From Concept to Finish Line: Custom Athens Services Running T-Shirts for the 5K for Change

Athens Services Heat Pressed DTF Direct To Film T-Shirts for 5K for Change – Road to LA28

Sometimes the success of a design project comes down to more than just creating good artwork. It’s about understanding where the design will be used, who will be wearing it, and what the garment needs to accomplish.

That was exactly the case with a recent collaboration between Republic Design Company and Athens Services.

A Returning Client, A New Project

I was contacted by Ashley Lozada, Senior Community Relations Manager at Athens Services, to design and produce 50 custom running T-shirts for the upcoming 5K for Change – Road to LA28 Harbor Community & Workforce Activation.

This project came as a result of a previous collaboration with Athens Services—the custom holiday garbage truck illustration I created for the company in 2025. The project was very well received, and I’m always grateful when a successful project leads to another opportunity.

Read the previous Athens Services project here

Choosing the Right Shirt

Ashley and the Athens Services team already had a clear direction. The apparel needed to reflect the company’s recognizable red and gray color palette, while also being appropriate for a 5K running event.

After reviewing the available options, we selected the Sport-Tek® Heather Colorblock Contender™ Tee from SanMar.

Sport-Tek® Heather Colorblock Contender™ Tee

It turned out to be an almost perfect match for the project.

The heather gray body paired naturally with Athens Services’ brand colors, while the red colorblocking on the shoulders and sides provided the athletic look needed for a running event. The design of the shirt itself complemented the Athens brand before I even added the logo.

Simple, Strategic Branding

The client wanted the Athens Services logo positioned over the left chest/heart area, providing a clean and professional placement on the front.

For the back, we considered the construction and stitching of the garment and ultimately placed the logo centered on the upper back, directly below the collar.

This kept the branding visible without interfering with the shirt’s seams or compromising the overall appearance.

Sometimes good apparel design isn’t about adding more. It’s about knowing where not to put something.

Bringing the Design to Life

Once the artwork and garment were finalized, I produced all 50 shirts using DTF (Direct-to-Film) heat-transfer printing.

The result was a clean, vibrant application that complemented the athletic shirt and maintained the simplicity of the Athens Services branding.

And then came the best part—seeing the finished shirts actually being worn at the event.

5K FOR CHANGE Road to LA28 Harbor Community & Workforce Activation Flyer

The 5K for Change – Road to LA28 took place on July 25, 2026, at the LA Waterfront in San Pedro. The event brought together community wellness, workforce development, employers and organizations focused on creating career opportunities throughout the Harbor economy.

Seeing Athens Services team members wearing the shirts at the event was a great way to bring the project full circle.

From Design to Production

This project is a great example of what I enjoy about working with organizations like Athens Services.

My role wasn’t simply to “put a logo on a T-shirt.”

It was about understanding the event, recommending the right garment, considering the brand’s colors, determining the best decoration locations, selecting an appropriate production method, and ultimately delivering a finished product the client could be proud to wear.

I’m happy to say that the client was happy, we were happy—and the shirts looked great on the course.

Need Custom Apparel for Your Organization?

If your company, organization, school, nonprofit or event needs custom T-shirts, uniforms, promotional apparel or branded garments, Republic Design Company can help.

I can assist with everything from garment selection and graphic design to production and finished delivery, helping you find the right apparel solution for your particular event or organization.

Whether you’re planning a 5K, company event, community program, fundraiser or corporate activity, I’d be happy to provide a customized quote and help bring your apparel project to life.

Have an idea for a T-shirt or garment project? Let’s make it happen.

Thank you to Ashley Lozada and the Athens Services team for another opportunity to collaborate. I look forward to the next one!

From Real Estate to Friday Night Lights: A Custom Banner for Jose Salazar Realtor®

Jose Salazar Realtor® Pacifica High School Tritons Football 4′ x 6′ banner

At Republic Design Company, I love projects that allow me to combine creativity, branding and community into one finished piece. My recent collaboration with Jose Salazar, Realtor (CA BRE#: 02159706) with eXp Realty, was a perfect example.

Jose was referred to me by his twin brother, Ricardo Salazar, for whom I previously designed a custom sponsorship banner supporting the Rio Mesa High School Spartans football team. After seeing Ricardo’s banner, Jose reached out to commission a design of his own for the Pacifica High School Tritons in Oxnard, California.

Creating a Banner That Stands Out

Jose Pacifica eXp banner 4′ x 6′ design mockup

Jose commissioned me to design a 4′ × 6′ 13oz scrim vinyl banner as part of a sponsorship opportunity supporting the Pacifica High School Tritons football program.

