Tools: Illustrator
Roles: Designer
Overview
Gamebreaker was a brand identity proposal for a new defense software application aimed at military users and defense contractors. The mark needed to feel serious without becoming severe, and it needed to signal strategy, clarity, and confidence. Tools: Adobe Illustrator. Role: Designer. The concept was inspired by the hedge maze in The Shining.
Concept
The core idea was a square maze that stands for complexity, pursuit, and structured problem solving. Within that grid, the initials g and b appear as a bold, geometric typestyle. The letters read clearly at a glance, but they also feel integrated with the maze structure, which underscores the theme of navigation and control inside complex systems. The inspiration callout appears on the project page, along with the purpose and role.
Form and Composition
- Mark: A square labyrinth in dark red with white passages.
- Letters: Lowercase g and b in black, built as simple geometric forms. Strokes are consistent and match the visual weight of the maze walls, which keeps the mark unified and legible.
- Hierarchy: The tall vertical stem of the b gives the mark a strong axis, while the rounded bowl of the g softens the composition.
- Shape language: The square footprint works as an app icon, sticker, or patch, and it centers well on packaging.
Color
Dark red and black were selected for their ties to defense branding and their assertive, high contrast look. Red communicates urgency and strength. Black supports authority and precision. The white maze paths add breathing room and help the gb read cleanly in small sizes.
Typography
The typography is custom. The g and b were drawn as a geometric typestyle with no serifs or decorative details. This stripped down approach keeps attention on the maze metaphor and improves legibility on screens, patches, or etched surfaces.
Process
The maze concept was present from the beginning and stayed central through the build. Illustrator made it straightforward to align wall thickness, set consistent radii, and tune spacing for scale tests. The final adjusts the counter shapes and stroke weights so the gb holds up inside the busy maze field. The page credits confirm Illustrator and design role.
Application
- Packaging: The mark sits comfortably on a simple white box and remains readable at an angle in mockups.
- Sticker and icon: The square footprint crops cleanly and keeps recognition even when reduced.
Outcome
The broader project was not picked up, so the logo remained a proposal. As a portfolio piece it demonstrates how a cinematic symbol can translate into a functional identity for a technical audience.
Reflection and Takeaways
- A single bold metaphor can carry a full identity when executed with restraint.
- Pairing a complex field with simple custom letterforms balances story and clarity.
- Designing within a square grid early helps future proof for app icons, patches, and stickers.