'Wild Times' Cover - Mongabay Kids
Brief
The objective of this project was to design the logotype for Mongabay Kids’ new natural science newspaper ‘Wild Times.’ Then, design the cover for its first edition ‘Unendangering Nebraska’ featuring one or more of the state’s endangered species.
Role
Research, Logo Design, Illustration, Typography
Tools
Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, InDesign
Client
Mongabay Kids, School Project
Logotype
My goal for the logotype was to incorporate a variety of animals into the ‘Wild Times’ name. This led to my design to include a deer (herbivore), wild cat (carnivore), and sunfish (fish). I used the thick, blocky letters of the typeface Droog Heavy to seamlessly incorporate the animals into the design. Because the target age range for this publication is 8-14, I opted for a more minimal and mature color palette to contrast with childish shape language of the logotype and elevate the design.
Newspaper Cover
For the cover, I wanted to take an unusual perspective with a cross-section of the prairie dog tunnels the endangered black-footed ferret calls home. This educates children on the dynamic between the two animals. The title and logotype are both carved into the dirt to add depth to the composition, and the ferrets directly engage with the viewer by speaking to them.
Web Redesign
I envisioned how Wild Times would look on Mongabay Kids’ website. I updated its’ original news page, adding the Wild Times’ logotype and refreshing the overall feel of the page with a redesined layout, new colors, and font.
Research
A primary target of research was figuring out how to appeal to both ends of the target 8-14 age range for this project. To explore this, I created a typology of logos for iconic cartoons targeted to various ages. I also explored how best to represent the animals on the cover, which led me to the cute and simplified but semi-realistic style used in the final design.
