Transforming arete’s Vision:
A Logo Design Tale
Project Kickoff
Nate, the founder behind arete, reached out with a clear goal: he needed a standout logo for his Outdoor Equipment Company. The brief was broad — the design had to work everywhere, from digital footprints like email signatures and websites to physical items like business cards, posters, and even merchandise.
The Challenge
Nate came prepared with a solid sketch and a deep dive into his brand’s essence, targeting outdoor enthusiasts. My task? To elevate this sketch into a refined, professional logo and explore a few alternative designs. He suggested a palette of black, gray, white, and vivid green, leaving the finer details of typography and color specifics in my hands.
Crafting the Design
The sketch provided a strong starting point. I got down to work in Illustrator, translating Nate’s vision into a polished vector design. The quest for the perfect sans-serif font led me to four contenders that promised to complement the logo’s icon.
I presented Nate with several iterations, combining the potential typefaces with the logo icon in our chosen color scheme. After a round of minor tweaks — fine-tuning the slogan and adding the trademark symbol — we settled on a bold, angular font that best captured arete’s rugged spirit.
The Final Reveal
With the details nailed down and the tagline “Gear for an Edge” integrated, I finalized the logo in various formats. Nate’s feedback? “Everything looks great.” A designer’s dream. I then proceeded to prepare the logo in multiple color variations and file formats to ensure arete was equipped for any branding need.
Reflections
This project was a bit different from my usual fare, offering a refreshing change of pace with a client who knew precisely what he wanted. It allowed me to apply my skills in a new way, fine-tuning rather than inventing, to ensure the logo was versatile across all intended uses.
Inviting Collaboration
Inspired by arete’s journey from concept to reality? At Mustard Splatter Design, we’re all about turning your unique vision into impactful visual identities. Whether you’re at the drawing board or looking to refresh your brand, we’re here for you. Let’s create something memorable together.
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