Designing for "Shakes & Ladders" Kickstarter
Title: Designer/Visualizer/Interior Designer
Project: Shakes & Ladders - Board Game Café Logo Design
Objective: Create a professional logo for Shakes & Ladders, a double-decker bus transformed into a board game café.
As a versatile designer, I merged iconic bus features with a playful ambiance to craft a sophisticated logo. With careful selection of typography, colors, and graphics, the result captures professionalism and excitement, attracting patrons to this unique board game café experience.
Creating an explainer video was a straightforward task for me, given my prior experience in the television industry. My diverse skill set encompasses video editing, animation, filming, and formal education in TV and film production. With the objective of producing a dynamic and engaging video, I employed fast cuts, upbeat music, and a combination of 3D and 2D visuals. I personally handled the filming and editing process to ensure the desired outcome.
My subsequent task involved creating a comprehensive visual design for the double-decker bus using SketchUp. This encompassed both the interior and exterior aspects, as well as the accompanying artwork. Given the time constraints, I opted for a visually appealing board game-inspired, cartoonish style instead of realistic renders.
We opted for two signboards instead of a logo to prioritize brand recognition. Emphasizing larger letters for "Shakes" and "Ladders" enhances visibility. The versatile logo shape was used for the entrance sign, maintaining consistency. By utilizing the same font, we achieved a cohesive aesthetic, strengthening our professional image.
The technical drawings presented some challenges due to the limited knowledge of the bus's internal space. Without firsthand experience or visual reference, it was difficult to ascertain the precise utilization of the area. However, extensive research and observation of other "bustaurant" designs guided the decision-making process. Consequently, I strategically allocated the kitchen/service area downstairs and designated the seating arrangement upstairs.
I also produced a brief video showcasing the bus layout for the Facebook banner.
After realizing the need to create something for our backers, we decided on a dice tower. I was assigned the task of creating a 3D mockup, and this time I opted for a realistic 3D render. Using the Cycles engine in Blender 3D software, I successfully brought the design to life.
Working on this small business venture, I gained valuable insights into how businesses operate. From a design standpoint, I discovered the importance of creating visually realistic content to capture people's attention and generate interest in a product. While a cartoonish style may be suitable for representing games, it is less appropriate for restaurants and the catering industry. Additionally, I acquired significant knowledge about branding and marketing, prompting me to specialize in designing for catering businesses.