As much as I love being able to create a new brand and website design from scratch, I really enjoy the challenge of redesigning or revamping an existing brand and website.
After working on the WellbeingZone brand and website I was asked to redesign the logo and website for Revitalised.
Obviously, I wasn't going to decline! - It was my pleasure to give the Revitalised brand and website design (coming soon) a new look and feel.
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Revamping a design comes with all kinds of challenges - How far is too far to make the design look different without losing the core values? - That is if they have changed as well!
Jo wanted to give Revitalised a breath of fresh air, it really needed, to be honest, and I was super glad about how it turned out.
1 | Client homework
At the start of any design project, whether that be a new brand and website or a revamp, I always ask my clients a set of questions about their business vision, goals, and future direction of their brand, website and business. This helps me better understand their requirements so it's imperative it is done. As part of the homework, I also asked Jo to pin images she feels represents the vision (present and future) of the Revitalised brand on a Pinterest board.
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Sometimes I can't help but take a sneak peak at what my clients are pinning, and this was no exception! Before I was given the official go ahead I took a little sneak peak and was really excited to start.
2 | Moodboard
Once all the Pinterest homework is complete, I send my clients a list of questions, which are presented in a fillable PDF document. I also request this is completed before I start designing anything.
As part of the questionnaire, I asked Jo to provide adjectives that best describe what the future of Revitalised branding looks like, it was really great to read when I saw she had listed these keywords:
Simple/minimalist
Bold
Classy
Clean
Colourful
Fun
Funky
Modern
Classy
Easy to read
Recognisable
Another aspect that came through from the homework was the request to keep the lower case lettering as part of the textual logo, and to refrain from totally stepping away from the use of "green" - This was important as it was a heavily recognisable aspect of their current branding and they did not want to loose this through the rebrand.
Some would say hearing this is too restrictive of a rebrand, however, I took this onboard and continued to gather my thoughts and design ideas. I also thought it was great feedback, and at the perfect time as this influenced every design element going forward.
Given how well Jo had completed the homework, and how well thought through the requirements were, I had an awesome sense of direction for the Revitalised rebrand, and so, the next stage was to create the moodboard.
A moodboard is a collection of images and colours that provide a sense of direction for a brand, or in this case, a rebrand. I like to create a moodboard as it provides my clients with an idea of what is coming up based on what they have provided. It also helps me as I can refer back to this when I start designing.
I have to admit, I love everything about this moodboard, the colours are fresh and uplifting with a sense of boldness, the image of the clean shaven, smartly dressed gentleman brings out the classy yet modern feel as well.
I think this is definitely one of my favourite moodboards to date!
3 | Logo concepts
Once the moodboad was signed off, it was time to design the logo! I love this part as it's one of the most important elements of any brand.
My process for logo design is to create 2 or 3 different concepts, each incorporating the values of the brand, whilst also making sure it is eligible and simple in terms of look and feel. However, this time, I found my process didn't quite "work". Let me explain why, and before you think the worst, it all worked out for the best!
As mentioned, I usually create 2 or 3 different concepts. The simplified process usually happens in this order:
I take to pencil and paper, yes the traditional way, sketching numerous ideas
Define the 2/3 that I feel work the best and create digital versions
Present these 2/3 concepts to my client and talk through the process
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However, like I mentioned, this process didn't quite work this time. I found I was only able to sketch and digitise one suitable logo. This was not due to time restrictions, but rather because I felt the other sketches/options didn't meet the requirements.
This meant that I only presented one logo redesign. - I wasn't entirely sure how this would go down but I took my chances and presented.
To briefly go over the details, these were my reasons to only presenting 1 concept that would be developed:
The requirements kept bringing me back to the same or a similar concept as the initial vision
I felt by producing 2 other concepts, I would be providing a choice that did not meet the future vision, but in fact, I would be creating and showcasing concepts I felt did not meet the requirements.
I didn't feel any other concept worked
Jo was a little reluctant at first but trusted me with my direction. This was key as she has invested in my design know-how, services, and believes I will deliver the best option.
Both of us were so happy with the final design of the revamped Revitalised logo. I know that I am slightly biased, but I love how the revamped green and modern font really has elevated the logo.
The next step was to create the rest of the brand.
4 | Brand Board
A brand is not just a logo. A brand includes other visual elements as well, such as your colour palette, logo variation, submark/watermark, patterns and icons too.
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To finish the rebrand for Revitalised I created a brand board. This will help Revitalised stay consistent as the business develops and gives a simple overview of the brand elements in one quick reference document, a brand board is so handy for all small businesses and startups too.
I'm super chuffed with how the rebrand looks and feels, I know there are plans to redesign the website to so watch this space!
What do you think of the Revitalised rebrand?
