A Universal Design
Taming the Wolf is a conflict resolution manual based on the peacemaking tradition of St. Francis of Assisi. The work will be accompanied by seminars, retreats, pilgrimages and mediation.
Taming the Wolf will appeal to Franciscans, Catholics, mediators, educators, peacemakers and, most of all, people facing conflict that is ruining their life. The client and I decided the logo should communicate a universal approach to conflict resolution, spirituality, St. Francis, peacemaking, strength, and unity.
Research & Brainstorming
We opted for a logo with a mark or symbol as opposed to a solely typographic logo. I researched and compiled images and material associated with peace, St. Francis, and mediation, then spent days sketching ideas.
Initially, I chose to concentrate on traditional Franciscan and peace symbols but found they were too limiting.
I explored a series of looping infinity symbols that represented unlimited unity, the Franciscan cord, a leash or lasso (a literal “taming” of the wolf). We nixed these ideas as research revealed an over-saturation of infinity symbol logos.
Sketching & Discovery
I reworked the symbol, attempting to incorporate the “T” of Taming, and/or a human element, all to no avail.
As I was sketching, the “T”/knot/mesh symbol “revealed” itself. The symbol loosely incorporated the “T” while illustrating a feeling of unity, the Franciscan knot, and a faint representation of a person with open and enmeshing arms.
Refining
We were happy with the symbol, so I fired up Illustrator and refined the logo.
As for type, I knew the symbol required a bold typeface, so I mocked up a few different choices. We chose a sans-serif because we wanted the logo to be modern and forward-thinking, despite the Franciscan element, which would require a serif. We decided Gill Sans worked best and I tweaked it to fit the mark.
Color Choices
We decided the symbol should be two colors and settled on a dark brownish purple with a lighter shade of the same hue. The logo works equally well as one color as in the case of the website.
The Final Logo
Taming the Wolf Institute and I were very happy with the final logo.
