Santa Barbara Cider Co. Logo Process

Jenny Espino
Mar 5, 2017
2 min read

It was about a month ago that I was very randomly contacted by a client through my Order Form, I say random because usually I talk to people over the phone or on Facebook about their project before they begin their order. I was really excited because it was going to be a logo that was a little out of the ordinary for me. Rustic, vintage, and even a little detailed.

I was asked to create a "stamp-style" logo with a truck with a surfboard in the back, a farm and an ocean. My husband can tell you that I was nervous because I'm more of a... how would you say... "font-organizer designer" and not so much of an illustrator or drawer. But, I was excited about the prospect of the job and I took it on because I had faith in myself and in my work. But I told myself, if the client doesn't like it, be prepared to offer a refund and a "thank you for trying me out." So, yes, I went in with hesitation, but I was SO happy that I TRIED!

So, I started out with three sketches:

Yeah... I told you. I'm not much of a drawer :-/

But I got the idea and moved forward with the initial set of comps for the client.

I was pretty happy with the way the came out, so I sent them off to the client and eagerly waited their response! A couple days later, I heard from them and they liked the first one the best (which is good because that was my first choice too - note why it was my first idea haha).

BUT they decided that it was too much for their "logo" but would be great for a label. I agree because a LOGO is something that should be simple and easily identifiable. So, they thought to go ahead and remove the beach and farm and only keep the vintage truck. They also wanted a more handwritten/rustic font and a red truck with the surfboard upside down (fin up). GOT IT! Back to the drawing board!

So, I came up with this one:

GETTING CLOSER and ALMOST THERE! They came back quickly with the next revisions that they wanted the surfboard to be more like a longboard - thicker and longer AND they wanted to see more of an arch in the Santa Barbara - because Santa Barbara is well known for the arches in the Spanish-inspired architecture. After that, we should be good! We got this!

And then, that was it! This is the final logo - I think it looks awesome and I can't wait to see where this company goes - we will most certainly be trying out their hard cider in the future! ANND take a look with what they did with it already (for not even having their logo for one full day!!)