Brand DESIGN
In the realm of brand design, symbols are powerful tools for communication. This project is to craft a distinctive visual identity - transform the elegance and nostalgic melodies of a mechanical music box into a symbol rich with meaning. My mission was to navigate it from realistic representation to iconic abstraction, infusing the brand with a blend of vitality and sophistication. Drawing upon the music box's visual allure and emotive melodies, I aimed to create a brand identity that resonates with deep emotional appeal, showcase the establishment of branding standards and present the final design to the client.
View guidelines →01
The design expedition began with the physical-mechanical music box, an object of captivating visual and sentimental value. Its external metallic elegance was matched by the internal melodies that stirred nostalgia and introspection. I tried to capture its essence through various angles, lighting, and rendering styles. This was crucial in transitioning from realism to a symbolic representation.
Transitioning to Adobe Illustrator, I refined the symbol by simplifying key elements while preserving its function. The steps included outlining, coloration, simplification, and fine-tuning.
Transitioning to Adobe Illustrator, I refined the symbol by simplifying key elements while preserving its function. The steps included outlining, coloration, simplification, and fine-tuning.The color palette was intricately crafted to reflect the music box's warmth and energy. I applied Adobe Color to analyze the music box's photograph and developed an initial palette, with each hue assigned a specific PANTONE number. At last, a palette of orange and yellow was chosen for its perfect blend of warmth and vitality, resonating with the brand's emotional narrative.
Selecting typefaces involved balancing aesthetic harmony with legibility. Some initial typefaces resonated with the dots on the cylinder and the steel comb's tines but lacked legibility at smaller scales. "Athelas (Regular)" emerged as the ideal selection, striking a balance between classic style and clarity.
Four versions of the final logo were created, catering to various sizes, colour schemes, and applications. The result is a logo that radiates energy and elegance.
02
I created a comprehensive brand guideline, "Melody Box Brand Guidelines", outlining detailed standards for logo use, proportions, colour schemes, typography, and applications across various media. This step was crucial in maintaining a coherent and consistent brand image, ensuring that the symbol maintained its integrity and impact regardless of its application.
03
The Melody Box brand design stands as a powerful embodiment of hope, warmth, and strength, masterfully weaving the threads of past, present, and future to foster a sense of determination and happiness. This project also serves as a profound testament to the power of storytelling in design. It taught me looking beyond the surface, of uncovering hidden narratives within simple objects and transforming them into meaningful and resonant brand identities.