Y Festival

Y-festivaali (Y Festival) is a free cultural and human rights event dedicated to building and celebrating a more equal and diverse future. Organized by the Ministry of Justice, the festival took place in Helsinki for the first time in 2022. The challenge was to design a visual identity that felt fresh and contemporary, resonating with young adults interested in equality, art, and culture – while steering clear of overused diversity imagery, such as illustrated hands in different skin tones.

The creative solution embraced bold, expressive gradient illustrations that symbolize diversity in a dynamic and unexpected way. A striking brand mark with a distinct personality, combined with an energetic color palette, ensured a strong and memorable presence. The abstract gradient illustration was designed to be highly adaptable, allowing for flexible cropping across different applications.

Typography played a key role in expressing the festival’s themes. The combination of serif and sans-serif typefaces created a balance between personality and contrast, blending urban energy with refined sophistication.

The final identity is vibrant and powerful, reflecting the festival’s spirit while offering a modern, engaging visual language that speaks to its audience.