Blackpool Sands wanted to achieve a fresh new look in 2023, prompting us to create a unique and illustrative logo. However, the client didn’t just want a logo, they wanted a complete overhaul of all customer-facing marketing assets, including signage, menus, and interiors. This required a team effort to ensure consistency throughout every aspect of their brand. Together, Mark, Siani, and I collaborated to create a cohesive and fresh style that not only represented their logo but also the atmosphere of the venue. It was an example of true teamwork and expertise to provide Blackpool Sands with an update that they were proud to present to their customers.
Collaborative and adaptive
When it comes to branding, it’s not just about a logo or a message – it’s about creating a feeling. This is something we achieved, by designing a warm and welcoming brand that perfectly matched the vibe they wanted to convey. It was a true collaboration, with the interiors and graphics teams working together to create a cohesive brand that reflected the Blackpool Sands values and personality. While I produced my own unique colour codes to use throughout the branding, we also made sure to keep in mind the temporary nature of the interior design refresh for this year. Our goal was to create a brand that not only looked great now but would also be flexible enough to evolve as needed in the future.
“The transformation of the interior is truly awe-inspiring. It’s hard to believe that it’s the same space as before. The lush surroundings make it feel like a getaway from the busy outside world, a little hidden paradise that is just waiting to be discovered.”
Unique Trees
The Blackpool Sands logo now features prominent trees that are unique to the area – Monterey Pines. These trees are particular to the Devon region and are representative of what makes Blackpool Sands so special. It was important for us to move away from the generic palm tree and beach imagery that is used so often in the area. By incorporating these distinctive trees into the logo, we are conveying a deeper sense of Blackpool Sands’ identity and unique character.
Authenticity in our approach
We incorporated personal photographs of the Blackpool Sands Monterey Trees into digital illustrations for their marketing assets. By tracing the original image and simplifying it, I’ve been able to capture the essence of these beachside trees and create what is essentially pieces of original art.
“If you’re ever in the area and want to see the exact spot where the photograph was taken, just stand on the beach with your back facing the café and look to your right. It’s truly a breath taking view, and I’m grateful to have been able to capture it through my work.”
When I took the photo, I had a particular vision in mind – to capture the essence of this special place. The trees, the sand, and the water were all essential elements that we needed to incorporate into our design. They wanted something that was unique and different, something that would represent their family-oriented business. We wanted to create a logo that had a retro feel, like an old railway poster, and something that would truly set them apart from their competitors.
A composite of a real-world view
Creating a composite landscape can be a challenge, especially when faced with the task of incorporating multiple elements. In this case, the tree was a crucial element that needed to be showcased as the main point of the logo. However, when the headland was also introduced, the size of the trees could have been decreased, compromising their strength and significance. To avoid this, the trees were placed in the foreground, with the headland and water serving as a stunning backdrop. Additionally, elements such as the sweeping beach and straight horizon were considered essential in achieving a cohesive and beautiful composite landscape.
Adding depth with detail
It was a challenge to represent all the composite elements in the environment with a single colour. That’s why we introduced foreground textures to make the details well defined. To the artist, it might be challenging to differentiate between the tree and the headland. The trick is to ensure that each element is well-defined, like the tree in my illustration. The detail lies in the foreground, while the background provides depth and context – making it easy to interpret the distance between the elements.
The sweeping beach
When it comes to logos, it’s important to convey a sense of movement and energy, especially if your brand is associated with the beach or the great outdoors. The sweep of the beach can be a dynamic and exciting element to incorporate into a logo design. It’s all about capturing the essence of the environment in which your brand operates and conveying that through a visual representation.
Waves add texture
Designing a new logo with waves can instantly add character and depth to your brand. The gentle curves of the waves provide structure, while the textures mimic the natural flow of water. Incorporating waves into your logo design can create a dynamic and ever-changing image, giving your brand an added sense of movement and energy.
Extending the landscape
The design decision to have the trees coming out of the circle is one of my favourite aspects. It adds a dynamic and almost bursting effect to the image, making it appear as if the trees are coming at you or growing up and out of the circle. Since social media platforms often display images in a circular format, we needed to come up with a solution that is truly unique.
“Creating a unique and distinctive social media avatar is essential in standing out in today’s digital world. The use of an arc in the circle element of the avatar presents an opportunity for endless possibilities. The arc can represent something as simple as a star, or as complex as a lens flare or a sunset. The beauty of it is that in one’s mind, the arc can become anything they desire, making the logo truly theirs.”
A natural yet distinct brand colour
When it came to choosing the colours for this project, we were very intentional with our selection. The shade we settled on is a unique mix between green and blue, which some people perceive as green while others see more blue. It is a fascinating colour that works equally well in both print and digital formats. We opted for this non-traditional colour because we wanted to avoid being too predictable – we didn’t want to use the typical seaside navy or royal blue. Instead, we chose a shade that sits comfortably between blue and green, drawing the eye and striking just the right balance.
“The Blackpool Sands logo features a natural colour, but not a common colour.”
Developing the Logotype
When it comes to typography, choosing the right font is crucial to make a statement and stand out from the crowd. That’s why we decided to look beyond the usual suspects and go for something bold and distinct. We were searching for a font that would evoke a sense of class and creativity, while still being readable and stylish. After some research, we discovered a font that captured our attention – It had the quirky and distinct vibe we were after, with a touch of retro charm. But we didn’t want to settle for a generic version of it. That’s why we worked on making it bespoke, truly one-of-a-kind. Now, we’re proud to say that the Blackpool Sands font is unlike anything else out there, and it perfectly embodies their brand spirit.
A brand that is versatile
The Blackpool Sands beach cafe will not only offer food and beverages, but also water sports, gardens, and even glamping. To represent such this variety of services, a versatile brand is necessary. It’s important for the brand to remain consistent across all areas, while also being able to adapt to fit each unique offering.
Local designers with an emotional connection
Blackpool Sands holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I’ve created so many cherished memories since I moved to England. I’ve had Christmas barbecues with my partner, enjoyed the best days with just the two of us, and even brought friends and our dog along for walks. Every time I visit, I feel like I’m entering a magical place. So, when I had the opportunity to bring my creativity and work to the beach, it was an absolute honour. I wanted to do the best job possible and pour my heart into the project, knowing that this special place means so much to me and many others.
Creating a legacy for Blackpool Sands
Designing this logo has been an incredibly humbling experience – it’s amazing to think that my artwork will be displayed on that beautiful beach for all to see. I visited the beach on a sunny day last week and it was the first time I saw the logo on signs. The interior design team created a space that felt like we were in Ibiza, and seeing the logo on the signs made it feel all the more real. Being able to contribute to the overall aesthetic of the Blackpool Sands is a privilege.
Interested to learn more?
Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you grow your business. Contact the design studio on Beacon Quay Torquay at studio@fruition-design.co.uk or ring us on 01803 295 959.