Case Study: The Fencing Database Logo and Branding

Project Information

The Fencing Database is a website for the fencing community. It features a database of fencing videos, profiles on fencer, and the option to create a fantasy draft for fencing tournaments.

Objectives: Along with the redesign of the Fencing Database website, create new logo and branding

Role: Logo design

Problem: The Fencing Database’s logo needed to be updated to better reflect the site and its content

Solution: Create logo and branding, with logos formatted for icons, social media, and headers

Brainstorming

IdasRequirements

  • Logo with illustration of a fencer

  • Logo must be distinct and detailed

  • Must reference website content

  • Legibility and readability must be considered

  • Must use website font (Raleway)

Design

During the first round of logo drafts, I simply updated the old logo with text, making the logo easier to use in the header.

In the second round of drafts, we decided to go with something that would keep the unique and non-minimalist feel of the original logo (including the black and white color scheme) while updating certain elements. For the fencer illustration, I created a silhouette from an image and then added detail. I added a film strip to reference the website’s video content.

We felt the fencer and film strip were elements to keep, but some of the former versions wouldn’t work as well for icons and headers. We opted to go with the film strip fully boxing in the text and illustration. In the final round, I also decided to add color to the logo, so there would be options that go with branding colors.