The rebranding project for my hometown of Henrico, Virginia, began with an analysis of existing and past logos and designs for the county. I carefully studied how previous visual identities reflected Henrico's history, values, and community image, identifying areas for improvement. This research laid the foundation for creating a fresh, modern design that better represented the county’s evolving identity while staying connected to its roots.
After analyzing Henrico's past designs, I began a series of sketches that drew inspiration from the natural beauty of my hometown. The county’s parks, rivers, and green spaces provided a sense of tranquility and connection to the environment, which I wanted to reflect in the new design. As I sketched, I became inspired by the idea of incorporating a cardinal as a mascot, symbolizing both the vibrant wildlife of the area and Henrico’s strong community spirit. This led to the creation of Cardinal Henri, a mascot that embodies the county’s natural beauty and its lively, welcoming atmosphere, tying together the rebranding with a sense of local pride.
Once my logo and design elements were finalized, I applied them across various brand items, creating a cohesive identity. From business cards and packaging to the website and social media, the logo, colors, and typography became the foundation. I also integrated these elements into promotional materials and customer communications, ensuring consistency and reinforcing the brand’s presence across all touchpoints.
I used Adobe After Effects to bring my logo to life through animation, adding a dynamic element to the brand. By animating the logo, I was able to create a more engaging and memorable visual experience for users. After Effects allowed me to experiment with different motion effects, transitions, and timing to ensure the animation aligned with the brand’s tone and personality. The final result not only made the logo more eye-catching but also gave it a modern, professional feel that enhanced its impact across digital platforms.
