Project Overview

I was approached by the Center for the Restoration of Welded Structures to craft a memorable logo that communicates both protection and welcome. The brief called for a shield-shaped mark whose “gates” swing open—symbolizing safety, transparency, and the hands-on spirit of their workshop. The identity also had to translate into a simple stencil for on-site use.

Research & Concept Development

I began by studying the center’s values—precision engineering, durability, and a client-friendly approach. Shields imply strength and trust, but can feel closed-off. Gates suggest openness. By combining both, I landed on a shield whose sides open like doors, conveying that the center guards welded structures yet always welcomes new projects.

Sketching & Ideation

I sketched dozens of shield outlines with varying gate angles—some barely ajar, others wide open. I experimented with hinge placements and silhouette thickness to ensure the shape stayed clear when reduced or stenciled. Ultimately, a moderate opening angle struck the right balance between dynamism and legibility.

Vector Design & Color Palette

In Adobe Illustrator, I refined my chosen sketch into clean vector paths, smoothing curves and standardizing line weights so the mark remains crisp at any size. For maximum versatility (and straightforward stencil cutting), I used a single color: 100% cyan. This bright blue reads clearly on both light and dark metal surfaces.

Typeface Selection

I set the wordmark in Roboto, chosen for its geometric clarity and full Cyrillic support. Its precision echoes the technical nature of welding work, while its open counters pair nicely with the open-gate motif.

Composition

Rather than impose a strict grid, I adjusted all elements by eye to achieve harmony:

• The Cyrillic words “Центр” and “Реставрации” sit centered within the open gates.
• Letter spacing in those two words mirrors the gate-opening angle, unifying icon and type.
• Negative space inside the shield balances the solid outline, keeping the mark feeling stable yet dynamic.

Legibility Testing & Final Polish

I tested the logo at scales from large shop signage down to a 1 cm stencil. On raw steel, painted walls, and dark coatings, both the open-gate silhouette and the Cyrillic lettering remained instantly recognizable.

Mockups & Deliverables

To illustrate real-world use, I produced mockups of:

• A stenciled door panel in the workshop.
• A service truck decal.
• Business cards and letterhead treatments.

Delivered assets include:

• Vector masters (AI, SVG, PDF)
• High-res PNGs
• Stencil template (DXF & PDF)
• Brand guidelines (clear-space, color spec: C 100 %, minimum sizes)

The result is a bold yet inviting identity that captures the Center’s expertise and open-door philosophy.