Cal Poly Football Helmet Design
Spring 2022
Project Overview
Client Cal Poly Football, San Luis Obispo, CA
Role Social Media Manager
Duration Spring 2022
Role Social Media Manager
Duration Spring 2022
Objective
To create a design that enhances Cal Poly Football's social presence boosts recruitment, and reflects the university's unique environment.
To create a design that enhances Cal Poly Football's social presence boosts recruitment, and reflects the university's unique environment.
Context
This project began as a "Wallpaper Wednesday" design for Cal Poly Football’s Instagram account, intended to engage fans and highlight the university’s distinctive culture. The design brief called for integrating the original Cal Poly "CP" monogram with an element that resonated with the region of San Luis Obispo, CA. After considering various concepts, I incorporated a palm tree into the monogram, symbolizing the local landscape and adding a fresh, modern twist to the classic logo.
Process
Concept Development
The design process started with exploring elements representing San Luis Obispo while remaining true to Cal Poly’s identity. After experimenting with several ideas, I merged the iconic "CP" monogram with a simple, stylized palm tree. This combination reflected the coastal California vibe and maintained the integrity of the university's traditional branding.
The design process started with exploring elements representing San Luis Obispo while remaining true to Cal Poly’s identity. After experimenting with several ideas, I merged the iconic "CP" monogram with a simple, stylized palm tree. This combination reflected the coastal California vibe and maintained the integrity of the university's traditional branding.
Design Execution
I created the initial design for a social media post for the "Wallpaper Wednesday" series on Cal Poly Football’s Instagram. The design featured the updated monogram, which quickly gained attention and positive community feedback.
I created the initial design for a social media post for the "Wallpaper Wednesday" series on Cal Poly Football’s Instagram. The design featured the updated monogram, which quickly gained attention and positive community feedback.
Unexpected Pivot
The football team's head coach was particularly impressed with the design and saw its potential beyond social media. He proposed the new mark to key donors as a fresh symbol for the team's helmets and uniforms for the Fall 2022 season. After several discussions and refinements, the design was approved and adopted as part of the new uniform branding.
The football team's head coach was particularly impressed with the design and saw its potential beyond social media. He proposed the new mark to key donors as a fresh symbol for the team's helmets and uniforms for the Fall 2022 season. After several discussions and refinements, the design was approved and adopted as part of the new uniform branding.
Final Design
The final design seamlessly blended the heritage of the "CP" monogram with a regional element, resulting in a unique and modern identity for Cal Poly Football. The design was featured prominently on the team's helmets and uniforms, enhancing their visual appeal on the field.
Outcome
Adopting this design as part of the team’s uniform was a huge success. It not only elevated Cal Poly Football's social media presence but also strengthened the team’s brand identity. The design received widespread positive feedback from the community, the football players, and the university’s stakeholders. This project boosted recruitment efforts and spread awareness of the university’s vibrant environment.
Lessons Learned
This project underscored the value of creative exploration and the impact of design on brand identity. It also highlighted the importance of listening to feedback and adaptability as the project evolved from a digital wallpaper to a critical element of the team’s visual branding.
