Objective
This animal mark is a graphical interpretation of a river otter, which uses fundamental elements of design to communicate its physical, behavioral, and personality traits. Line weight and implied shape are used to retain the qualities of the otter's natural form, while simultaneously abstracting it into graphic language.
Research
Finding photos that showcase a river otter's personality and shape was the first step in this project. A list was created of an otter's qualities that needed to be apparent in the design.
physical traits: long, streamlined bodies (noodle-like) with short legs and webbed feet; dense fur
behavioral traits: aquatic and terrestrial animals; very playful; agile swimmers
personality: very curious and agile; makes a range of vocalizations
actions: feeds mostly on fish, but can eat other smaller mammals and crustaceans; uses whiskers underwater to detect prey; will either be hunting, playing, or resting
adjectives: smiley, sleek, agile, playful, energetic, sociable, mischievous, clever
phrase: "Swim, Smile, Sleek, River Otter"
Sketches and Digital Iteration
Sketches were made to find the best and most dynamic pose. This information was taken into Adobe Illustrator and then iterated upon.
Final Otter Mark
Typography
Interpretive Phrase Integration
Integration of the phrase "Swim, Smile, Sleek, River Otter" which conveyed a river otter's behavior, personality, and appearance. In some iterations, "Swim" is used to show the surface of the water. In others, the curved shape of the otter was used as the letter "O". The word "Smile" in the examples is curved like what a smile looks like on someone's face.
Final
The final otter mark displays the otter's round shape and friendly personality. The "S" in swim is shaped like a river, and the other letters bounce around to illustrate an otter's playful personality. "River Otter" is placed to look as if it is flowing in the river, while the ascenders in "smile" and "sleek" are reflective of tall-grass around river banks.
Final With Color