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Pickett Research

Pickett Research provides US Truckload freight market intelligence using both short and long-term capacity and pricing forecasts. Founded by industry professional Chris Pickett.

I was tasked with building the visual identity for Chris and his namesake brand. Complete with a flexible logo system, standout palette, typography guide, and pattern set.

Logo Design
Brand Aesthetic
Brand Stylescapes
The Picket Research stylescapes explored a range aesthetics. The goal being an informative, professional look that didn't feel too corporate and cold.
Three stylescapes

Logo

The design brief for the project wanted the logo represent a sense of the data they work with, which often takes shape as line graphs with peaks and valleys. But the interesting challenge was the ask to also somehow incorporate a hedgehog as a nod to an old parable that speaks to the foundations of the company.

In the end, we landed on a simple form that serves as the basis for a memorable and expansive graphic device for patterns and layouts. And, while subtle, I think the hedgehog still comes through!

Symbol construction
Symbol Construction
White symbol on blue
White logo over hedgehog image
Influenced by the front profile of a hedgehog
Symbol as pin on suit jacket
Pickett Research Vertical Logo embossed on paper
Business card design
Logo printed on envelope
Brand guidelines

Color

The color palettes of related brands used a lot of black and corporate blues. We wanted to differentiate from these through color. Doing a competitor spectrum analysis, we narrowed our range into reds and yellows.

We chose a bright yellow-orange for the primary, and paired it with a light saturated blue. The palette is balanced with a dark navy for a good range of use. The yellow-orange is approachable and different, while the blues bring the trust and contrast we needed for the brand.

An important piece of this was the ability to build a data palette from the set. Giving them the range to display their complex information.

Competitor brand colors
Color palette
Color palette usage ratio
Data palette swatches
Data palette being used in line graph, pie chart, and bar chart

Brand Patterns

We wanted to give the brand a graphic device that can easily be implemented where they needed it. The resulting custom patterns were developed by the shapes in the logo. Creating an infinately repeatable pattern to use for brand recognition on materials.

Pickett texture4 color texture swatches
Texture on water bottle

The Pickett Star

A primary graphic device in their visual language is the Pickett Star. These Star shapes, pulled from the logo mark, can be used in a multitude of instances. For example in a large format to bleed off of a page, to add texture as decorative backgrounds, or as a frame for imagery or content. Or Individual stars can be used to add interest to the empty space in a layout.

Additionally, "The Pickett Star Arrow" can draw attention to specific elements and work with photography to create a unique branded image. Building recognition with simple, memorable shapes.

The Pickett Star
The Pickett Star
The Picket Star Arrow
The Pickett Star Arrow
Pickett star used in one page design
The Picket Star Arrow over two people smiling in warehouse
The Pickett Star Arrow over man walking and looking at his phone
Understanding the Truckload Market square design using Pickett Star shapes