically seen in educational materials.
Super Genius Society’s arrival aligns with current challenges in American education, positioning itself as a response to creative program cuts, book bans, and the spread of misinformation. The brand emphasizes the importance of curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in a time where these qualities are crucial.
Super Genius Society exemplifies Otherwhere Collective’s collaborative model, which brings together diverse creative talents in a conceptual space rather than a fixed team. The brand’s unique approach to design has garnered recognition, with Otherwhere winning awards for their innovative retail font designs. Andrew Bellamy, the creative director behind Otherwhere Collective, has a background in major design consultancies and has authored a book on analogue photography.
Overall, the Super Genius Society identity showcases Otherwhere’s dedication to cross-disciplinary design that combines strategic thinking with human-centered creativity, attracting attention from cultural retailers and educators for its innovative approach to learning materials.