client
project title
Vortex Optics
Spirit of Service Award Badge Illustration
roles
Creative Director
Illustrator
summary
The Spirit of Service award is a public, community‑driven initiative run by Vortex Optics and News 3 Now to honor Wisconsin veterans for their selfless service and ongoing community contributions. Nominations are submitted by the public, finalists are featured on local news, and a winner receives $5,000 to donate to a veteran‑oriented cause.
objective
Design a bold, patriotic badge for the Spirit of Service Award—a public honor presented annually by Vortex Optics to celebrate Wisconsin veterans nominated by their community for their continued service and impact. The goal was to create an emblem that embodies national pride, personal sacrifice, and the values of integrity and leadership. The design needed to feel formal and meaningful for public presentation, while remaining flexible enough to work across digital media, print collateral, apparel, and award materials.
approach
To ground the design in patriotism and respect, I took cues from military insignias, American heraldry, and the visual language of service awards. The pentagonal badge shape suggests strength and duty, while the upper field of stars and vertical stripes below nod to the American flag. I chose a deep navy and maroon palette to evoke honor and legacy, avoiding overly bright tones to maintain a sense of reverence. The "Spirit of Service" logotype was set in a classic serif to reflect formality and tradition. Every element was carefully composed to ensure the badge conveyed both timeless patriotism and modern clarity—whether displayed on-screen during a televised ceremony, engraved on a plaque, or embroidered onto apparel. An honor to work on.
