Monogram Design

Lecture

A monogram is type of logo that usually uses initials as it's basis. Examples include Louis Vuitton, Chanel and etcetera. So for this assignment, we have to make our own monogram that we can use as our trademark for future artworks. There are are also different parts of the assignment where we are required to manually print our monograms on 6 or more objects of interest and display it as our brand. Another part of it is that we require to design a poster and also a pattern based on our monogram.

Research

We are required to do a little bit of research before we start conceptualising our monograms. We borrowed some books about logo designs and we were to show some logos that will inspire us in creating our monogram. Later, everyone will decide a keyword for each of us to continue our research with. Here are the ones I picked:

I was given the keyword 'dynamic' because I want something that portrays movement in my monogram.

The next day, we were told to do more research while conceptualising our monograms. This time we were told to find elements that can help not just our own self but others as well. I went and research about what makes a good logo design. The key aspect that I want to highlight here is timeless. Successful logo designs are usually timeless and can last decades and it also allows for minor modifications, yet the original aesthetic value is intact. So that's what I want to achieve in my monogram.

A timeless symbol that I manage to find was the Sigma symbol. Which is actually a symbol of summarization, this is good as it can be a symbol of summary for my work. So, I tried to infuse it into my monogram.

Conceptualisation

We started off with tons of sketches based on the keyword we got.

Later on, I infused the sigma symbol into the sketches.

It was down to the last two designs:

And we went with the more rectangular monogram as it's a bit more quirky.

Printing

I bought most of my 6 items from Daiso with the exception of some items like the t-shirt and the headphones. Other items that I have are a pair of slippers, a phone case, a notebook and a snow cap. Other than a terrible experience printing it on the phone case, it was actually exhilarating to print these on items that I own and would probably use. Personalising it makes it unique and special to me.

Poster & Pattern

With special permission, I was allowed to make my pattern digitally because of the details I'm planning to put into the pattern. While the poster has to be done manually just as the others have to.

The first pattern

2nd Pattern

I was told to experiment with colours. So, I did.

Purple & Pink

Gold & Silver

I was planning to go with the 2nd colour scheme as it's going to be accompanying the poster. In response, Ms. Lisa said it's better to be more experimentative with the colours. So, I tried to be.

Colour ripple

Colour rainbow

I went with the former, as it has a better pattern effect.

For the poster, I tried to sketch it on an A3 paper first.

I went with the latter as it has a better composition. Later, I even reduced the size of the monogram and the typography on the poster to leave a little bit more negative space.

Presentation

Judgement day. We're setting up our so-called merchandise like we want to sell it. Using the chair like a mannequin was hilarious actually but it worked in a weird kind of way. The only apparel that's missing are actually pant. It didn't crossed my mind that I'm actually able to make a complete set of clothing.

Context

My monogram was made to just resemble a sigma symbol which means a summary. However, I received a lot of input from others about what my monogram means. To others, it looks like a speech bubble. Which kind of represent my artworks, they are supposed to be art that makes us think and talk about it. It's thoughtful and debatable. The sigma element supports the claim that it's a logo for thinking as the sigma is usually used in mathematical equations.

The pattern also has it's own context. The game controller represents interactive, while the numberless clock signifies timeless. The television shows that it's entertaining and and holding the apple characterizes something dynamic. These 4 elements are those that I usually put into my artworks and designs. If not all 4, at least one of them is present.