Chromatic Chromosom
Be careful, this brand identity might have you splicing your DNA with a bug!
SPECS
Medium: Packaging / Print Design
Format: BRand Identity System
Tools: Photoshop, Illustraotr
Medium: Packaging / Print Design
Format: BRand Identity System
Tools: Photoshop, Illustraotr
THE CHALLENGE
Standard academic environments can make reading and writing feel like rigid chores rather than open playgrounds. The goal was to build a complete brand identity for a fictional 826 Portland literacy store centered around hybrid creatures, genetic mutations, and weird science to spark children's creative curiosity.
RESEARCH & DESIGN
Research & Design Decisions: Research started with digging into weird local Portland lore where I stumbled upon the fact that Oregon scientists created the world’s first genetically modified monkey. This spiraled into studying retro sci-fi aesthetics alongside 826 National's existing storefronts. The goal was to take real gene-splicing science and turn it into a child's playground of curiosity. I built a dynamic visual framework using eye-searing colors, custom bug hybrid illustrations, and playful typography that translates seamlessly across physical packaging and digital interfaces to letterheads and business cards. Instead of a single static logo, I created a fluid asset system where mutant creatures act as mischievous guides, inviting kids to experiment, mess around, and rewrite the rules of storytelling.
Standard academic environments can make reading and writing feel like rigid chores rather than open playgrounds. The goal was to build a complete brand identity for a fictional 826 Portland literacy store centered around hybrid creatures, genetic mutations, and weird science to spark children's creative curiosity.
RESEARCH & DESIGN
Research & Design Decisions: Research started with digging into weird local Portland lore where I stumbled upon the fact that Oregon scientists created the world’s first genetically modified monkey. This spiraled into studying retro sci-fi aesthetics alongside 826 National's existing storefronts. The goal was to take real gene-splicing science and turn it into a child's playground of curiosity. I built a dynamic visual framework using eye-searing colors, custom bug hybrid illustrations, and playful typography that translates seamlessly across physical packaging and digital interfaces to letterheads and business cards. Instead of a single static logo, I created a fluid asset system where mutant creatures act as mischievous guides, inviting kids to experiment, mess around, and rewrite the rules of storytelling.
THE CONCEPT & AUDIENCE
"DNA-Altering Literacy." Have you ever thought about mixing your DNA with a bug? Chromatic Chromosome frames creative writing as an act of wild genetic experimentation, using bug-inspired mutant characters to guide kids through an immersive storefront. Designed for young readers, educators, and Portlanders shopping in the city.
THE TAKEAWAY
Developing this system proved that a brand identity can’t just be a random collection of pretty visuals, it needs a distinct narrative anchor. Grounding the concept in real Portland science history taught me how to build a cohesive, multi-touchpoint brand system that stays rock-solid across physical and digital media while telling a meaningful story that invites play.
"DNA-Altering Literacy." Have you ever thought about mixing your DNA with a bug? Chromatic Chromosome frames creative writing as an act of wild genetic experimentation, using bug-inspired mutant characters to guide kids through an immersive storefront. Designed for young readers, educators, and Portlanders shopping in the city.
THE TAKEAWAY
Developing this system proved that a brand identity can’t just be a random collection of pretty visuals, it needs a distinct narrative anchor. Grounding the concept in real Portland science history taught me how to build a cohesive, multi-touchpoint brand system that stays rock-solid across physical and digital media while telling a meaningful story that invites play.
PROCESS