10 VOR GRAZ countryside identity|Village and rural life between Graz and Voitsberg|Sunset horizon over western Styrian hills|Regional tourism and community branding emblem

The “10 VOR GRAZ” logo is a vibrant regional brand mark that visually and verbally positions a distinctive rural area just outside the Austrian city of Graz. The logo is shaped like a vertical shield or badge with a rounded top, suggesting a signpost or destination marker. The upper portion of the emblem uses a warm orange gradient that evokes the colors of sunrise or sunset, symbolizing vitality, warmth, and the welcoming character of the region. At the center of this orange field is the typographic composition “10 VOR GRAZ” in bold white letters. The number “10” is stylized: the zero is elongated and horizontal, and a diagonal stroke cuts across it, reminiscent of a clock hand approaching a specific time, visually alluding to the phrase “10 vor” – “ten before” in German – which commonly relates to time. This play on time underlines the idea of a place that is just “ten minutes before Graz,” a nearby escape into the countryside while still being close to the city. Beneath the text “10 VOR GRAZ,” a subtle silhouette of rooftops and a church tower appears in dark red along the horizon line. This skyline hints at the small villages and traditional architecture that characterize rural western Styria. The church tower, as a key visual landmark, emphasizes both cultural heritage and the close-knit nature of village communities. Below this horizon, the design flows into layered green shapes that resemble rolling hills and meadows. These curved forms in different shades of green express the agrarian landscape, fertile fields, and gentle terrain found between Graz and Voitsberg. The color transition from warm orange at the top to fresh greens at the bottom symbolizes the harmony between human settlement and natural environment, as well as the cycle from day to earth, light to landscape. Under the badge-shaped graphic element, additional text is set in bold green capitals: “DORF- & LANDLEBEN IM WESTEN,” followed by a smaller line reading “ZWISCHEN GRAZ UND VOITSBERG.” Together, these phrases spell out the brand promise: “Village and country life in the West – between Graz and Voitsberg.” This clearly defines the geographical focus and the core positioning of the brand. The use of green for this wording connects it to the green hills within the logo and reinforces themes of nature, agriculture, and sustainability. The stacked typographic arrangement uses a solid, condensed sans-serif typeface that conveys reliability, legibility, and modernity while still feeling straightforward and unpretentious – qualities that align well with rural authenticity. As a brand, “10 VOR GRAZ” represents a network of municipalities, tourism partners, and local stakeholders who want to position the western hinterland of Graz as an attractive living and leisure region. By combining the notion of temporal proximity (ten minutes before the city) with rural charm, the brand speaks directly to urban residents, commuters, and visitors seeking recreation, authenticity, and slower-paced village life without sacrificing access to urban infrastructure. Families, nature lovers, cyclists, hikers, and cultural tourists are typical target audiences who might be drawn to this region by the promise of green landscapes, quiet villages, and traditional events. The logo itself works as a compact visual narrative of this promise. The orange sky sets a mood of optimism and energy, suggesting that the region is not only traditional but also forward-looking and dynamic. It could be read as a sunrise – symbolizing new beginnings for people moving into the area or starting rural tourism projects – or as a sunset, emphasizing relaxation at the end of a busy day in the city. The village silhouette provides an anchor of identity, evoking security, continuity, and local character. The layered hills highlight outdoor experiences such as walking, cycling, horse riding, or simply enjoying scenic viewpoints. The entire badge form can easily be applied to signage, brochures, regional products, digital media, and event branding, which helps create a coherent visual identity across multiple touchpoints. In branding terms, color psychology plays a notable role. Orange is often associated with friendliness, enthusiasm, and social engagement, suggesting that the people of the region are welcoming and active in community life. Green is universally tied to nature, health, agriculture, and sustainability; its prominent use communicates that landscapes, farming, and environmental awareness are central to the region’s image. White lettering provides contrast and clarity, ensuring instant readability in print and digital formats and reinforcing the idea of transparency and straightforwardness. The typographic design is equally intentional. The large, bold letters of “10 VOR GRAZ” form a strong wordmark that can be recognized even from a distance or in small reproductions. The clock-hand motif within the “0” subtly differentiates the logo from typical place brands and adds a conceptual twist without sacrificing legibility. The supporting text below the badge, with words like “DORF- & LANDLEBEN” and “IM WESTEN,” functions as both descriptor and slogan, telling viewers exactly what the region stands for. The use of German underscores the local context and speaks directly to the primary audience of residents and regional tourists, while the language is still accessible to many international visitors within central Europe. From a strategic perspective, the logo encapsulates several key values: proximity to the city, rural authenticity, livable communities, and scenic landscapes. It helps rural municipalities position themselves not as remote outskirts, but as an integrated, attractive complementary space to Graz – offering a quality of life that blends urban accessibility with countryside tranquility. Over time this emblem can become a symbol of local pride, appearing on municipal documents, tourist information boards, local food packaging, and community event materials, thereby building recognition and cohesion. Overall, the “10 VOR GRAZ” logo is a clear, well-structured, and emotionally resonant identity that communicates the essence of village and country life west of Graz in a single, memorable visual.