'Pacific Aquarium' by Mikayla Gao: Innovation in Rebranding

Pacific Aquarium

Rebranding for Mikayla Gao

As Southern California's largest aquarium, the Pacific Aquarium showcases best represents the Pacific Ocean's rich diversity. The rebranding improved legibility and memorability and simplified the name to The Pacific Aquarium. The design features fluid shapes and a custom font, evoking the ocean's dynamic nature and reinforcing the aquarium's mission of accessibility, education, and conservation through an adaptable, cohesive visual identity.

Mikayla Gao 2025 Emergent Iron Press Kit № 164272

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Pacific Aquarium by Mikayla Gao

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Rebranding by Mikayla Gao

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Mikayla Gao Pacific Aquarium

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Mikayla Gao Rebranding

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Unique Properties

As Southern California’s largest aquarium, the Pacific Aquarium showcases best representing the Pacific Ocean’s rich diversity. The rebranding improved legibility and memorability and simplified the name to "The Pacific Aquarium." The design features fluid shapes and a custom font, evoking the ocean’s dynamic nature and reinforcing the aquarium’s mission of accessibility, education, and conservation through an adaptable, cohesive visual identity.

Production Technology

The design was inspired by the fluidity of the ocean, and translated into a custom modular font. The exhibition typeface was developed using generative design techniques to create symbols reflecting the urgency of ocean conservation. The design was applied across various media, ensuring visual coherence from small-scale digital assets to large-scale physical installations, providing a consistent identity for the Pacific Aquarium.

Design Challenge

The hardest part of this design activity was balancing the need for a modern, cohesive identity while preserving the educational and conservation values of the Pacific Aquarium. The challenge lay in creating a fluid, adaptable design that worked across various media platforms, from digital interfaces to large-scale exhibits.

Project Duration

This project was completed over 14 weeks, from September 15, 2023, to December 15, 2023, as part of my coursework at ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California.

Operation Flow

The creation of a new identity for the Pacific Aquarium brings a more accessible and inclusive design, ensuring maximum impact on the institution’s mission. The fluid, modern design system is applied consistently across all physical and digital platforms, from exhibit signage to online content, making it easily recognizable to visitors. The customizable membership card system further enhances visitor interaction. This cohesive visual identity strengthens the connection between the aquarium and its audience, fostering recognition and engagement with educational and conservation initiatives.

Research

I analyzed the branding of existing aquariums and conservation organizations by collecting visual data from their exhibits, signage, and digital platforms, and reviewing user feedback and engagement metrics to understand public perception. The research helped shape a design that fosters engagement, enhances the visitor experience, and encourages a deeper connection between the aquarium and the community. This adaptable identity improved branding while bridging the gap between design, education, and environmental awareness, creating a more engaging and effective experience for all audiences.

Inspiration

The new identity serves as a “window,” embracing the ocean’s dynamic and inclusive nature while connecting visitors to the marine world. It reflects the aquarium’s mission to educate, engage, and promote ocean conservation. The open, adaptable design elements invite audiences to explore marine life, reinforcing the Pacific Aquarium’s role as an accessible gateway to learning about the ocean and its ecosystems.

Image Credits

Image #5: Should Wang, Tainan Art Museum, 2019, Unsplash.

Project Overview

Pacific Aquarium Rebranding has been a Iron winner in the Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Iron Recognition

Mikayla Gao was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Pacific Aquarium Rebranding.

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