When design brings the Catalan language to life

He Departament de Política Lingüística de la Generalitat de Catalunya (Department of Linguistic Policy of the Generalitat de Catalunya) opened a call for applications to develop a collection of stickers with genuine Catalan expressions and idioms, with the aim of bringing the language to a young audience in an attractive and contemporary way.

Our proposal was selected, and thus began a creative collaboration with the Department of Language Policy to give shape to a series of designs that would transmit the spirit of the Catalan through humour, expressiveness and graphic design.

A lively, fun and modern language

At Karmina, We started from a clear objective: to make the language feel alive, close and current.
We wanted the project to have an aesthetic that spoke the same visual language of the new generations: modern, colourful, diverse and with a touch of humour.

The starting point was twelve popular Catalan expressions -such as “Go graze fang”, “N'hi ha per sucar-hi pa”.” o “Feta la llei, feta la trampa”.”- which, as well as being part of the collective imagination, transmit a way of understanding the world through creativity and irony.

Each sticker was designed with its own visual treatment, adapting the typography, colours and graphic elements to the character of each sentence. We worked with rounded typefaces with personality, combined with a vibrant and contrasting colour palette that brings dynamism and freshness.

The result is a coherent but nuanced collection, which manages to transform the set phrases into graphic pieces full of identity.

From design to the street

Beyond the design, the intention was to generate conversation. The stickers were intended to be used on folders, laptops, mobiles or social media postings, The aim is to encourage the appropriation of Catalan as something natural, creative and everyday.

The stickers were distributed at various events and campaigns, becoming an important part of the connecting element between the Department and its target audience.

With a modern aesthetic and a positive tone, the collection helped to project a renewed image of the language: more alive, closer and more shared.

A growing partnership

The project was so well received that, shortly afterwards, the Department entrusted us once again with the design of the bookmarks on the occasion of the Catalan Book Week, following the same visual line and maintaining the aesthetic coherence of the campaign.

The sticker collection thus became the starting point of a collaboration that continues to grow and consolidate a creative relationship based on trust and a shared vision of the value of visual communication.

The team behind the project

Behind the design is the joint work of the creative team at Karmina, who was involved in all phases: from the conceptualisation of the proposal to the creation of the final artwork.

The design, illustration and art direction team worked closely with the Department to align the visual messages with the institutional values, ensuring a balance between rigour, freshness and graphic coherence.

Designing to make Catalan speak

This project demonstrates how design can be a powerful tool for revitalising the use of Catalan and connect with the new generations.

An example of how creativity, strategy and institutional collaboration can have a positive impact on society.

A project by Karmina agency for the Departament de Política Lingüística de la Generalitat de Catalunya.

AUTHOR

Karmina Team

We are a group of experts committed to helping brands grow through effective digital strategies. With a clear vision and a collaborative approach we offer customised solutions that respond to the specific needs of each client.

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