Creature Mark — Jacob Reeme

Objective

Overall Objective: Communicate the unique physical and behavioral characteristics of a grizzly bear through the use of geometric forms and fundamental design principles. Explore abstraction in shape and form to effectively capture and express the essence of the grizzly bear.

Part 1: To create a grizzly bear icon using the five inherent forces of a square with point, line, shape, and geometric forces.

Part 2: Visually interpret an original phrase incorporating the grizzly bear by following the Fibonacci Proportions.

Research

I began by researching photographs of grizzly bears to better understand their most distinctive physical characteristics and behaviors. I wanted to emphasize the bear's relaxed, slow-moving nature while also conveying its immense size and powerful presence.

Sketches and Ideation

Using my reference images, I began breaking the grizzly bear down into its most basic geometric shapes, gradually refining and narrowing my kit of parts.

Direction Studies Part 1

For Part 1, I explored different ways to use point, line, shape, and geometric forms to create the grizzly bear icon. Throughout the process, I discovered that simpler shapes worked together more effectively, resulting in a stronger and more recognizable icon.

Final Creature Mark

For Part 2, I used Fibonacci proportions to create a composition that combined my phrase with the grizzly bear icon. The phrase I chose was, "The quiet grizzly embraced a gentle power." Throughout the process, I discovered that making intentional design decisions based on the meaning of specific words strengthened the overall composition. For example, I enlarged and widened the word embraced to visually reinforce its meaning. I also outlined the words quiet and gentle to give them a softer, more subtle presence. Finally, I positioned the grizzly bear on top of the second half of the phrase with a large black rectangle to emphasize its dominant and powerful nature.