The Cryptozoology
Museum Rebrand
The International Cryptozoology Museum is located in Portland and Bangor, Maine. It houses one of the largest collections of items related to mythical animals and urban legends in the world. I centered the logo around Mothman, a famous cryptid, and incorporated elements of mystery and discovery in the branding and stationery.
The museum's original logo was based on the Coelacanth, a fish believed to have gone extinct thousands of years ago before being recently found. The main color palette was black, white, and blue. While the Coelacanth is recognizable, I felt that there could be more recognizable symbols of cryptids used, like the infamous Mothman.
I made a matrix to conjure images related to cryptozoology and the paranormal. I then sketched these symbols, focusing on recognizable cryptids like Bigfoot and Mothman in wooded areas. I also featured glowing eyes, since that is a big part of both cryptozoology and the paranormal. I narrowed my ideas down to two main logos, deciding on the Mothman version.
I then created a stationery set, using the Mothman icon in new ways. I put a flashlight beam across the items, creating that feeling of discovery associated with cryptid research. The stationary, aside from the envelope (to preserve the vivid colors), is printed on toned tan paper. The business card has die cut holes that line up with the Mothman's eyes and the O's in "Cryptozoology". I chose to make a pattern from the Mothman icon for the tote bag that appears floral from a distance until you take a closer look.
