In 2018, The Society for Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) took on a new brand identity to better express its story and messaging, especially at its annual convention in Los Angeles, Anime Expo (AX).
SPJA asked our design team (PlainJoe Studios) to help make the colossal Los Angeles Convention Center less confusing and more welcoming for guests by refreshing their way-finding, area IDs, directional signage, and guest maps.
In 2018, The Society for Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) took on a new brand identity to better express its story and messaging, especially at its annual convention in Los Angeles, Anime Expo (AX).
SPJA asked us to help make the colossal Los Angeles Convention Center less confusing and more welcoming for guests by refreshing their wayfinding, area IDs, directional signage, and guest maps.
Due to AX’s longevity and explosive growth, they struggled with maintaining consistent wayfinding and signage throughout the convention. If last year’s welcome banner is still good, why change it, right?
Recognizing that mismatched signage was contributing to guest confusion, we developed a graphic language that drew guests in, eliminated uncertainty, and helped them find their way.
Wayfinding and Area IDs unite the space, and a map guides the way. We walked the site with the AX team to gather a detailed understanding and translate it to highly useful and visually pleasing guest maps. Our exploded map style made all levels and areas of the convention center easy to understand and navigate.
Within the main events of AX are several sub-events, parties, and shows with their own exclusive feel and brand identities. We provided unique graphic theming and design elements for each sub-section, but still managed to maintained a consistent theme that ultimately tied back to the overall conference theme.