Red Fork Studio: Brand Identity
I am so thrilled to reveal the fresh brand identity for Red Fork Studio, a communications studio based in Altanta, GA. You might recall the sneak peek at the mood board I posted a few weeks ago: a modern, fresh and bold design approach. Renee, Red Fork Studio principal, was searching for a friendly, approachable + professional brand identity.
Working with Renee was such a blast! She had a clear vision behind her boutique studio, and trusted me to portray their values through a brand identity. It was refreshing to work with a studio that really understood what made them different from their competitors, and embraced the intimate size of their business—which consists of Renee and her mother. Together, we wanted to develop a brand identity that was creative, fresh and appeals to a younger demographic.
Developing the concept
I knew going into this project, that I wanted to incorporate the one-logo option into my process. I have read a lot about different designer’s processes for working with brand identities, and have landed on only presenting one logo to the client for the initial presentation. This is very contrary to how I have worked in the past, so I was eager to test it out and see how it gelled with the client. I will post a follow up on the one-logo concept sometime soon! With this in mind, I knew I really wanted to refine the first proof, and provide a thoughtful, conceptual + considered design. I went straight to my sketchpad and scribbled away several logo options. All of these were pretty loose, until I had the “ah-ha” moment of utilizing the negative space in the bowl of the R, for the image of the fork.
logo concept:
The Red Fork Studio logo mark conveys an easily recognizable monogram, yet upon further inspection the viewer notices a subtle fork image within the negative space of the “R”. This clever approach reflects the strategic and thoughtful considerations Red Fork Studio employs with each client. What results is a good balance between of professionalism and playfulness at the same time, appealing to a modern demographic. The typography treatment allows for a more approachable + friendly aesthetic, while maintaining a polished look.
I had such a blast working on this project with Renee. Here is what she had to say about the process:
“Working with Spruce Rd. was an incredible experience. Jamie was responsive, creative, and professional. Her process gave us real insight into who we serve and how we distinguish ourselves in a crowded marketplace. The result is a stunning new brand identity that suits our business, and takes us to the next level.”
– Renee Contreras, Red Fork Studio
Renee Claire
Client here! Just wanted to follow up and mention that I had a conference on Monday, and received so many compliments about our new business card/logo! Thanks again, Jamie.
Jamie
Hi Renee! So thrilled you a) got the cards in time for the conference! and b) you received compliments about the new brand identity! Wish you guys the best!
Julie Wylie
I love that clever use of negative space! I’ve always loved how good graphic designers can create a logo based on a feeling someone wants to convey for their brand/business, and come up with a unique, sometimes clever, approach that really speaks for that brand. I especially love clever design, like the fork detail. You nailed it! I also really like that font, Brandon Grotesque Black… thanks for introducing me to it.
Jamie
Thanks Julie! And Brandon Grotesque is my jam… especially in all caps + tracked out a bit!
Sasha-Shae
Stellar work, really simple but unique and I love how clean it is. Great job Jamie!!
Do you by chance do mentoring perhaps to newbies? Or maybe could look over my portfolio samples and give your critical input on what works/doesn’t work and perhaps ways to improve? Let me know if you do. Thanks!
Jamie
Thanks for the sweet compliment Sasha-Shae! I don’t offer mentoring right now, but feel free to email me here: jamie@sprucerd.com, and hopefully I can provide some help once I know a bit more of what you are looking for.
Sahsa-Shae
Sorry, thought I replied already. I’ll go ahead and be sure to email you once I have some stuff ready. Thanks!! 🙂
KeRcia
killer job once again Jamie! I love that you give the concept behind the logo in your posts and they are just so on point! I’ve never thought about giving a client just one option – super excited to hear more about that! 🙂
Jamie
Thanks Kercia! It was definitely a fun project to work on! One logo option = life changing. Okay that was a bit dramatic, but I am excited to share more about how it has worked for me!