Rather than creating a conventional sponsorship banner, I wanted this piece to feel like a professional sports graphicwhile still functioning as a real estate advertisement.

The inspiration for the centerpiece came from an image I discovered featuring Aquaman’s powerful arm and trident emerging from the ocean. The dramatic imagery was a natural fit for the Tritons and provided the foundation for the entire composition.

Aquaman Movie Poster

From there, I created custom lettering for the headline:

“Let’s Goooo! Pacifica Tritons”

Let’s Gooo! Pacifica Tritons Custom Lettering Design

The typography was designed with dimensional effects, outlines, highlights and the Pacifica color palette to give it the bold, energetic appearance of a sports logo.

Combining Sports & Real Estate Marketing

The opposite side of the banner was dedicated to Jose and his real estate business.

I incorporated his professional portrait, eXp Realty branding, contact information and phone number, along with his Zillow profile:

zillow.com/profile/JaySellsVenturaCo

Jose Salazar Real Estate (805) 760-7230

I also created a custom QR code, allowing people at the football field to scan the banner with their phones and quickly connect with Jose’s online real estate listings.

To bring everything together, Jose selected the perfect tagline:

“Great Homes are Found where Champions are Built!”

His personal signature was also incorporated into the design, adding a final touch of personality and sophistication.

The Finished Product

The final result is a banner that celebrates Pacifica High School football while simultaneously promoting Jose’s real estate business—without either side overpowering the other.

Most importantly, Jose loved how it turned out, and I’m proud to say this banner should make quite an impression on the Pacifica football field.

I especially enjoy projects like this because they demonstrate how effective design can transform a simple sponsorship opportunity into something memorable, professional and uniquely personal.

And I have to give credit to Ricardo for making the introduction. It’s always one of the greatest compliments when a satisfied client refers you to someone else.

Looking for Custom Design Work?

If you’re a Realtor, real estate agent, broker, business owner or professional looking for custom marketing materials, I’d love to work with you.

From logos and branding to banners, signage, print materials, promotional products and digital marketing, Republic Design Company can help turn your ideas into professional visual communications that get noticed.

Have a project in mind? Let’s create something great together.

Congratulations to Jose Salazar, and Let’s Goooo! Pacifica Tritons!

Energy Smart Mama: Designing a Brand That Powers Purpose

Energy Smart Mama Logo Identity

The creation of the Energy Smart Mama logo identity was more than a design project — it was the development of a visual platform for education, empowerment, and impact within the world of energy efficiency and sustainable building practices.

Energy Smart Mama represents the intersection of technical expertise and heart-centered leadership. As a seasoned building industry professional with over 20 years of experience in architecture, construction, sustainability consulting, and energy compliance, Ruby Rose Yepez has built a career guiding teams, developers, and communities toward smarter, more sustainable outcomes. From Title 24 energy reporting and LEED certifications to decarbonization initiatives and utility incentive programs, her work touches every layer of the built environment.

But there was a challenge.

Ruby Rose Yepez — aka the Energy Smart Mama — needed a cohesive, compelling logo identity that could encapsulate her expansive expertise while remaining approachable and relatable to everyday homeowners, builders, and families. She required a brand mark that could communicate both intelligence and warmth — something that felt technically credible yet deeply human.

That’s where I came in.

As Principal Graphic Design Consultant, my role was to translate her professional depth and personal passion into a clear, memorable visual identity — one capable of scaling across digital platforms, print, apparel, and educational materials.

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Understanding the Woman Behind the Mission

Ruby Rose Yepez Energy Smart Mama

Ruby Rose is a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona with a Bachelor of Architecture and holds multiple industry credentials including:

• LEED AP BD+C
• Certified Energy Analyst
• Certified Green Building Professional
• Green Rater

She has certified well over 30 projects as LEED or GreenPoint Rated and currently serves Southern California Edison as a Senior Advisor supporting developers and promoting decarbonization programs. Her leadership extends into civic service as a Planning Commissioner for the City of South El Monte and board member across several professional and sustainability-focused organizations.

Beyond credentials, what truly defines her work is service. Whether mentoring professionals, volunteering in Latino leadership networks, or offering free yoga classes to build community unity — Ruby leads with purpose.

The logo needed to reflect all of it.

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From Concept to Symbol: Engineering the Identity

Energy Smart Mama Logo Style-Guide

The foundation of the Energy Smart Mama logo centers on the stylized integration of the letters E, S, and M into the recognizable silhouette of a lightbulb.

This was intentional.

