Visual Communication - Bachelor

Offbeat:

Offbeat is an app-first project designed to connect young people with DIY punk culture in Meanjin/Brisbane, centring accessibility throughout the project.

Emily Lecole

Two frames of the app demonstrating built-in accessibility features. On the left, the accessibility map feature is shown, while on the right, the organiser accessibility checklist is shown.

Offbeat App accessibility features

The app provides gig listings, DIY venue guides, and accessibility checklists, granting punters and planners alike all they need to create impactful and inclusive events. Its design balances raw, zine and 8-bit tech-inspired visuals with clear usability. The prototype demonstrates how underground subcultures can embrace inclusivity through thoughtful and inviting design; empowering fans through access to knowledge and thoughtful, inviting design.
Image of zine front cover and zine unfolded to reveal a poster with braille and AR-activated text-to-voice.

Braille + AR activated text reader zine

Combining traditional punk forms of physical media and communication, with digital design aesthetics and Offbeat’s colourful, inviting and playful attitude, Ob’s Pocket Pass is a zine, portable gig guide and invitation to collaborate.

Offbeat hosts weekly zine-making workshops, where attendees can create, swap zines and share news of upcoming gigs and events. These events act not only as a way to connect communities, but also to disconnect from social media and foster real-life structures of communication and sharing.

With tactile braille and AR-activated screen readers, the zine aims to connect to all regardless of ability.
Mockup of 4 Offbeat posters on a concrete wall in the street. The posters from left to right have an image of a drummer, dj, guitarist and a rock band.

OFFBEAT BRANDING ASSETS:

Offbeat’s brand style guide intentionally resists rigid styling rules. Instead, it operates more like a style zine – a set of visual tools that invite remixing, layering, and play. This decision mirrors punk’s DIY ethos, where experimentation and collective authorship are celebrated.

The brand includes bold typography, accessible contrast ratios, and a tight palette to ensure usability. But within those parameters, the icons behave almost like characters: fun, flexible, and capable of shifting across different contexts. They bring levity and warmth into a punk aesthetic, emphasising community and inclusivity.

In this way, Offbeat’s visual identity isn’t “owned” by a single designer. It’s deliberately loose so that future collaborators, organisers, and users can reinterpret the brand while keeping its spirit intact.

Photo of guitarist with offbeat logo layered over the top.

Emily Lecole

Emily Lecole is a Meanjin-based Visual Communicator who specialises in print media, human-centred design and photography. Passionate about local community initiatives, Emily has collaborated with the Greens, 4ZZZ, and creative-directed publications such as Frocket Zine and Rosario Journal. They intend to pursue a role in the music or fashion branding industry while continuing to lend their skills to local organisers.