BRANDING
This project involved creating a clean distinctive logo and branding for my dads new car wash back home. He requested that the design for the logo be focused on a modern and professional aesthetic. He also wanted the logo to feature a sleek sports car to convey the service's focus on quality and efficiency. My Dad thought it would be nice to incorporate an element of water in a subtle way, enhancing the design without appearing gimmicky. The overall goal was to create a memorable brand identity that reflects clean, simple lines and the car wash’s commitment to excellence.
My approach to logo design begins with thorough research into existing logos in the car wash industry. By analyzing a variety of logos that inspire me, I seek to develop a distinctive design that truly reflects my dad's business. Understanding how different companies position themselves—whether they offer touchless washes or traditional services—is crucial to this process.
This research allows me to identify effective design elements, such as unique color schemes and symbolic representations of water and soap. By leveraging these insights, I aim to create a logo that not only stands out within the industry but also effectively communicates my dad's specialized expertise and commitment to high-quality car wash services.
INSPIRATION
FIRST ROUND OF DESIGNS
From the initial request to incorporate a fast-looking car and some form of water, I presented three design options to my dad. The feedback from these initial concepts guided the direction for the final logo. He was drawn to the idea of using a profile view of the car and liked the minimalist approach of omitting the tires, opting to tuck the business name under the car silhouette. He also requested the car to face right, aligning with the natural reading direction, which made perfect sense from a design perspective.
He favored the first font option I presented, though, if I'm being honest, I was personally more fond of the other font choices. But as with any design project, the goal is to create something the client is happy with, so we moved forward with his preferred choice. Ultimately, the feedback helped refine the logo into something that effectively communicates the brand's identity while keeping the client’s vision at the forefront.
FINAL BRAND GUIDELINES
For the final logo, I chose to feature a sleek profile of a car, intentionally leaving the bottom open to forgo the tires and tucking the business name underneath. It was important to my dad to include “Touchless Car Wash” in the title to differentiate it from traditional brush washes. I kept the color palette simple, using black for a sharp and modern look, blue as a universal symbol of water, and white to evoke cleanliness.
Additionally, I incorporated the bubbles and shine sparkles from the logo into other branding materials. This cohesive use of elements, along with the selected fonts, helps strengthen brand recognition, which is something I always strive for.
SIGNAGE
The printed signs I designed are strategically placed at the point of sale (POS) and just before customers drive into the car wash. One sign lists the features and benefits of each wash option, clearly outlining the different price points and services available. This ensures that customers are well-informed and can make the best choice for their needs. The second sign serves as a warning, reminding customers that the car wash is not responsible for any damage to their vehicles. It also includes important instructions to clean out pickup beds and remove any debris before entering, in order to protect both the customer's vehicle and the car wash machinery. These signs were designed to be clear, informative, and professional, helping to manage expectations and maintain the smooth operation of the facility.
Here you can see these two signs in action: one at the point of sale (POS) and the other placed right in front of the light signaling customers to drive into the car wash. The first sign clearly outlines the wash options and their features, while the second serves as a reminder and warning about vehicle preparation and the car wash's responsibility.
I also created the large sign featuring the logo and business name, giving the location a bold, professional presence. Additionally, you'll notice the shop vacs, where I designed branded stickers to match the overall identity of the business, ensuring consistency throughout the space. These branded elements help create a cohesive and memorable customer experience from start to finish.
STORE FRONT
NEWS PAPER & WEB AD
For the newspaper ads, I needed to adapt the logo for printing on lighter paper, so I used a black font and added a black shine spot to maintain contrast and clarity. It's important for a logo to be versatile, easily converting from color to black and white, or to a version that can be printed on basic white letter paper without losing its impact.
This ad was created to help raise funds for the community pool, which is a cause close to my dad’s heart. Giving back to the community and supporting the growth and development of our small town is something my dad is passionate about, and it was important to reflect that spirit of generosity in the voice of this ad.
BUSINESS CARDS
FRONT
Business cards often serve as the first impression of a company, making it essential to present a polished and thoughtful design. I believe that careful consideration of the materials and printing techniques can significantly enhance the card’s overall impact. For this project, I envision using matte soft-touch black cardstock paired with glossy printing. Debossing the logo will add a tactile element, creating a sophisticated and modern feel. This combination aims to convey a sense of quality and professionalism right from the first glance.
BACK
For the swag designs, I wanted to create items that were both simple and practical, while still promoting the brand. I started with a black t-shirt featuring the logo across the shoulder blades, adding my dad’s phone number for easy contact. For the hats, I designed a sleek black cap with the logo embroidered on the front. I also created a variation without the tagline, just the company name in a smaller font, placed at an angle following the bill of the hat for a more subtle, modern look. The goal was to create merchandise that customers would want to wear, showcasing the brand in a simple way.