• The letters E and S are crafted to emulate the internal filament of a bulb — representing technical knowledge, energy systems, and illumination through education.
• The letter M forms both the outer contour of the bulb and the shape of a heart — symbolizing that every technical solution she delivers is rooted in care, family, and community.
• The simplified base beneath the mark references the threaded sleeve of a bulb — grounding the concept in functionality and structure.
• Radiating accents surrounding the heart-shaped bulb convey both light emission and the generation of bright ideas.

The selected color palette — purple, turquoise, black, and white — balances professionalism with vibrancy. Purple signals wisdom and leadership. Turquoise introduces energy, clarity, and innovation. Black and white ensure scalability and authority across mediums.

The result is a mark that feels intelligent, intentional, and emotionally resonant.

Energy Smart Mama Logo File Types

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Building a Brand System Beyond the Logo

Energy Smart Mama Business Cards

Once the identity was finalized, I oversaw the design and production of supporting brand assets, including:

• Custom business cards
• Direct-to-Film (DTF) heat-pressed apparel
  • T-shirts
  • Crew-neck sweaters

Each piece was developed to ensure the logo retained clarity, impact, and legibility across materials — from professional networking environments to community-facing events.

This wasn’t simply about aesthetics. It was about creating a scalable personal brand system that could grow alongside Ruby’s platform — whether speaking engagements, educational content, workshops, consulting services, or social initiatives.

Energy Smart Mama Branded Merch

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The Result: A Brand That Illuminates

The Energy Smart Mama identity now stands as a visual extension of Ruby Rose Yepez’s mission — to simplify complex energy topics and empower families, developers, and communities with practical, actionable knowledge.

It bridges the technical and the personal.
The professional and the maternal.
The engineer and the educator.

View this post on Instagram

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Design That Powers Vision

Projects like Energy Smart Mama demonstrate the importance of thoughtful brand strategy — especially for professionals building a platform rooted in expertise and purpose.

Whether developing a personal brand, nonprofit initiative, corporate event, or community-driven campaign, strong visual identity is not optional — it is foundational. A well-designed logo and supporting system create credibility, cohesion, and clarity.

As Principal Design Consultant at Republic Design Company, I specialize in translating complex ideas into compelling visual identities that work across print, digital, environmental, and apparel applications.

If you’re building something meaningful — a business, a movement, a mission — and need a trusted design partner to help shape how the world sees it, I welcome the opportunity to collaborate.

Because powerful ideas deserve powerful design.

Opening Doors to Opportunities: Building the Red Door Employment Services Brand (Comprehensive)

Red Door Employment Services Logo Identity Design

When Ms. Mayra Garcia Corona, Founder and CEO of Red Door Employment Services, came to Republic Design Company, she wasn’t simply looking for a logo or a website — she was seeking a cohesive brand foundation that could clearly communicate her mission, values, and growing service offerings. Her challenge was clear: how do you visually represent an employment services company built on trust, opportunity, and transformation, while standing out in a competitive staffing marketplace?

The Challenge

Red Door Employment Services was growing rapidly, serving clients across Light Industrial, Skilled Trades, Office & Professional, Hospitality, Agriculture, and Payrolling services. What the company needed was a professional, scalable brand identity and digital presence that would inspire confidence in employers and job seekers alike — and support long-term growth.

The Solution: A Purpose-Driven Brand Identity

Red Door Employment Services Logo Style-Guide

Our collaboration began with an in-depth discovery process focused on Red Door’s mission: empowering individuals, opening doors to opportunity, and transforming lives through meaningful employment. From there, I developed a series of logo identity concepts and visual explorations that balanced professionalism with warmth and accessibility.

Red Door Employment Services Logo File-Formats

The final logo identity reflects strength, stability, and opportunity — anchored by a bold mark, confident typography, and a refined color palette designed to convey trust and credibility. A comprehensive logo style guide was created to ensure brand consistency across print, digital, and marketing applications.

Website Design & Strategy

Red Door Employment Services website: www.reddoorstaffing.com

With the brand identity established, we turned our attention to the Red Door Employment Services website. Strategy was at the core of the design. The site was carefully structured to:

• Clearly communicate Red Door’s service offerings
• Guide visitors quickly to relevant information
• Build credibility with clean layouts and intuitive navigation
• Balance employer-focused messaging with job seeker accessibility

The layout emphasizes clarity, hierarchy, and ease of use. Strong calls-to-action, thoughtful spacing, and consistent brand visuals help reinforce trust while encouraging engagement. The website serves as a digital front door — welcoming visitors, educating them, and guiding them toward meaningful connections.

Print Collateral: Business Cards & Advertising Design

Red Door Employment Services Mayra R Corona Business Cards design + production

To support the brand beyond the screen, I also designed and produced professional business cards for Red Door Employment Services. These pieces were crafted to extend the brand identity into face-to-face interactions, ensuring a polished and cohesive impression at every touchpoint.

