The execution of "Project Decade" for the FGGC Sagamu Class of 2016 represents a complex synthesis of nostalgic reconstruction and forward-looking identity design. This was not merely a branding exercise for a high school reunion; it was a phenomenological project aimed at "documenting the journeys, lessons, and identity of the class at this milestone". By leveraging visual communication as a tool for "intentional remembrance," the project sought to model legacy for the broader Unity School ecosystem.

The brand identity for Project Decade functions as a bridge between the shared past (2016) and the professional present (2026).

Typography and Form: The primary wordmark utilizes a high-contrast, retro-groove typeface that evokes a sense of "shared story" and "relishing memories". The soft, rounded edges of the "Project Decade" logo suggest a fluidity of time, while the secondary "Shaggy Girls '16" flower-burst icon provides a sharp, energetic counterpoint—a "sticker-style" motif that reflects the youthful vibrancy of the adolescent experience.

The Color Theory: The palette is a deliberate act of "honouring growth". It anchors itself in the traditional FGGC Sagamu green and yellow, but expands into burnt oranges, deep browns, and vibrant reds. This spectrum represents a transition from the "groundedness" of the institution to the "vibrancy and soul" of the women the "Saggy Girls" have become.

The "genius work" of the project lies in the creation of a custom illustrative system that serves as the brand’s genetic code. These illustrations are not decorative; they are "etched memories".

Architectural Totems: The school gate, the iconic "Joke Wahab" statue, emblem, and the administrative buildings are rendered in a high-contrast, stylized vector format. These function as spatial anchors, instantly transporting the viewer back to the physical environment of Sagamu.

Geometric Patterns: The "Saggy DNA" pattern; a series of interlocking diamonds and sunbursts mirrors traditional Nigerian textile motifs while maintaining a modern, modular feel. These patterns were applied across all touchpoints, creating a "visual coherence and identity" that connects every individual class member to the collective whole.

To ensure the experience remained "etched in the memories," a robust suite of merchandise was designed to function as "keepsakes".

The "Saggy Kit": The merchandise; ranging from hoodies and bucket hats to shaggy-pins and water bottles utilizes the brand’s "Identity & Presence" framework to turn everyday objects into artifacts of belonging.

Stationery as Tool for Reflection: Notebooks and tote bags were designed not just for utility, but as vessels for the "storytelling and reflection sessions" that were core to the event's scope.

The transition from digital brand to physical "presence" was executed through high-impact environmental graphics.

Large-Scale Intervention: From outdoor billboards that announce the "Book Launch; Saggy & Becoming | Creative Archive" to exhibition banners and gazebos, the brand claimed physical space.

The Grid System: The exhibition banners utilize a "quilt" layout, alternating between the custom illustrations, the 10-year anniversary mark, and the school crest. This grid reinforces the "collective ownership" of the project.

The "Communications & Marketing" strategy utilized a "100 Days to Go" countdown, employing the brand’s boldest colors and largest typographic weights to "cast the vision" and reach members globally. The flyers clearly delineate the "core objectives": to Mark, Give Back, and Model Legacy.

The editorial narrative of Saggy and Becoming is constructed as a "Creative Archive" designed to function as the "written memory" of the lived experiences of the FGGC Sagamu Class of 2016. It transcends the typical commemorative yearbook by positioning itself as a "mirror" in which any individual who passed through the Nigerian boarding school or Unity School system can recognize their own journey.

Cover Design & Semiotics: The book cover features a striking image of a student in a green beret, her face partially obscured, topped with a typographic "cloud" of school slang, house names, and shared "insider" terms. This design choice prioritizes the internal gaze; if you weren't there, you wouldn't understand the "word cloud," but for a Saggy Girl, it is a map of her soul.

Legacy as Artifact: Envisioned as a "mirror" for other Unity School alumni, the book transcends the 2016 set to become a "source of inspiration" for the entire alumni network.

Documentation of the "Decade After": The narrative is not frozen in the high school years; it explicitly documents the "journeys, lessons, and identity" of the class members during the ten years following their graduation. It aims to capture who the "Saggy Girls" were in 2016 and who they have become by 2026.

Vernacular and Shared Codes: The visual editorial strategy utilizes a semantic "word cloud" on the cover, featuring handwritten-style tags and internal slang specific to the Sagamu experience, such as "#Dagarize," "#Garium," "#Fronting," "#Sittie," and "#Swack". This editorial choice ensures that the narrative feels intimate and authentic to the set, rooting the story in their unique cultural shorthand.

Multimodal Storytelling: The narrative is not limited to text; it is an integrated archive that includes:

Story Collection and Editing: Curated reflections and personal accounts from class members.

Modeling Legacy: A central narrative goal is to "Model Remembrance". By documenting their journey so intentionally, the book serves as a source of inspiration for other Unity School alumni, demonstrating how to "remember, document, and honour a shared journey".

Ultimately, the editorial narrative is built on the guiding principles of "Meaning over extravagance" and "Collective ownership," ensuring the final product reflects the depth and dignity of their shared history.

Project Decade stands as a masterclass in Design Thinking for Legacy. By connecting the "curves, edges, and patterns" of the visual identity to the "core of every saggy girl," the work moved beyond aesthetic pleasure into the realm of Cultural Archiving.

Every pixel was a gesture toward a decade of growth, ensuring that when the Class of 2016 returned to FGGC Sagamu, they did so not as ghosts of the past, but as architects of a meaningful future.

(c) Blake Isaac of Saltd Design Studio (www.saltd.xyz)