Case Study
Capturing the excitement of sport in design: Kelowna Classic Lake Water Polo Tournament Illustrations
Kelowna Water Polo Club asked me to create designs establishing the Kelowna Classic Lake Water Polo Tournament as a premier destination sporting event in the Okanagan Valley. Following the the footsteps of so many excellent sporting events in the region the designs and illustrations needed to capture the action and excitement of a challenging full-contact sport.
Illustrations & Wordmark
The illustrations showcase the challenging and energetic nature of the full-contact sport of water polo using animals and mythological water creatures to emphasize the power and strength required to compete. As the club continues to define its brand the tournament serves as an opportunity to play and explore new designs, illustrations and styles. The wordmark uses a 3D-stylization and sharp edgy lettering to make a monolithic impact on tournament materials and assets.
Keepsakes & Shirts
Big events deserve big designs. The wordmark and illustrations for the Kelowna Classic Lake Water Polo Tournament work best as a large supergraphic to be seen at a distance. This serves two purposes–the wearer can show their pride in participating and viewers can see it clearly. Graphic T-shirts and keepsakes are an opportunity to showcase an event, band, brand and cause. They become a part of a person’s identity as expressed through their wardrobe. Positive fanfare creates more interest and more fanfare. The goal with apparel and keepsakes is to keep the excitement about tournament alive year round and seeing these designs worn proudly in public is the biggest compliment we could expect.
Medals & Trophies
A great medal is the ultimate keepsake for a sporting event. But not all medals are created equal. The task for year two of the Kelowna Classic Lake Water Polo Tournament was to come up with budget-friendly custom medals and trophies. The design uses the bear character created in year one combined with the new wordmark and water polo elements. The uniqueness factor; wooden medals that double as coasters and wood cross-sections turned into trophies which were laser-cut and etched by a local supplier–Ninestyles.
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THE RESULT
The result is an excellent foundation for creating a collection of illustrations that inspire and attract water polo players to Kelowna, encouraging them to compete and connect with a growing club with big ambitions.