Red Door Employment Services Advertisement design + proaction in print + digital formats

In addition, a print advertisement was designed to promote Red Door’s services and reinforce brand awareness. The ad layout strategically combines bold messaging, clean typography, and engaging visuals to communicate Red Door’s value proposition quickly and effectively. Whether displayed digitally or in print, the ad was designed to capture attention and drive action.

A Collaborative Partnership

This project was rooted in collaboration. Working closely with Ms. Garcia Corona allowed the brand to evolve organically — shaped by her vision, values, and firsthand understanding of the communities Red Door serves. Together, we created a brand system that is both functional and meaningful, designed to grow alongside the company.

The Result

The completed logo identity, website, business cards, and advertising materials now work together as a unified brand ecosystem. Each element reinforces Red Door Employment Services’ mission and positions the company as a trusted partner for employers and job seekers alike.

At Republic Design Company, I believe great design goes beyond aesthetics — it solves problems, tells stories, and helps organizations make a real impact. This project is a perfect example of how thoughtful branding and strategic design can truly open doors to opportunity.

Santa Clara Elementary School (SCES) Presentation Folders Design + Production

(2025) Santa Clara Elementary School Presentation Folder

At Republic Design Company, some client relationships become more than collaborations — they become partnerships in story, mission, and tradition. Our work with Santa Clara Elementary School (SCES) in Oxnard, California, is one of those special long-standing relationships that continues to inspire us.

Our connection with SCES reaches back to 2010, when we first partnered with then-Principal Mrs. Dotty Massa to design the school’s official logo identity. Since then, we’ve supported the school across multiple design and marketing initiatives, including their first major set of presentation folders in 2017.

This year, Principal Mrs. Jennifer Lozano reached out with a new challenge — and we were honored to deliver a fresh creative solution once again.

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A School with Over 120 Years of History

Before diving into the design, it’s impossible not to acknowledge SCES’s remarkable heritage.

Founded in 1901 as St. Joseph’s Institute by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the school began inside a convent before moving into a brick building at its current S. E Street location in 1930. Over the decades, it evolved into the Santa Clara Elementary School we know today, transitioning from a convent-run institution to a lay-led Catholic school while maintaining its deep spiritual and academic roots.

For more than a century, SCES has been a cornerstone in Oxnard — a place where tradition meets innovation, and where faith and education work hand-in-hand.

So when Principal Lozano approached me with a redesign request, it was clear that this next chapter needed to honor that history while presenting it through a fresh, vibrant, student-focused lens.

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(2017) Santa Clara Elementary School Presentation Folder

The Design Request: A Fresh Take on a Familiar Foundation

Principal Lozano’s goal was straightforward:

Recreate and redesign the 2017 SCES presentation folders with a modern, elevated look — while preserving the school’s iconic colors, symbols, and established logo identity.

We produced qty.1,000 preseation folders for the students of SCES to be used not only as organizational tools but also as everyday reminders of SCES’s mission, values, and community identity.

Because we designed the school’s logo identity in 2010, and the original folders in 2017, the redesign allowed us to build upon familiar visual language while pushing the design forward with energy and clarity.

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Design Approach & Key Features

The updated 2025 presentation folders incorporate:

✔ A refreshed yet faithful use of SCES’s vibrant blue, gold, and white color palette

Bold gradients and clean contrasts help give the new layout a modern, polished presence.

✔ Prominent display of the SCES cross-shield emblem

A graphic anchor that symbolizes the school’s identity, Catholic heritage, and core values.

✔ Clean typography and structured layouts

This ensures that students, parents, and faculty can easily read and reference the content daily.

✔ Thoughtful integration of SCES’s Mission Statement and Schoolwide Learning Expectations (SLEs)

These core guiding principles were carefully typeset and organized to reinforce the “R.E.A.D.Y.” framework:

• Responsible Citizens
• Effective Communicators
• Academic Achievers
• Decision-Makers
• Young Committed Catholics

Each category includes clearly written, student-centered expectations that align with SCES’s commitment to faith, service, leadership, and academic excellence.

✔ Pocket panels designed for durability and clarity

Featuring inspirational messaging such as:
“Santa Clara Is Where Faith & Knowledge Come Together!”

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Mission Statement (Featured on Folder)

“As a Catholic community, Santa Clara Elementary is committed to academic excellence and working together with families to serve others and make a positive impact in the world.”

This statement guided the tone, color, and storytelling across the entire design.

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Deliverables

• Over qty. 1,000 full-color presentation folders
• Professionally printed on 18 point card stock, finished, and delivered to SCES
• Designed to withstand daily student use throughout the school year

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A Grateful Partnership

It is a privilege to continue serving a school with such profound history, purpose, and community spirit. Working with Principal Jennifer Lozano has been collaborative, thoughtful, and deeply rewarding.

