Client: Very Fast Train and Case studies / various clients
Project: Design and production of publications, corporate identity, print, installations
Design direction
Designed by Vlad Mosmondor
Project: Design and production of publications, corporate identity, print, installations
Design direction
Designed by Vlad Mosmondor
The name "Very Fast Train" or "VFT" has become a synonym for high-speed rail in Australia, though no subsequent proposal has adopted the terminology. The VFT was a proposed high-speed railway between Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne in south-eastern Australia.
It was conceived by Dr Paul Wild of the CSIRO in 1984, the proposal was adopted by a private-sector joint venture in 1987, comprising Elders IXL, Kumagai Gumi, TNT and BHP. Several major studies were undertaken in the 1980s and early 1990s, which showed the proposal to be both technically and financially feasible. This also involved Vlad Mosmondor, who was the designer on the proposed venture, who produced the branding, style, timetables and publication of the ‘VFT Pre-Feasibility Study Report’. Below are some images of the printed materials of the project. The VFT attracted widespread support from both the general public and sections of government, but the joint venture folded following the failure to secure a favourable taxation agreement with the Federal Government in late 1991. The Very Fast Train remains the most substantial investment into a high-speed rail project in Australia. The only proposal to involve 100% private funding. |
During the development of the nation’s capital in the early 1970-1980’s, Vlad Mosmondor was involved with the NCDC, National Capital Development Commission. Vlad also won the designers competition of the winning logo.
A few other projects and jobs came his way after that, such as the ‘Very Fast Train Joint Venture’ and logo design and branding for Bruce College, Hawker College, and the iconic Canberra Theatre. Then came the design of Canberra’s home away from home for journalists, decision makers and influencers alike the logo design for the ‘National Press Club’ Canberra. Here you see Vlad’s logo during a press club event with the then Hon. Bob Hawk, Prime Minister of Australia. The NPC is still an iconic Canberra venue providing a premium social setting for professionals, the National Press Club hosts public debates and private discussions that shape Australia today and into the future. |
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In 1968 Vlad Mosmondor was commissioned to produce a sculpture made from fiber glass. This sculpture was to be of the 19th Prime Minister of Australia John Gorton (1968-1971).
Vlad depicted John Gorton’s war scares, especially his crooked nose. In 1940 Gorton was enlisted in the Australian Air Force as a fighter pilot in Malaya and New Guinea. He suffered a serious pilot crash where his face hit the planes windshield and from then his unique characteristic was formed. Vlad has extensive background in visual art, where he graduated from art school in Europe. Vlad attended many sitting in Parliament House, Canberra during question time with Gorton. Below are photos of the result; and the pencil sketches he did during his parliament sittings. Fiberglass sculpture is very time-consuming and a labor-intensive process. It’s an excellent way to create works of art that will last for decades to come. In this instance, it’s been 52 years since Vlad created Gorton’s sculpture in bronze and it still looks as fresh and modern now then as it did then. The fiberglass process: The entire process is detailed from plug, to mold, to finished fiberglass part. Follow along with the eight steps: develop the plug, construct the parting board, lay up the mold, release the mold from the plug, prepare the mold for fabrication, lay up the part, and release the finished fiberglass piece. In this instance, it’s been 52 years since Vlad created Gorton’s sculpture in bronze and it still looks as fresh and modern then as it does now. |
The Australia Japan Business Co-operation Committee (AJBCC) was established in Australia on 28th August 1962 and its counterpart, the Japan Australia Business Co-operation Committee (JABCC) was inaugurated on 6th February 1963.
Since their establishment, the two committees have met annually, alternatively in Australia and Japan. It is one of the longest established joint bilateral business committees, a fact owed to its leadership both in Australia and Japan. It underscores the importance of the business relationship between Australia and Japan. The projects 50th Anniversary The Australia-Japan relationship over the last 60 years has built upon strong relations, strategic alliances and partnerships. During the AJBCC 50 Anniversary, held in Sydney and addressed by the Australian Prime Minister the Hon. Julia Gillard, to a packed crowd. Paul Gallagher, the former Executive Director of the AJBCC was responsible for compiling a history of the organisation on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Monica worked closely with the former executive director Paul Gallagher, including the design and publication of the 50th Commemorative book. Monica was running the AJBCC events and promotions where there was a series of networking briefings on topics related to Australia-Japan business. Darwin Conference A touch of the outback theme welcomed delegates to the 52 Joint Business Conference, Darwin NT, Australia with Paul Gallahher CEO of the Australia- Japan Business Cooperation Committee giving an address at the event. Monica designer MDIA, deigned the menus, signage, power point presentations, banners and all the collateral for the event. Including the running of social media and video production. Welcome Launch Shinzu Abe – Japan Prime Minister On a beautiful Canberra afternoon, with a packed house at the NGA in Canberra there were guests and members of the AJBCC and Japan secretaries, including Sir Rod Eddington and Kerry Packer. Monica designer MDIA, deigned the menus, signage, power point presentations and ran the event management. “ With a Japanese – Australia EPA put in place, the two countries economic relationship will be enhanced to a new dimension. It also will lead to ensuring competitiveness and facilitating activities for companies and investors. And a stable supply of energy and resources will be strengthened.” - Shinzu Abe (Japan Prime Minister) |
Formally the Canberra business council (CBC)
Monica Shanahan (Mosmondor) worked at the Canberra Business Chamber from 2016-2019, where her position was made redundant. Working as the Communications Graphic Design and Marketing, she implemented and oversaw all publications, website, social media and event management. Following in her father's footsteps as a designer, he worked on the Business Council's corporate identity. Monica too, was in charge of the Business Chambers re-branding in 2018-19 where the organisation followed the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) together with all states, to incorporate the 'star' symbol which has recently been adapted to their logo. Below are corporate materials from both the Canberra Business Council and the current Canberra Business Chamber. |