In what could be a head scratcher for future linguists, “WTF” has been translated as “What the sexual intercourse?”.

This t-shirt design appeared for scoring at Threadless.

illustration shown in “mars” red

illustration shown in “midnight” blue

illustration shown on a black t-shirt

detail of stars and shadow side of the stone with texting language

detail of clouds and translation side of stone

© Copyright 2012 Swann Studio | Swann Smith. All rights reserved.

This t-shirt design was ranked #1 on March 14, 2012 at Mintees.com and received a 3.21 score at Threadless.com.

the t-shirt design and a couple zombie models

detail of the engraving style in the sundae topping

detail of the engraving style in the soda jerk’s face

detail of the engraving style in the severed arm spoons

detail of the halftone pattern in the laughing skull

© Copyright 2012 Swann Studio | Swann Smith. All rights reserved.

evaluating the definition of evaluation

evaluating what is and what can be

evaluating growth

evaluating ideas

evaluating from different perspectives

© Copyright 2012 Swann Studio | Swann Smith. All rights reserved.

This t-shirt design appeared for scoring at Threadless.

the t-shirt design

the t-shirt design shown on a model, alternate shirt styles, and a detail

© Copyright 2012 Swann Studio | Swann Smith. All rights reserved.

This t-shirt design appeared for scoring at Threadless.

the t-shirt design

a model in the t-shirt posing against a detail from the design

As you can see from the original drawing of the breastplate below, I initially didn’t intend to include the lower flaps of the gladiator’s skirt and, therefore, bleed the design off the bottom edge. But without this change, there was too much contrast between the scalloped edge of the skirt and the t-shirt’s color, which was taking focus away from the breastplate and the logos on it.

To create the drawing, I taped together four sheets of 8 x 11-inch paper, so I could later separate the sheets and scan the drawing into my computer (alas, what a joy a large scanner would be!).

pencil drawing, heightened with white, on toned paper. 16 x 22.

I thought of the upper logos as being “premium logos” that would have been carefully designed and supplied by their companies. Alternatively, for the lower logos on the skirt, I imagined them as “spot ads’ — meaning, there would be a set format for the design and the companies would only supply logo images (of varying quality) to be inserted in the center circle area.

To design the logos, I used a combination of hand-drawing/scanning, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop.

details of the logos I created to use in the t-shirt design

With the “Griffin Doors” logo, I couldn’t resist paying homage to one of my favorite fictional characters: Harry Potter.

© Copyright 2012 Swann Studio | Swann Smith. All rights reserved.

I was tasked with creating an identity for the firm that conveyed the ideas: simple, thorough, and flexible.

My solution for the Zyvith Leberman’s symbol was inspired by line graphs, cardiograph lines, and helices. It visually relates to the firm’s services and the industries they cater to.

The branding hierarchy consists of a base Zyvith logo that can easily be adapted to accommodate various business entities.

For branding applications that require the logo to be reproduced in a single-color, I provided these options.

one-color options: tinted (top), solid (middle), solid-reverse (bottom)

With the logo design completed, I then applied it to Zyvith Leberman’s stationery.

I originally provided three additional options. Two of the designs relate to my client’s request for monogram symbol solutions. In general, I like to present the initial options in black and white, so that they are judged on their design and not an emotional reaction to color(s).

Zyvith Leberman was a great client to work with, and I am happy with the result we achieved on their identity design project.

Client Comment

“After working with another designer to no avail, I approached Swann with the hope of receiving a logo design that fit our firm. Swann questioned me and my business partner about our services, our personal tastes, and what we required from our logo. He returned with not one, but four excellent logo options — it was difficult choosing. Swann is very thorough, knowledgable, and creative at what he does.”

— Edward Zyvith, Principal

© Copyright 2012 Swann Studio | Swann Smith. All rights reserved.

pen drawing on paper. 7 x 10.5.

digital colorization of pen drawing

© Copyright 2012 Swann Studio | Swann Smith. All rights reserved.

pencil drawing, heightened with white, on toned paper. 7.5 x 10.

digital colorization of pencil drawing (soft palette)

digital colorization of pencil drawing (patriotic palette)

© Copyright 2012 Swann Studio | Swann Smith. All rights reserved.

pen drawing on paper. 5.5 x 5.5.

digital colorization of pen drawing

© Copyright 2012 Swann Studio | Swann Smith. All rights reserved.

pencil drawing, heightened with white, on toned paper. 10.5 x 7.

© Copyright 2012 Swann Studio | Swann Smith. All rights reserved.