At Republic Design Company, we take great pride in helping organizations visually express who they are and what they stand for — and SCES continues to be a shining example of that mission.

Here’s to many more years of partnership, creativity, and shared growth!

Athens Services Holiday Garbage Truck Illustration – A Festive Design Collaboration

Every design project begins with a creative challenge—and this one arrived wrapped in holiday cheer. I was approached by Amanda Mejia, Senior Government Affairs Manager at Athens Services, with a fun and unique request:

Athens Services, a local, family-owned waste collection and recycling company serving Southern California for over 60 years, wanted to create a highly customized, Christmas-themed graphic featuring one of their iconic garbage trucks.

Their goal?
Something festive.
Something bold.
Something unmistakably “Athens.”
And most importantly—something that would bring holiday spirit to the communities they proudly serve.

Athens Services Holiday Garbage Truck Illustration

The Problem

Amanda needed a holiday illustration that combined:

• An Athens Services collection truck
• Santa Claus behind the wheel
• A fully decorated Christmas tree
• A truck bed overflowing with presents
• And a style that was fun, polished, and “print-ready” for apparel

This wasn’t just a simple graphic—it needed to be unique, on-brand, technically accurate, and production-ready for Direct To Film (DTF) heat transfers that would be pressed onto black t-shirts.

That’s where I came in.

(Client supplied reference image)

The Creative Approach

To bring this idea to life, I used a combination of advanced tools and traditional design techniques.

1. Adobe Firefly – to generate foundational art elements
2. Uploaded reference images – to keep the design true to the look of actual Athens trucks
3. Gemini 2.5 (with Nano Banana) – to refine the visual details, enhance style consistency, and help develop the final illustrated composition
4. Adobe Illustrator – to bring all elements together, polish linework, add highlights, and create a clean white perimeter outline
5. Illustrator also allowed me to design the snowflake and snowfall accents, giving the artwork a finished, festive look

The combination of generative tools and hands-on vector refinement ensured the artwork remained original, accurate, and full of personality—a perfect fit for the Athens brand.

The Final Design

The finished illustration—shown above—features:

🎅 Santa Claus in the driver’s seat
🎄 A decorated Christmas tree bursting with lights
🎁 A stack of colorful holiday presents riding along
🚛 A detailed Athens Services garbage truck, complete with logo and accurate panel detailing
❄️ Snowflake accents and a clean, white outline designed for apparel printing

The result is a bright, joyful, holiday-themed graphic that celebrates Athens Services’ commitment to community and service—wrapped in festive fun.

From Graphic to Garment

Once the illustration was finalized, I prepared Direct To Film (DTF) heat transfers, perfectly sized and optimized for pressing onto black t-shirts.

The prints came out crisp, vibrant, and full of contrast—exactly as intended.
The final shirts looked fantastic, and the Athens team was thrilled with the result.

Athens Services Holiday Garbage Truck Illustration T-Shirt Mock-up

A Successful Collaboration

What started as a creative challenge became a wonderfully collaborative and successful project. Working with Amanda Mejia and Athens Services was a pleasure—combining their vision with custom illustration, AI-assisted design, and traditional vector craftsmanship.

The final holiday truck design is festive, memorable, and ready to spread Christmas cheer across Los Angeles… one garbage truck (or t-shirt) at a time.

Cosmic Links Permanent Jewelry Logo Design

Every great branding project begins with a problem that needs solving—and this one started when Gaby Duran, owner and creator behind Cosmic Links Permanent Jewelry, reached out with a clear mission:

She needed a professional, memorable, visually striking logo identity to launch her new permanent jewelry business. And she wanted something that would feel cosmic, elegant, radiant, and premium—all while standing out in a very visual, highly saturated industry.

Cosmic Links Permanent Jewelry Logo Identity Design

The Problem

Gaby had the name.
She had the vision.
She had the passion for her craft.

What she didn’t have yet was a cohesive brand identity—something that would communicate the sparkle, sophistication, and “forever” feeling of permanent jewelry.

She expressed wanting a logo that was:

• Modern, but with a touch of stardust magic
• Feminine, yet bold and confident
• Luxe, without being overly complicated
• Instantly recognizable across social media, event pop-ups, and printed materials

That’s where I came in.

Cosmic Links Permanent Jewelry Logo Identity Design Explorations

The Collaboration

Together, Gaby and I walked through the creative discovery process:

• brainstorming visual symbolism
• experimenting with lettering styles
• exploring color palettes
• reviewing multiple rounds of composition, iconography, and layout options

Gaby was wonderfully engaged and collaborative throughout the process. Each round of design helped sharpen the aesthetic direction, bringing us closer to the exact identity she envisioned for Cosmic Links.

