WADAIKO is a taiko club at RIT, which I am a member and performer of. I redesigned their logo, created new variants, and applied this new logo for different scenarios.
The task was to redesign the logo that uses the RIT's colors, has multiple variations, and can be used in different ways. My goal was to not only incorporate the Naga drums, but also to incorporate the shime into the logo to give it some representation.
Development
I studied the current drums that we had, plus I went online to see what else there is in the world.
Early sketches and ideas for the project. The club had a good laugh when I realized I kept on spelling WADAIKO wrong (whoops).
Type Studies that I did, both a Westen and Asian. In the end, I decided to keep their original Oswald typeface, but I choose the fourth Asian typeface for Asian characters used.
Early computer illustrations when I was still trying to figure out which one would look best for the project. The one with the circle with vertical Kanji characters was a close contender. No color at this stage.
Early version of the Shime. A brush effect was also experimented with the outline of the Naga, but was later decided against it.
My greatest challenge for this project was getting the Shime on the letter A while still making it readable. Working with a traditional brush effect was also a challenge as well.
Final Product (Primary Logo)
Above are the main logos that I have created, with the version with a black background being first choice. I had use the Naga as the outline for the logo, and the Shime as part of the letter 'A'.
Square Background
Round Background (/w Nails)
Round Background (up to the Rim)
No Background (Transparent)
With each logo and variant, there is different kinds of background and transparencies available depending on the situation in which the logo would be used (black version shown).
There is even an animated version of the logo that can be used for an introduction of videos. Shown here is for video that's at a standard 16:9, 1920 x 1080 ratio.
Final Product (Variations)
Primary, Single Color, Black Square Background
Brush Variant, Color, Black Square Background
Brush Variant (Single Color), Transparent Background
Shime Only, Color with Naga Outline
Shime Only, Single Color, Round Background
WADAIKO Only, Color, Transparent Background
WADAIKO Only, Color, White Background
A selection of different variations of the logo that I have created. Like the primary logo, it has different backgrounds, colors, and transparencies.
Final Product (Logo Uses)
Hoodie
Hat
Tank Top (Performance Outfit)
Pins
Poster
T-Shirt (Front)
T-Shirt (Back)
Some mock-ups that I've created showing the logo and some variants in various uses. There can be even more uses than what is shown.
A document that I created to show how to use the logo, as well as what not to do with the logo. It also shows more variants here.