Client: Bellalago Academy School
Location: Kissimmee, Florida
Project: Mariner Mascot & Comprehensive School Identity
School Type: Elementary School
School District: Osceola County School District
Background: Bellalago Academy, a K-8 charter serving 1,200+ students in Kissimmee’s school-choice market, lacked a cohesive identity and struggled to differentiate itself from competitors despite strong academics.
Our Task: Build a nautical-themed identity celebrating the school’s waterfront location while creating differentiation and school spirit across 1,200+ students.
Our Action: Delivered a comprehensive Mariners identity—navy ship’s wheel crest with lime/teal accents engineered for signage, spirit wear, athletics, and digital. Full trademark and implementation support included.
Outcome: Complete identity system deployed campus-wide—monument signs, apparel, athletics, wayfinding. Strong nautical brand recognition established in local market.
Strategic Development
Our discovery process revealed several key insights that guided the design direction. Bellalago Academy’s unique position as a charter school allowed for more creative freedom in branding while still requiring the professionalism expected of an academic institution. The school’s lakeside location in the Bellalago community provided rich thematic territory, while their commitment to “navigating” students toward success created natural connections to maritime symbolism.
Design Execution
Maritime Mascot Development
The centerpiece of the identity system is the distinctive ship’s wheel that serves as both mascot and institutional symbol. Key design elements include:
- Classic ship’s wheel rendered with contemporary styling
- Strategic use of multiple blue tones to create depth and visual interest
- Clean, geometric construction that ensures reproducibility across applications
- Symbolic connection between “steering” education and navigating toward success
- Distinctive proportions that create immediate recognition
The wheel design strikes an optimal balance between playful nautical theming and institutional credibility, making it appropriate for everything from kindergarten classroom decorations to formal academic communications.
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