We tested several concepts—some leaning more minimal, some more celestial, some more modern-luxury.
Through this iterative refinement, one design began to emerge as the perfect representation of her brand.

Cosmic Links Permanent Jewelry Logo Style-Guide

The Final Design

The final logo—shown above—captures the spirit of cosmic elegance:

✨ A radiant, brushed-metal celestial background
✨ Constellation-inspired sparkles and floating stars
✨ Curved, orbit-like accent arcs
✨ A bold, flowing script for “Cosmic Links”
✨ Clean, modern supporting type for “Permanent Jewelry”

Visually, it blends beauty and energy with a subtle sense of movement—almost as if the logo itself is in orbit.
It’s soft yet confident, sleek yet playful, and it positions Cosmic Links Permanent Jewelry as a brand with personality, sophistication, and unmistakable charm.

Cosmic Links Permanent Jewelry Logo File Formats

A Brand Ready for Launch

With this new logo identity, Gaby now has a strong foundation to build her business:

• social media branding
• signage and booth setups
• packaging and display cards
• business cards and promotional materials
• website graphics

Most importantly, the brand now feels like Cosmic Links—bright, ethereal, and beautifully connected.

Designing Impact: Visual Identity & Campaign Design for the SGVCC 3rd Annual Golf Tournament Classic

San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps 3rd Annual SGVCC 9-Hole Golf Tournament Classic Fundraiser for SGVCC Workforce Development Programs Logo Identity Design

The San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps 3rd Annual SGVCC 9-Hole Golf Tournament Classic Fundraiser for SGVCC Workforce Development Programs, held at the beautiful Glendora Country Club (2400 Country Club Drive, Glendora, CA 91741), was more than a day on the green—it was a mission-driven event designed to support life-changing opportunities for young adults throughout the San Gabriel Valley. As one of SGVCC’s signature fundraising initiatives, the tournament required a visual identity and marketing system that could communicate purpose, professionalism, and community impact at every touchpoint.

From the earliest planning stages, it was clear that this event—set against the prestigious backdrop of Glendora Country Club—needed a cohesive, elevated design presence. One that could unify sponsors, participants, and supporters while reinforcing SGVCC’s commitment to building dreams and transforming lives. The tournament branding had to feel polished and event-worthy while remaining deeply connected to the organization’s core mission and established identity.

That vision came to life through a close collaboration with Norma Quiñones, Executive Director of the San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps, who sought a comprehensive design partner capable of developing not just a logo, but an entire visual ecosystem for the tournament. I was brought on as Principal Design Consultant to lead the creative direction, design development, and production of all branding and marketing assets necessary to ensure the successful execution of the event at Glendora Country Club.

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Understanding the Mission Behind the Event

San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps is more than an organization—it’s a movement. SGVCC empowers young adults by providing job training, education, and hands-on experience through environmental stewardship, construction, recycling, and community revitalization projects. At its core, SGVCC helps participants gain confidence, skills, and purpose while making a tangible impact on their communities.

This mission guided every design decision. The goal was to visually express growth, progress, teamwork, and opportunity—values that mirror both SGVCC’s work and the spirit of a golf tournament hosted at a respected venue like Glendora Country Club.

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Evolving the Logo: From Mission to Moment

SGVCC logo identity design development and evolution into 3rd Annual Golf Tournament Classic logo identity

The foundation of the tournament branding began with SGVCC’s existing logo identity. The original SGVCC mark features a character in the foreground, symbolizing an individual climbing new heights on life’s journey, set against a simplified rural and urban landscape—an elegant representation of growth and transformation.

To create a distinct identity for the 3rd Annual Golf Tournament Classic, I extended this concept rather than replacing it. The evolved logo places the SGVCC visual narrative onto a golf ball, with intersecting golf clubs behind it—seamlessly merging the organization’s mission with the event’s purpose. This approach ensured brand continuity while giving the tournament its own recognizable and memorable mark, appropriate for a high-profile event held at Glendora Country Club.

