Fall, 2024
Graphic Designer, Illustrator
Brand refinement
The client's current logo, while full of character, is too complex in print and digital settings. I am tasked with refining and simplifying the logo to clarify the brand, while maintaining the essence.
1. Client Challenge
2. Initial research
3. First Iteration
4. Client Feedback
5. Second Iteration
6. Third Iteration
7. Final Design
8. Reflection
Final Design in a vector format
Original logo
The client was using a hand-drawn logo for their branding. While artsy and full of character, the high number of colors, fine & irregular detail, and didn't translate at small scale.
My goals were threefold:
1. Reduce number of colors, preferably to 1
2. Clean up lines & simplify detail
3, Increase visibility of distinct elements
Research for simplification of hand drawn logo forms
I did research on logos of a similar target complexity, incorporating fairly long names with a center image.
Initial proposal of vector logo. Note the choppy detail and uneven lines present in this version
Feedback given on the first pass. In further conversation, we decided to focus on improving the single color design
Second iterations, focusing on legibility of text and defining individual elements (microphone, cup, shoe)
Took on feedback to redraw the logo. I focused heavily on symmetry, cleaner lines, and reducing fine detail
Final logo compared against first iteration. Note the more circular shape and the mor district elements (microphone, cup, shoe).
The client also requested a version that captures the essence of the final logo, but with greatly reduced detail.
Reduced logo for small scale & simple printing. Note the text arrangement evokes the shape of the original, while the three elements (microphone, cup, shoe) are present and very disctinct.
Final logo used on merchandise
When designing the Open Street logo, my goal was to craft a visual identity that embodies the organization's principles of openness, accessibility, and playfulness. The project began with an exploration of visual themes that could capture these qualities while setting Open Street apart from its competitors. Through three distinct iterations, I collaborated closely with the client, refining the design based on their feedback to ensure the final logo aligned with their vision.
One of the key challenges was striking a balance between boldness and simplicity, as the logo needed to be versatile enough to work across various platforms and sizes. I focused on clean lines and a strong typographic approach to convey a sense of clarity, while also developing a simplified version for reduced detail environments.
The result was a vector-based logo that reflects the brand’s mission while maintaining its visual integrity across different mediums. This project reinforced the importance of an iterative design process, as each round of feedback helped me hone the logo into a versatile and cohesive representation of the Open Street brand.
