Iona gorilla gets a facelift
The gorilla is now used across all areas of College life and is an immediately recognisable symbol of Iona across the wider community, with strong messaging in its deliberate design: Strength, resilience, confidence, humility – and always moving forward with eyes focused on what is ahead.
In 2023, on the 60th anniversary of Iona’s first graduating class of 1963, the College introduced ‘The Iona Silverbacks’ – a membership group created to honour our Old Boys who have reached 50 years since graduation.
Last year, Iona’s gorilla ‘family’ extended again with the arrival of ‘Imani’ – the young star of the beautiful picture book created by Dannika Patterson and Nick Kohler The Silverback’s Song.
Now, after a decade of dedicated service, the gorilla has undergone an evolution to continue taking Iona into the future.
Created in collaboration with award-winning brand specialists Maake Creative, the new Iona gorilla retains the strength, resilience, confidence and humility of its predecessor, but with a more modern, three-dimensional interpretation with greater focus on the face and eyes that project calmness, inner-strength, wisdom and leadership.
“This is a symbol of the continual and appropriate evolution of Iona,” said College Principal Mr Trevor Goodwin. “The gorilla is an important part of the Iona story, and plays a big role in our connection to students, families and the wider community - past, present and future.
“This contemporary design pays tribute to our past by taking the 2D design and making it come alive in 3D, and also talks to our future Ionians who may connect to our College for the first time through The Silverback’s Song by including the distinguishing white stripe on top of Imani’s head.
“Importantly, like his predecessor, he portrays all of the virtues and strengths of being an Ionian without being aggressive, baring its teeth or beating its chest.”
Maake Creative Founder and Director Damian De Giovanni said designing the contemporary gorilla had been a considered and deliberate process to ensure it captured the characteristics of Iona in a way that would resonate with College community.
“Iona spoke with us about the deep connections they had with the original brand elements - representing the school for so many years,” Mr De Diovannia said. “Everyone involved, past and present, identified very strongly with the Iona gorilla, and he was definitely a part of the family.
“So to maintain his strong presence and breathe new life into him was something we did not want to get wrong. We knew that his updated look would need to be adopted with the deep love and pride that the school community held for him, and we think he will achieve that.”
Lead designer on the project Leigh Duffy said the project was challenging in getting the gorilla to effectively personify Iona’s values, while being conscious of the College community’s affection for the existing design.
“This project was special because of the deeper personal relationship Iona has with the gorilla, it’s visual representation and identity within the community.
“Aspects such as stance, silhouette and expression were very important to get right so that it spoke to the school values in creating young men who are empowered to lead and serve their community.”