Giving "The OC" a Whole New Look for the Modern Era
Client
County of Orange
Category
Design
Project Type
Branding
Concept Development:
In addition to product merchandising, these new branding marks were designed to create a cohesive look across various departments. We chose bold colors and a richly illustrated vector style for the graphics to ensure impact and recognition.
Design Execution:
I began with concepts based on the original 1800s County seal, which features the most realistic orange graphic. From there, we evolved the design into a bold circular icon with a single leaf graphic for "THE OC" as a secondary brand. This circle served as a versatile frame for negative-space symbols representing different departments. Once Caveman Crayon joined, I took on the role of creative director, guiding the design process. The final deliverables included a refreshed County Seal, vehicle wraps, project covers, and a range of merchandise items.
Conclusion:
Creating a lasting brand for such an iconic California community was a tremendous opportunity. This project was also my first experience as an acting creative director, working closely with another talented designer to bring this vision to life. The new merchandise gives visitors unique options for gift ideas beyond the well-known destinations. Plus, all proceeds from official County merchandise go back into government support, meaning that every purchase helps Orange County thrive!
