Tools: Illustrator
Role: Designer
Overview
This third concept in a series of high school football training-camp T-shirt designs reimagines the Ponderosa Mustangs identity through a bold western buckle motif. Crafted in Adobe Illustrator, the design leans into the Mustang name’s cultural roots in western heritage.
Concept & Inspiration
The design draws directly from western buckle imagery, recognizable symbols of toughness, tradition, and frontier style. By framing the Mustangs branding within that motif, the display shirt nods to the team’s rugged character and uniquely American spirit. The theme fits a training camp context where toughness and readiness are front and center.
Design Elements
- Buckle Frame: The emblem is structured like a western-style buckle, with clean lines and angular corners. This shape gives the design clear boundaries, making it ideal for screen-printing and easily transferable to shirts and gear.
- Typography & Iconography: Likely featuring strong, custom formatted Mesquite font, accompanied by stylized mustang imagery, maybe a silhouette or elegantly simplified profile that fits within the buckle shape.
- Composition: Balanced and centralized. The buckle holds the typographic and iconographic elements together, ensuring visibility across fabric textures and folds.
Color Palette
Although the exact color scheme isn’t specified on the page, a western-themed school design often works well with gold/yellow on black, reflecting Ponderosa High School’s existing color palette (which commonly includes gold) and keeping unity with school spirit.
Process
Illustrator was used to draw precise geometry for the buckle’s metal contours, ensuring consistent stroke weight and proportion. The design likely began with rough sketches, moving swiftly into vector form to test how the buckle shape interacts with lettering and mascot elements in tight alignment.
Application & Mock-Up
Placing this design on a T-shirt mock-up makes its utilitarian value clear—camp gear shows up in motion and crowds, so legibility and style must endure from a distance. The buckle’s defined shape ensures clarity from afar, while its western roots create an immediate emotional narrative of grit and tradition.
Outcome
This concept builds on identity through storied symbolism. Whether or not it was ultimately selected, it stands on its own as a strong blend of heritage, sports branding clarity, and regional storytelling.
Reflection & Takeaways
- Symbolic framing like the western buckle adds instant thematic depth to a logo or shirt design.
- Vector precision is key for merchandise—especially apparel that will see wear and variable printing surfaces.
- School color integration strengthens alignment with existing identity and team pride.