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Designing a Complete Visual System

Once the tournament logo was finalized, I led the design and production of a comprehensive suite of marketing and event assets, ensuring consistency across all touchpoints—from pre-event promotion to on-site presentation at the course. These included:

• Save-the-date announcements
• Main event advertisements
• Sponsorship prospectus
• Postcards and printed programs
• Digital program assets
• Event pins and branded signage
• Custom shape-cut Tee signs, roll-up banners, and a step & repeat media wall

Save-The-Date Postcard: Digital Program: Save The Date Postcard: 3rd Annual SGVCC 9-Hole Golf Tournament Classic

Step & Repeat: Digital Program: Save The Date Postcard: 3rd Annual SGVCC 9-Hole Golf Tournament Classic

Pins: SGVCC Logo

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  T-Sign: Veterans Stand Together VST

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  T-Sign: Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District

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  T-Sign: Mr. SAC

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  T-Sign: Longo Toyota Lexus

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  T-Sign: Credit Union of Southern California

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  T-Sign: Commercial Bank of California

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  T-Sign: Valley Vist Services

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  T-Sign: Optera Energy Services

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  T-Sign: Veterans Stand Together VST

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  T-Sign: City of Industry

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  T-Sign: Western University School of Health

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  T-Sign: Alta Loma Enterprises, LLC

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  T-Sign: Athens Services

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  T-Sign: Irwindale Police Officers Association

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  T-Sign: Kroger, Ralphs, Food4Less, Foods Co.

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  T-Sign: ATT

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  T-Sign: P.I.P.E.

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  T-Sign: Southland

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  T-Sign: Ursus Victor, LLC

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  T-Sign: Mitch Stein Real Estate

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  T-Sign: San Gabriel Valley Water Company

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  T-Sign: Valvoline

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  T-Sign: First Responders Family Servcies

Printed Program (above): Digital Program: Save The Date Postcard: 3rd Annual SGVCC 9-Hole Golf Tournament Classic. Digital Program (below)

Designing Impact: Visual Identity & Campaign Design for the SGVCC 3rd Annual Golf Tournament Classic

Each piece was carefully designed to maintain visual clarity, reinforce brand recognition, and scale seamlessly from digital formats to large-format print production—complementing the environment and experience at Glendora Country Club.

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Supporting Sponsors & Stakeholders

A key component of the tournament’s success was its strong sponsor presence. The visual system was designed to respectfully and prominently highlight sponsors such as Alta Loma Enterprises LLC, AT&T, Commercial Bank of California, Kroger (Ralphs, Food4Less, Food Co.), Longo Toyota Lexus, Mt. SAC, Credit Union of Southern California, Southern California Pipe Trades, Valley Vista Services, Valvoline, Stein Realty Team, Southland, Ursus Victor LLC, Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, Veterans Stand Together VST, Optera Energy Services, P.I.P.E., Western University of Health Sciences, Irwindale Police Officers Association, Athens Services, Southland, City of Industry, First Responders Family Services, San Gabriel Valley Water Company, and many others—ensuring visibility while preserving a clean, professional aesthetic throughout the venue.

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The Result: A Unified, Professional Event Experience

The result was a fully realized, unified visual system that carried the SGVCC mission seamlessly from pre-event promotion to on-site execution at Glendora Country Club. Every design element—large and small—worked together to create a professional, engaging experience for golfers, sponsors, staff, and supporters alike. More importantly, the visual identity reinforced the purpose behind the event: supporting workforce development programs that empower young adults to build skills, confidence, and meaningful careers.

Projects like the SGVCC 3rd Annual Golf Tournament Classic demonstrate the value of partnering with a design consultant who understands how to translate an organization’s mission into a compelling, functional, and scalable event brand. From logo development and sponsorship materials to signage, programs, and environmental graphics, thoughtful design plays a critical role in elevating fundraising events and maximizing their impact.

For nonprofits, foundations, corporations, or organizing committees planning a golf tournament or large-scale fundraising event—especially those hosted at premier venues like Glendora Country Club—this project reflects the level of clarity, consistency, and professionalism I bring to every engagement. If you’re seeking a trusted design partner to manage the full scope of branding, marketing collateral, and production—from concept through execution, I welcome the opportunity to help bring your event vision to life and ensure it leaves a lasting impression both on and off the course.

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Cedarlane Academy × FIRST® LEGO® League Step & Repeat Media Wall

Cedarlane Academy × FIRST® LEGO® League Step & Repeat Media Wall

At Republic Design Company, I believe design has the power to celebrate achievement, amplify school pride, and turn meaningful moments into lasting memories. That belief came to life through a recent Step & Repeat Media Wall design collaboration with Educator Perla Granados-Ordaz (MS RSP) at Cedarlane Academy in Hacienda Heights, California.

Mrs. Granados-Ordaz reached out with a clear vision and a purposeful challenge: Cedarlane Academy’s students were participating in the FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge, and the school wanted a professional, visually impactful backdrop that would highlight both their Thunderbirds (T-Birds) mascot and logo identity and their participation in this globally respected STEM program. The goal was to create a media wall that would not only photograph beautifully, but also reflect the pride, excellence, and commitment that define Cedarlane Academy.

