Objective
This creature mark is a graphic interpretation of a squirrel, designed to communicate its distinctive physical features, personality, and behavioral traits. The mark was then integrated into a Fibonacci proportion composition, enhanced with an accompanying phrase.
Research
Squirrels' physical traits include long, bushy tails, strong hind legs, and large round eyes. Squirrels are alert, curious, careful, and bold. Squirrels will commonly freeze, giving them time to assess the potential danger in their surroundings.
Sketches
By sketching, the goal was to become familiar with the unique form of the squirrel. Various poses were explored to determine which best conveyed the squirrel's behavioral, physical, and personality traits.
Digital Iterations
When translating the sketches into Adobe Illustrator, the process began by using circles to construct the creature mark. It became apparent that the form was too flat and failed to capture the true essence of a squirrel.
A different pose was then attempted, retaining a geometric foundation while successfully conveying the squirrel’s curiosity, alertness, and cautiousness.
Final Animal Mark
In the final composition, circles and curved lines were primarily used to capture the natural roundness of the squirrel’s form. A heavy outline was juxtaposed with a subtle implied line to emphasize the distinctive bushy tail. The squirrel's turned head and stance convey its tendency to assess its surroundings.
Typographic Composition
For the next part of this project, it was time to implement the creature mark into a composition with the phrase, "scavenging for treasures, agile, & alert squirrel". The Fibonacci proportion grid helped create a dynamic composition while keeping it balanced. Multiple typography and aesthetic elements, such as depth of field, closure, and figure-ground relationship, were utilized to create a dynamic composition.
Final B&W
Applying Color
The color palette for this composition was based on the scene of a squirrel in the grass. The brown of the squirrel’s fur was exaggerated into a saturated orange. The green symbolizes the trees and grass, while the yellow mimics sunlight.
Style Guide: Color & Type
Final