AOP ICON

Brand Identity

A mark of recognition for those shaping the future of photography. Crafted to honour legacy, but built to support what's next.

Close-up of AOP ICON logo as an enamel pin. Gold and black square pin with a simplified logomark, photographed against dark denim.

The ICON identity was developed for a new annual award recognising individuals and groups who've made a lasting contribution to photography and image-making.

The symbol needed to carry weight, reflect the AOP’s heritage, and hold its own across digital and physical formats.

Role:
Creative Lead, NOSY Creative Agency

The Association of Photographers has over 50 years of history representing excellence in visual communication. ICON was introduced as a way to honour those who’ve made an industry-wide impact from innovation and ethics, to leadership and creative influence.

The brief was clear: create a mark of recognition that supports, rather than outshines, the recipient. It had to integrate with the AOP’s core brand while standing apart with its own visual clarity. Applications included physical trophies, printed collateral, editorial layouts, digital campaigns and awards events.

What followed was a focused design sprint informed by visual research, technical testing, and stakeholder feedback. The output was a confident, contemporary identity that holds space across formats and scales.

Role:
Creative Lead, NOSY Creative Agency

Hands holding the AOP ICON 2021 award book, partially removed from a white slipcase with gold foil logo detailing.
Bright orange and pink outdoor banners featuring the AOP ICON logo and stylised still life photography. Mounted on street poles.

At the core sits a circular symbol. Balanced. Intentional.

Logo design for AOP ICON by Scott Bennett

Built to support any context without pulling focus. It hints at a lens, a monogram, a seal of approval but remains abstract enough to sit alongside the work it celebrates.

The mark is clean and versatile. It works across print, digital and etched material. It holds at size, holds its own, and holds back when needed. Three core versions were developed for maximum flexibility: full lockup, symbol-only, and compact badge.

Visual restraint was key.

Deliverables:

  • Identity System

  • Award Symbol

  • Scalable Lockups

  • Usage Guidelines

Lanyard and event badge for the AOP ICON Awards, showing logo application and speaker details. Designed by Scott Bennett.
Stylised photograph of snowy mountain peaks with AOP ICON symbol in top-right corner.

“It is clean, crisp and contemporary - exactly what we were wanting.”

David Harrigan, Creative Director, AOP

Logo design for AOP ICON by Scott Bennett

Some identities are built to be loud. This one was designed to hold space with clarity and care.

The symbol doesn’t shout. It supports. Quietly confident. Built to last.

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