Rebranding & Vision

Introduction

The rebranding of The Northern Society marks an important chapter in the Society’s evolution. It seeks to unify our heritage, values, and visual identity under a clear and enduring direction. The new presentation reflects the integrity and pride of northern students while embracing a design language suited to the professionalism of the University of Cambridge.

This rebrand is not a departure from our traditions but an affirmation of them. It strengthens the Society’s foundations and ensures that our message of community, representation, and authenticity continues to reach future generations of students.

The Rebranding of the Northern Society

Alyssa Denise Walsh

Creative Consultant

When I joined the Northern Society Committee as Digital Media Officer, it was clear that our identity needed a new visual language—something that reflected not only the strength of our regional pride, but the richness of our heritage and the ambition of our future.
My role encompasses photography, graphic design, website development, and social media. But more than just handling the ‘tech’, I saw an opportunity to help shape how we tell our story—visually, culturally, and politically.

LOGO RENEWAL

Honouring Our Past, Designing Our Future

One of my first priorities was redesigning the Northern Society logo. I set out to create a logo rooted in heritage but designed for the present day—a symbol that could belong on a banner as easily as on a badge. I drew on industrial iconography, regional motifs, and bold typography to create something both clean and powerful: a logo that wears its history proudly and unapologetically.
The rebrand is not about aesthetic alone. It is about reclaiming space. Our new visual identity acts as a declaration: the North is not peripheral, and northern students are not secondary. We are central, capable, and culturally rich. This identity had to make that clear—at a glance, in every format.

WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT

Building the Platform

Alongside the new visual identity, I built the society’s website:
https://northernsociety.uk

The new website represents the cornerstone of this rebranding effort. It has been designed to embody both heritage and clarity, serving as the Society’s digital home and a space where current members, alumni, and prospective students can connect, learn, and contribute.

The site now provides improved navigation, visual consistency, and integrated sections for events, outreach, and alumni engagement. This allows the Society’s activities to be shared with a wider audience while preserving its collegiate intimacy.

Collaboration and Leadership

Working closely with our President, Elise Ainsworth, I’ve also helped shape the society’s digital tone of voice and communications strategy—bringing consistency to our social media output, tightening up our brand language, and making sure every message reflects our values.

The rebrand has been a deeply collaborative process. While I have led the design and technical execution, every decision has been shaped by our shared mission: to elevate northern voices, champion regional pride, and connect our members across institutions and experiences.

Looking Ahead

This rebranding process marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Northern Society. But it is only the foundation. We have big plans—new campaigns, creative projects, political engagement—and everything we build will rest on this new identity.
We are here to celebrate the North in all its forms. To platform its people. To remind every northern student that their background is not a disadvantage—it is a strength.
This rebrand is, ultimately, a tribute to that strength.