When The Oceania Project began conducting Whale research expeditions in 1989, they needed a logo that captured the essence of their mission, the care and conservation of Cetacea through original research, dissemination of information, education, and networking. To achieve this Stephen focused on presenting the predominant view of Earth, the Pacific Ocean. Drawing attention to this view raises awareness of the ocean’s critical role in the Earth’s ecosystem. The Nautilus, unchanged for more than five hundred million years, was added as a symbol of the ocean’s ancient nature, while also giving it a voice through the shell’s resonance. An illustration of a mother and calf Humpback Whale was subsequently added to reflect the research focus of The Oceania Project expeditions. This logo has since continued to effectively communicate the main objective of the organisation: ‘To promote community awareness and co-operation to instigate and maintain the process of rehabilitation, preservation, and conservation of Cetacea and the Oceans’.

Creative Direction: Stephen Franklin
Graphic Design: Stephen Franklin
Illustration: Stephen Franklin
Oceania Project logo with Ocean world, Nautilus shell, Humpback Whales, and brand name below.
Oceania was called out as the primary part of the brand name, providing a single focus whilst tying it to the symbol above.
The logo was used extensively throughout The Oceania Project’s marketing materials, as seen here with the Expedition brochure, and a variant of design created for The Oceania Youth Project.
Songlines CD cover with illustration of Humpback Whale floating through sound waves, and logo.
More recent usages saw the addition of the “Caring for Whales & Dolphins” tagline as seen above on the Songlines CD Cover.

View more projects

College Portfolio
Portfolio submitted as a requirement for graduating from the KvB College of Visual communication, Sydney Australia. Stephen received a diploma in Graphic Design on the 7th of December 1987.
Geezah Logo Design
Logo and stencil design for the Geezah Sound System, Dublin Ireland.
Microsoft Exchange Brochure Image
Composite image created for the cover of a Microsoft Exchange brochure. Sourced from multiple image styles and combined to create a visually integrated piece of digital artwork.
Wyeth BioPharma Work Life Harmony Week
Designed both print and digital components for the Wyeth Bio Pharma - Work/Life Harmony Week. This included various printed pamphlets and messaging pieces along with the UX/UI for the program’s website.
HCi Identity Design
Corporate identity and stationery design for HCi, a Knowledge and Process Management company based in Sydney, Australia.
Eventuality Website
Design and development of the Eventuality website, Dublin, Ireland.
Ecotech Logo Design and Stationery
Logo design and stationery for Ecotech Recycling, Dublin, Ireland.
Unilever Flora Packaging Artwork
Development of master illustrations, photography, and master elements for the Unilever Flora Heart design packaging artwork.
Kellogg's Froot Loops Back of Pack Illustration
A promotional back-of-pack illustration created for Kellogg's Froot Loops cereal packaging. Included the digital creation and preparation of the finished image for use in the packaging artwork.
Integrated Vision Marketing Collateral
Creative direction and design of various marketing collateral for Integrated Vision, a leading Australian videoconferencing solutions provider. Stephen, operating as Graphic Vision, partnered with the client to produce a range of items including, a Quarterly Newsletter, DL Brochure, and DL Promotions, managing all designs from concept through to prepress and final print.
Back to Top