Winner of 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design Logo Competition unveiled

The marque, unveiled October 1, was inspired by the linear style of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the curvature of the Möbius Strip, and Dutch artist M.C Escher’s visual illusions and endless lines.

Graphic designer Maria Garcia Tena, 23, living in Edinburgh, designed the winning submission, which VisitScotland will use in marketing and promotional activity, celebrates the themes of 2016 using an eye-catching and contemporary approach.

Launched in June 2015, the competition invited young design talent from across Scotland to create a design that reflected the objectives of the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design. From textiles to technology, architecture to fashion and design, the year-long programme of events, festivals, business conferences and exhibitions will shine the spotlight on Scotland’s greatest assets and icons, as well as unique hidden gems.

Winning Visit Scotland logo for 2016

The winning design was unveiled to over 250 tourism business contacts gathering for the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design Industry Launch at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

Maria’s entry was chosen by a judging panel consisting of representatives from VisitScotland, Architecture and Design Scotland, Festival of Architecture 2016 and Creative Scotland.

The panel were impressed that the design incorporated a mix of Scotland’s past achievements with a modern and contemporary twist, which demonstrated originality, flair, distinctiveness, relevance and practicality of use.

Based in Edinburgh, Maria is originally from Huesca in North-Eastern Spain and works as a volunteer designer with Decagramand has also worked for CQTC Branding Talent which works to promote creativity in all its forms and focuses its energy on projects that have a positive impact on communities and residents.

Graphic designer Maria Garcia Tena won this year's competition Picture: Tricia Malley Ross Gillespie www.broaddaylightltd.co.uk

Tourism Minister, Fergus Ewing said: “Congratulations to Maria for winning a competition that had so many fantastic designs. The 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design is a wonderful opportunity for the tourism and events industry to come together to welcome visitors in a celebration of Scotland’s ground-breaking scientists, philosophers, engineers, architects and many more throughout the country.

“It also a chance for us all to work together in shining a spotlight on emerging contemporary talent under the three themes and I’m therefore delighted that this competition gave a new opportunity to young designers to create a logo which will used by VisitScotland and partner organisations throughout 2016.”

Charlie Smith, Director of Marketing at VisitScotland and competition judge said: “We had a number of really exciting entries for this competition but Maria’s logo really stood out from the rest in terms of originality, relevance and inventiveness. This marque has given a strong identity to the 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design and we look forward to using it across our campaigns for this inspirational year.”

Graphic Designer and 2016 Logo Winner Maria said: “I wanted my design to reflect both the contemporary nature of what the 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design stands for, but I was also keen to take inspiration from other wider aspects of art and design which I’m interested in, and of course from Scotland itself which is an amazing mixture of busy vibrant cities and wonderful panoramic green space.

“Having lived in Scotland for over a year, I’m constantly influenced by the landscapes, the people, the changing colours and the personality of the people and it’s exciting to think my design might help capture the interest of visitors from across the world to come and visit this wonderful country during 2016. It is a huge honour to see my design used to promote Scotland throughout 2016 and it’s exciting to have a new addition for my portfolio.

“The £3,000 prize fund is a great way for me to expand my own professional development and it has also been a fantastic experience getting the chance to work with the VisitScotland team on finalised brand guidelines.”