Designing With Mission and Meaning

Cedarlane Academy’s mission—“Thunderbirds Soar With Pride, Excellence, and Commitment”—served as a guiding principle throughout the design process. The school is deeply committed to cultivating a dynamic learning community that empowers students to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and responsible global citizens. That mission aligns seamlessly with FIRST® LEGO® League, a program designed to spark curiosity and confidence through hands-on STEM learning, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.

The Step & Repeat Media Wall needed to visually communicate:

• School spirit and Thunderbird pride
• Student participation and achievement in STEM
• A professional, event-ready presentation
• A celebratory backdrop for students, families, and educators

From Low-Resolution Logos to High-Impact Visuals

Before and After: Cedarlane Academy’s T-Birds Logo Vector Digitization in Adobe Illustrator

One of the first challenges of the project was that the provided logos for both Cedarlane Academy’s T-Birds and FIRST® LEGO® League were low-resolution files—not suitable for large-format print production. To ensure the highest-quality result, I carefully recreated both logos from scratch in Adobe Illustrator, rebuilding them as clean, scalable vector artwork while preserving the integrity and original character of each identity.

With the logos fully optimized, I created a custom 10-foot-wide (120 inches) by 8-foot-tall (96 inches) artboard in Adobe Illustrator. This allowed the design to be built at full scale, ensuring proper spacing, balance, and visual rhythm. The logos were arranged in a uniform, alternating pattern, creating a bold and cohesive Step & Repeat layout that photographs cleanly from every angle and maintains brand clarity throughout the entire backdrop.

Production That Supports the Experience

Cedarlane Academy × FIRST® LEGO® League Step & Repeat Media Wall printed on 13 oz. scrim vinyl

Once the design was finalized, the project moved into production. The Step & Repeat Media Wall was printed on 13 oz. scrim vinyl, a durable and professional-grade material ideal for school events and repeated use. To ensure easy installation and a polished presentation, 4-inch pole pockets were added to the top and bottom of the banner, allowing for seamless mounting on standard Step & Repeat hardware.

The final result was a striking, professional media wall that elevated the event experience and created a true sense of occasion for the students.

A Moment Worth Remembering

The Cedarlane Academy × FIRST® LEGO® League Step & Repeat Media Wall was an absolute success. Students proudly posed in front of the backdrop, parents captured memorable photos, and educators celebrated their students’ hard work, teamwork, and innovation. The media wall became more than just a background—it became a visual symbol of achievement, collaboration, and the power of STEM education.

Projects like this are a reminder that thoughtful design can bring communities together and help students feel recognized, celebrated, and inspired. It was an honor collaborating with Perla Granados-Ordaz and Cedarlane Academy, and I’m proud to support educators who are empowering the next generation of thinkers, builders, and problem-solvers.

CABEC 2023 Conference “Something to Crow About” Logo Design

CABEC (California Association of Building Energy Consultants) commissioned Republic Design Company for the design and implementation of the CABEC 2023 Conference “Something to Crow About” Logo Design.

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This years CABEC Conference is set to take place in Cambria, California at the beautiful Cambria Pines Lodge. This coastal city is host to a October-month-long celebration aptly titled, “Cambria Scarecrow Festival.” It’s the celebration of, (you guessed it), Scarecrows, their creative decoration, with contests, events and much, much more.

We were tasked with incorporating all these design elements together; starting with the iconic coastal scapes of the central coasts’ shore-cliff’s, pine-tree’s (plus area-appropriate foliage), and vast Pacific Ocean views that Cambria is known for. Being that the conference takes place during the height of Cambria’s Scarecrow Festival, in-conjunction with CABEC’s 2023 Conference tag-line, “Something to Crow About;” our early design iterations included scarecrows and crows. The ‘Scary Crow’ ended up being the winning and final design…

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After our clients selected the featured logo design, we then proceeded in creating the CABEC 2023 Conference Logo Style-Guide. The Logo Style-Guide is an instruction sheet that helps clients understand the various file-formats their logo is saved in and what the different uses are intended for. We at Republic Design Company pride ourselves on educating our clients on proper logo usage techniques and are always available to assist our clients on an on-going basis…

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The Logo Style-Guide is saved in Adobe Illustrator File (.ai) format, Portable Document Format File (.pdf) format, Jpeg File (.jpg) format, and Ping File (.png) format:

_{CABEC 2023 Conference “Something to Crow About” Logo File Formats}

Next up is a series of marketing collateral and design elements like prospectus and program to reach new and existing sponsors and patrons alike.

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Special thanks to CABEC for your continued trust in bringing these visuals (and more) to fruition…