PHARMACY BRANDING & SIGNAGE

Graphic design, BRANDING, PRINT PRODUCTION





Objectives:

  • Analyze and determine the design needs of the client
  • Ideate a number of designs that directly addresses the client's needs and ensures visual appeal and distinctiveness
  • Implement the design within the physical space



pROJECT OVERVIEW

When tasked with branding two pharmacy locations, I was eager to expand the existing design and translate it into a variety of mediums. The project required the ideation and creation of multiple signage pieces for different pharmacy locations, maintaining consistency throughout. The main reference point I had was a business card supplied by the client, to serve as the foundation of the design approach. Given the simplicity of the design for the card, I elected to create signage that would align with this aesthetic across different formats.

One of the prominent elements in the visual identity of the brand I saw was the noticeably bold contrast between blue and red; I decided to use these as the primary colours of my designs. Ultimately, I wanted to maintain the clarity and simplicity in the design supplied to me while simultaneously emphasizing the prominent elements.

DESIGN APPROACH AND EXECUTION

The client had specific instructions for the content of each signage piece, with some elements - such as the sign boxes situated above the pharmacies - requiring minimal design, that being blue and read lettering; others allowed for more creative freedom. Building on my earlier approach towards this design and based on the instructions for the sign boxes, I chose to adhere to the idea of alternating between blue and red colours to create a sense of contrast and visual interest, while also drawing attention to key elements.

My first challenge was developing a consistent design motif for the signage. I had recently started experimenting with gradients, and had wanted to incorporate them into this project. Initially, I had considered using a gradient transition from red to blue, but I recognized this would result in a purple middle of each gradient, which would not have aligned with the brands established colours.Instead, I decided to work with the white space I had, and opted for a simple red-to-transparent and blue-to-transparent gradients, which I used in various ways depending on what type of signage I was designing.

For example, when designing consecutive window graphics that were instructed to have less text, I alternated between red and blue gradients layered over pharmaceutical imagery with white text placed on top, using the gradient to bring more attention to the text and create a clean, simple pattern. For larger signage with more text, I applied both gradients at the top and bottom of the pieces, helping to draw focus toward the center and creating a professional, balanced composition.

The designs I would end up creating included a variety of signage, including the aforementioned sign boxes and window graphics, wall signage, A-frame signs, pop-up banners, snap frames, and posters. After presenting the designs to the client and incorporating their feedback, the final concepts were approved and production began.

PRODUCTION & INSTALLATION

In addition to the design work, I was involved in the production, lamination, and installation of the signage on-site. One of the primary challenges during the production phase was the size of one of the window graphics, which was too large to print on the available material in a single piece. To resolve this, we decided to print the graphic in two sections, overlapping by a small margin (half to one inch) to minimize the visible seam in the piece. This overlap was discreet, especially given the white space in the design, and ensured a seamless final result.

Once the production phase was complete, I assisted with the lamination of necessary materials, cutting the signage to size, and mounting pieces such as A-frame signs onto coroplast boards. Installation at both pharmacy locations went smoothly, with the team efficiently applying the signage on-site. The client was pleased with the final outcome and has since returned for additional work on future projects.

Looking back on this project. I am pleased with the final results and the smooth process of design, production, and installation. While I feel that more time for ideation would have allowed me to explore alternative design solutions and refine the gradient application further, I value the experience I had and am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow as a designer. The project has been an excellent learning experience, and I look forward to applying the insights gleaned to future work.