PROJECT: Boneyard Beanies (created by me and my brand partner/knitter)
PRODUCTS: Logo, apparel labels, hang tags, packaging, digital media, website, handmade beanie design/fabrication in our studios
OBJECTIVE: Stand apart from mass-produced name brand beanies found in stores.
CRITERIA: Design a product line that identifies with the surfer/outdoorsy culture in the SF Bay Area who appreciate unique and fine handcrafted goods.
HOW IT STARTED: In 2014 I shared my studio with a friend. She received a commission to knit beanies for Proof Lab Surf Shop in Mill Valley, CA, then asked me to help her make them. Suddenly we had a small business venture, which needed a proper name and logo. We knew our branding should highlight the fact that our goods are completely handmade in our own studio, but our image should NOT look "crafty."
SOLUTION: In surfing, the "boneyard" is where the waves break, so "Boneyard Beanies" sounded like a choice name for our California coast micro brand. I did over 100 sketches of Polynesian-inspired symbols and masks, and finally modeled our logo after Tangaroa, Māori god of the sea, the most important of all the departmental gods. This iconic logo has been received as one of my most memorable designs to date.
NOTES: We lovingly named our warrior mascot "Dude." We continue to dye yarn and make beanies.
RESOURCES: Photographs with models by Paige Green
PRODUCTS: Logo, apparel labels, hang tags, packaging, digital media, website, handmade beanie design/fabrication in our studios
OBJECTIVE: Stand apart from mass-produced name brand beanies found in stores.
CRITERIA: Design a product line that identifies with the surfer/outdoorsy culture in the SF Bay Area who appreciate unique and fine handcrafted goods.
HOW IT STARTED: In 2014 I shared my studio with a friend. She received a commission to knit beanies for Proof Lab Surf Shop in Mill Valley, CA, then asked me to help her make them. Suddenly we had a small business venture, which needed a proper name and logo. We knew our branding should highlight the fact that our goods are completely handmade in our own studio, but our image should NOT look "crafty."
SOLUTION: In surfing, the "boneyard" is where the waves break, so "Boneyard Beanies" sounded like a choice name for our California coast micro brand. I did over 100 sketches of Polynesian-inspired symbols and masks, and finally modeled our logo after Tangaroa, Māori god of the sea, the most important of all the departmental gods. This iconic logo has been received as one of my most memorable designs to date.
NOTES: We lovingly named our warrior mascot "Dude." We continue to dye yarn and make beanies.
RESOURCES: Photographs with models by Paige Green