How the Wonder Stars Brand Book Rocketed Into Our Galaxy
When I created Wonder Stars of the Universe - an interdisciplinary creative studio - for some reason I thought it would be easy peasy. I thought creating a brand, content, and business strategy would be just breezy. But along the way, I noticed a disconnect across my content - it all came across a bit out of shape and bent. That didn't stop me from getting interesting opportunities and a regular shout-out, but I when I looked over my portfolio, all I could do was pout. So, the last few weeks have been a whirlwind of type II fun with me unraveling the mess I made and knitting the Wonder Stars brand into well-organized whimsy bar none. Over the next couple of weeks, I will share how I made a Brand Book brimming with ka-pow. If you feel so inclined to tell me what you think, don't even hesitate, don't wait, don't blink!
What does Wonder Stars of the Universe feel like?
To start down the cosmic trail of defining brand identity, I first had to find out what's encapsulated in a creative entity. I pulled out my Mac and began the research attack. From site to site, I looked near and far but try as I might I could only find a low bar. Basic brand books met me at every turn, with no sign of spice or bite from which I could learn. My thoughts started to sour as I contemplated giving up just before a fat, jolly man turned my frown right-side up! Now I’m not being trite about holiday delight, I am serious when I claim that QuietRoom’s *Santa* brand book provided the right inspiration to remove my frustration. From there I decided what I would and would not include with the goal in mind to not to get sued. I flavored it, spiced it, and everything niced it until one whiff of it’s goodies made me shiver with glee in my pink hoodie. Now I can’t wait to share all the glitz and flair that make up the Wonder Stars Universe play-filled air.
What does Wonder Stars of the Universe sound like?
The Wonder Stars of the Universe tone is based on my own speaking style: happy-go-lucky and Georgia grown. With an abundance of rhymes and well-timed puns, my UX Writing will be more consistently fun.
The name Wonder Stars of the Universe came directly from the sky - I wrote it right down so it wouldn’t fly on by. Along the way I mined space and time to uncover what it meant; it took some time for the concept to ferment. Now when people ask what Wonder Stars is I can confidently say, it’s a call for individuals to write and share their story in their own unique way.
What does Wonder Stars of the Universe look like?
Creating a logomark that encapsulates the intrigue, vivacity, and bravery of my Wonder Stars was a tough challenge to beat. It couldn’t be too tough, but it couldn’t be too sweet. It needed to have a feeling of outer space while also prioritizing relationships between people with finesse and grace. I tested 23 designs before I embraced the one you see. It reminds me of people’s face after they have recovered an old story: filled with a soft glee.
At the start, I thought a singular logo was enough - it was starlit, wonderfilled, and perfectly up to snuff. But as I learned more about developing brand guidelines, it became clear that my singular approach was barely crossing the most elementary design finish lines. So I looked around, learned a lot, and spent seven hours glued to one spot. I did a complete overhaul, a light touch-up, a fine-tuning, and a decisive close-up. Altogether I know these logomarks, icons, and variations can now stand up to any attempts at deflation.
Wonder Star Pink came to me clear as daylight - it’s eager, yet serene, with the right hex balance of hidden off-white. But alone it isn’t enough to build an entire brand around, so Wonder Star Lilac, Rose, Black, Tan, and Purple will help me all year-round.
Fonts and typefaces have always filled me with a dazzling awe. Some are quite gorgeuos while others are so crunchy they threaten to crack my jaw. This might have been the hardest trade-off yet because selecting the best possible font has always made me fret. Luckily, the whole point of a brand book is to make this type of decision-making smoother so I have more time to create content design perfectly for my end-user.
Since Wonder Stars’ essence revolves around imagination, relationships, and expansion, I chose Art Nuvo for logo headlines because it wiggles and wobbles while still standing tall just like many Wonder Stars after they’ve taken a fall. Arturo stood as the logo subheader to beat because it confidently takes up space like a disabled BIPOC women learning to (figuratively) stand on her feet. Playfair Display stole first place for general header and subheader because it’s reminiscent of medicine women healing their community with dignity despite enduring forced imposter syndrome thrown at them from people with hearts filled with malignity.
Finally, Kollektif was the body text font of choice because it reminds of a little one learning to use their voice - slightly unsure, mostly on the right track, it may have to stop soon because it needs a little snack. Altogether, Wonder Star typfaces convey amusement, laughter, and polish; any thoughts of professional frivolity they will surely abolish.
And now we arrive at the penultimate chapter, let’s tear through it like a velociraptor. The applications section is where I remind myself and future employees how the brand guidelines can be enacted in real life, as well as how they can mitigate creative strife. From business cards to posters to slide decks galore, from invoices to graphics, now all Wonder Star content can accurately depict Wonder Star lore.
And now we’re done, finito, through, complete. I can finally rest, sit down, take a seat. But oh me oh my, now I just can’t wait; creating a style guide outlining requirements for layout, dimensions, and spacing has already got my mind and heart racing. I hope you find my fascination with all this interesting and not a bore because you will see the fruits of it soon - just wait and see what Wonder Stars has got in store!
