Illustrative Type Logo
MilDot Apparel
Custom hand-lettered brand logotype design for a veteran-owned clothing line. The logo communicates and functions commercially to a broad audience, and it is legible/readable and crafted in a highly stylized and visually memorable manner.
Research
For the illustrative design logo project, I have decided to go with a clothing line designed for military veterans. There are a few of these, like Article 15, Grunt Style, and Nine Line. Some of the names I was considering for this brand were military terms or acronyms like: The Outfit, Team One, Post Exchange, TA-50, Squadron, Brigade, The Supply Room, and Mil-Dot.
The Process
Ideation And Sketches
Ultimately, I decided on Mil Dot, a unit of measure in weapon system optics. In my research, I did not find any tactical clothing company with that name.
Mood board includes some of the brands I found and a typeface from which I drew inspiration. Also, two sketches with preliminary versions. One that I presented and was told closely resembles the “GI Joe” brand, which is not necessarily bad since the target market is military… And the second one, where I replaced the lines and star with a reticle cross and mil dots as you would see them through a scope.
Digital Concepts
I attempted to recreate the original sketch, making sure to focus on both legibility and proportion. I made sure to pay close attention to the details in the original sketch and tried to replicate them as accurately as possible while also considering the overall balance and readability of the final product.
My approach to this project was to prioritize simplicity and minimalism. I believe using a limited color palette can add to the overall aesthetic and create a clean and cohesive look. After much consideration, I chose to use only two primary colors, black and white, and incorporated a pop of red for the dots inspired by the scope to add a bold accent. This minimalistic approach will help emphasize the content and allow the design to speak for itself.
Revisions
After thoroughly reviewing the type design, some minor adjustments were made to enhance its overall appearance. These changes were focused on improving the typeface, making it look more refined and consistent. Additionally, great care was taken to ensure that the width of the type was kept consistent throughout the entire design. This added uniformity and balance to the design, making it look more polished and professional. These minor tweaks were essential in ensuring that the type design met the highest quality and readability standards. Overall, the result was a well-designed and visually appealing type that conveyed the intended message effectively.
Final Design
Final design mocked as a baseball hat with the embroidered logo.
Overall, this project has given me a newfound appreciation for typography and illustration. Throughout the project, I delved into the various techniques and styles used to create beautiful and unique typographical designs. I also gained a deeper understanding of the importance of typography in design and how it can significantly impact a piece’s overall look and feel. This project has inspired me to continue exploring the world of typography and illustration.
