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SAINT MARC
Branding | Visual Design | Apparel Design | Digital Design
Overview
Simplicity, Tropical, Warm – these words define the essence of SAINT MARC. Luxury, Street – at its core, the clothing brand seamlessly merges these seemingly contrasting terms into a cohesive identity. Capturing this unique combination was essential in shaping SAINT MARC's visual identity, branding, and overall design system.
SAINT MARC caters to men and women aged 20–49 who embrace high-end street fashion, comparable to brands such as Maiden Noir, Kith, Arc'teryx, and Needles.
Branding Process
I explored various typefaces, both serif and sans-serif, to create the SAINT MARC logotype, which also served as its primary logo. The client preferred a clean, modern aesthetic to reflect its apparel image. Thus, we opted for sans-serif fonts over serifs, which often evoke a more traditional feel. To maintain consistency, all logotypes, headlines, and key text elements were set in uppercase. We ultimately chose Helvetica Neue for its perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. While the final design may appear minimal, it was the result of close collaboration with the label’s owner to bring his vision to life.
The final color palette reflected the overarching theme of muted simplicity—subtle yet powerful, timeless yet distinctive. The primary colors consisted of black (#000000) and white (#ffffff), while off-white/cream (#ffffcc) and a warm burnt orange (#cc6600) served as secondary accents, adding depth and warmth to the brand’s visual identity.
Image Research
A key focus of SAINT MARC is the lush, vibrant lifestyle imagery showcased across its website, advertisements, and promotional materials—both print and digital. With a strong social media presence, the brand primarily relies on these platforms for advertising.
For image resourcing, the client and I determined that the best approach was to curate visuals that authentically capture the brand’s essence—warm beaches, intricate Southwestern architecture, breathtaking sunsets, and lush tropical foliage. The emphasis was on selecting colorful imagery that could serve as a dynamic focal point in compositions (positive space) while allowing copy to be knocked out for a bold, immediate visual impact. This approach also proved to be a practical choice for ADA compliance.
Visual Design
SAINT MARC relies heavily on social media for promotion, so we kept the messaging and imagery minimal yet impactful. The focus remains on lifestyle visuals, with high-contrast white messaging that reinforces the brand’s identity and promotional message.
The website mirrors this branding, combining minimalism with rich lifestyle imagery to showcase its products. The intentional use of negative space enhances the design, creating a clean, sophisticated aesthetic.
Role: Designer | Team members: David Gavino, Ralph Williams (Head/Collaborator)