Maps, Logos, & Bears OH MY!

By Amanda Guy

This week, I want to talk about a few of the projects we've been busting out lately. It's been a hell of a fall so far, and we could not be more excited about the projects we have on our docket lately.

The last couple of weeks have been filled with branding projects, extensive map edits, and prepping merchandise for the glorious distillery that will be opening in the near future right here in Whitefish. Our clients have been so much fun to work with, and we're starting to close out 2015 with a bang!

Let me start off by talking a little bit about the epic map we have been working on since this summer. We've paired up with some amazing people down in Big Sky to create a super fun and easy-to-read Biking/Hiking map for the Big Sky Resort area. You may have seen our fun little promo video about the map and how stoked we truly are to be working on a project that we really relate to.

Every single one of us here at Wheelie loves the great outdoors, especially hiking and biking. As outdoor adventurers and thrill seekers, it's very important to us to know where we are going and what we are looking for. This is where a map typically comes in handy.

These days I only dream in topo lines and am constantly looking down a trail trying to memorize the path I'm on. Its kind of like when you've been snowboarding on Big Mountain for several years, and you can visualize your favorite run with your eyes closed. You know every turn and every tree. Well with this map we've been working on, we want people to be able to familiarize themselves with trails in a very short period of time. Most of the visitors to the Big Sky area will be on vacation for a week or two (they may come back in the future, or they may have a time share down there), but when you're in a place for such a short period of time, you want to get to know your surroundings just as quickly. 

With a map measuring 24"x36" we're hoping to get the info across in a coherent and easy to read / see type of way. We want people to look at the map, see a double black diamond trail and know that it's an advanced trail. We want the text to be easy to follow and read. There's so much thought and energy that goes into a map that you never really realize until you're making one. It's probably my favorite project right now as far as detailed work goes. We cannot wait to see the final printed map when it's all said and done.

And now, all about logos!

We have a couple of clients right now that have established business that they are giving a bit of a make over to. This is always very exciting for both the client and all us here at Wheelie. We get to be a part of something really fun from beginning to end and see the ups and downs of changing the image of our clients' businesses. 

The logo development process itself can be so much fun. You get to create a few options from scratch based on the worksheets and conversations that you have with the client and from their the ideas develop into an actual form. When the final logo comes to fruition the feeling that comes over not only you, but your client, is amazing. I just want to give a shout out to those clients, they know who they are, (I don't want to give away the new logos yet) but, thanks you guys! It's been so much fun working with you on your vision and your projects.

AND BEARS!

Who has two thumbs and is supper stoked for Spotted Bear Spirits to open soon!?  THIS GIRL!!!!!!

I've been working on some Merchandise, along with Lisa and the lovely Lauren O., to prep and send off for Spotted Bear Spirits. Lauren is one of those business owners that has thought of everything, at least it seems like she has. I think we all know when we start on a venture of any kind, you feel like you've planned and planned, but sometimes there are key pieces you forget. I honestly don't think that this entrepreneur has forgotten anything! We are very proud of you, Lauren, and cannot wait for Spotted Bear Spirits to open its doors to the public. We especially cannot wait to see everyone rocking all your fun merchandise with the bear, still yet to named, making an appearance on glasses, sweatshirts, and more. 

Check on our blog weekly for doses of interesting thoughts, projects, and more. Thanks for coming by this week and reading my nonsensical blog post. I really just wanted to talk a bit about a few of my favorite things this week. Maybe next week I'll go off on a tangent about Turkey and Family for the Holiday coming up.

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!