Creating a unique identity for Fear Gear, a merch company for the Destination Fear creators, presented with exciting challenges.
Television show creators face hurdles not only in building their shows but also in connecting with fans while the show is running. In an era where shows are being canceled without reason, it's even harder to give back to the communities that spring up around them.
When the other two owners of Star Cadet, Olan and Rachel, discovered their love for the show Destination Fear, they approached the creators with a thrilling collaboration opportunity. As the brand identity designer, I joined them in crafting a distinct brand identity for Fear Gear, aligning it with Dakota, Tanner, Alex, and Chelsea's spirit while maintaining its uniqueness within the Star Cadet brand family. This partnership resulted in an exclusive merchandise experience that thrilled fans.
The challenge was significant. Due to licensing restrictions, we had to take a fresh and innovative approach, crafting a brand identity that exuded exhilaration, excitement, and unwavering courage. Despite the limitations, we embraced the opportunity to think outside the box and position Fear Gear for success in the competitive online merch industry.
Drawing inspiration from Destination Fear's edgy personality, I developed a captivating brand identity centered around an organic, hand-drawn form paired with a bold graphic skeleton-duck. This design pushed the boundaries, reflecting Dakota, Tanner, Alex, and Chelsea's essence while allowing for future growth.
Creating an iconic symbol for Fear Gear became a thrilling challenge. Elevating the beloved rubber duckie, which made appearances as an "easter egg" in their content, to an extraordinary level was our goal. The skele-duck emerged as the breakthrough design, capturing the mystery, adventure, and spirit of Fear Gear.
Fear Gear's exponential growth is fueled by the launch of Fear Club and the remarkable camaraderie within the brand. Designing the brand identity for Fear Club allowed me to capture the essence of its celebration of fear, shared experiences, and the tight-knit community that surrounds it. The exponential growth Fear Gear is currently experiencing is a testament to the brand's vibrant community and expanding creative endeavors.
In conclusion, Fear Gear's success lies not only in its strong brand but in the vibrant community that surrounds it. By incorporating a special deep-dive fandom element, starting with the iconic duck, Fear Gear fosters a passionate community where fans can connect and express their love for fear-related experiences. It has been an incredible journey to witness the brand's evolution and contribute to its growth, and I look forward to seeing Fear Gear continue to thrive as fans take ownership of the brand and make it their own.