This project presented the challenging task of designing a mascot for a fictional minor league baseball team residing in Ridgeway, South Carolina. Drawing inspiration from the state's rich history, I developed the "Ridgeway Reapers," a team concept that merges two iconic elements: the Carolina Reaper pepper, renowned for its fiery heat, and the enigmatic "Gray Man," a local urban legend describing a cloaked ghostly figure.

The design process commenced with hand-drawn sketches, exploring the fusion of the pepper's distinctive shape with the hooded cloak of the Gray Man. Upon refining these initial concepts, I transitioned to Adobe Illustrator to further develop the mascot design and a comprehensive visual system. This phase of the project introduced a new challenge, working in the visual style of a mascot. I diligently explored the application of the brand across a diverse range of collateral, including apparel, signage, and digital media. This involved integrating photography into the design process to enhance the visual impact and create a more immersive brand experience. Despite the inherent challenges, I am immensely satisfied with the final outcome, having successfully developed a unique and compelling brand identity for the Ridgeway Reapers.

Click HERE to view my process book for this project.