Project Overview
This project represents part three of a broader concept series exploring different visual directions for Ponderosa High School football t-shirts. While several concepts in the series focused directly on training camp, this design explored a thematic direction rooted in identity rather than event specificity.
The concept was developed for potential use by the team or booster club and aimed to expand the visual language of the program beyond standard athletic graphics.
Project Scope
- Deliverables: Vector based design files
- Tools: Adobe Illustrator
- Role: Designer
Design Challenge
High school football apparel often leans heavily into aggressive or generic sports motifs. The challenge here was to create a design that felt distinctive, culturally grounded, and meaningful to the program, without relying on overused football iconography.
Key considerations included:
- Reflecting the Mustang identity in a non-literal way
- Drawing from regional and cultural influences
- Ensuring the design would translate well to apparel production
Concept Development
The western buckle motif was chosen as a visual bridge between the Mustang name and broader western culture. Belt buckles traditionally symbolize craftsmanship, durability, and earned status, qualities that align naturally with football culture.
Rather than depicting a literal mustang or football scene, the design uses the buckle format to frame the identity, creating a bold central mark that feels both rugged and ceremonial.
Visual Direction
The design is intentionally graphic and restrained, optimized for a black t-shirt with a gold print.
Key visual characteristics:
- Western buckle-inspired frame and typography
- Strong line work for screen printing reliability
- High contrast between black fabric and gold ink
- A layout that reads clearly from a distance
The result is a mark that feels equally at home on the field, in the weight room, or worn casually.
Series Context
As part three in a multi-concept exploration, this design demonstrates range within a cohesive program identity. While not explicitly tied to training camp logistics, it contributes to a broader visual toolkit that could be applied across apparel, spirit wear, and team-issued gear.
Outcome
The concept illustrates an alternative direction for high school football apparel, one that emphasizes identity, heritage, and symbolism over trend-driven sports graphics.
This project complements earlier Ponderosa football work by showing how a single program can support multiple visual expressions while maintaining a strong core identity.