DANCE FUSION
The Project
Role: Designer
Project Type: Merchandise Design
Tools: Illustrator
Year: 2023
I collaborated with Dance Fusion, the university's original hip-hop dance team, to design a cohesive line of merchandise that would enhance team identity, foster unity, and promote the group's presence on campus. The project encompassed the creation of apparel items such as sweat sets, hoodies, and tote bags integrating the team's dynamic spirit and cultural diversity into wearable designs.
Design Approach
Sketches
I wanted to highlight the prototypes double “N’s” while keeping the initial logo as the leaf, playing on the the planishing of food.
Compositions
Taking my initial drawings I decided to make compositions, allowing the colors to play.
After gathering input, I proceeded to develop several design mockups using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. The designs featured:
Front Design: A stylized "Dance Fusion" logo with dynamic lines to represent movement.
Back Design: A list of team members' names to honor individual contributions.
Sleeve Detail: Inclusion of the year and "Quinnipiac University" text for context.
These designs were presented to the team for feedback, leading to iterative refinements.
Final Composition
Collaborating with a local printing company, Fresh Prints, we ensured the merchandise met quality standards and was delivered on schedule. The team received their apparel ahead of key performances, allowing them to showcase their new look during events.
The finalized merchandise design included:
Color Scheme: Darker blue base with lighter blue and white accents, aligning with university colors
Logo: A sleek, modern emblem combining the letters "D" and "F" into a dance-inspired graphic
Typography: Bold sans-serif fonts for readability and contemporary appeal
Material: High-quality, breathable fabric suitable for both rehearsals and casual wear
The Impact
This merchandise design project successfully encapsulated Quinnipiac Dance Fusion's vibrant spirit and fostered a stronger team identity. Through collaborative design and attention to detail, the apparel not only served functional purposes but also became a symbol of unity and pride for the team. I look forward to continue producing merchandise for the team in the future!