Client: Lydia Jackson College Prep Academy
Location: Whittier, California
Project: Jets Brand Identity System
Lydia Jackson College Prep Academy provides Whittier students with a distinctive educational experience focused on college readiness from the elementary years. As part of the Whittier City School District’s specialized schools initiative, Lydia Jackson needed a visual identity that would communicate their college-preparatory focus while remaining engaging for elementary students.
The school approached our agency to develop a Jets-themed identity system that would embody their forward-thinking educational approach while establishing a distinctive presence within the district.
In collaboration with school leadership, we identified several core objectives:
- Create a dynamic Jets mascot that balances collegiate styling with elementary appeal
- Develop a shield-based format that references higher education traditions
- Design a visual system communicating academic excellence and future-focused education
- Establish a distinctive color palette that stands out within the district
- Build a versatile identity appropriate for both academic and spirit-oriented applications
Strategic Approach
Our research phase revealed important insights about effective college-preparatory elementary branding:
- Visual references to higher education create important aspirational connections for young students, helping them envision future academic success.
- Successful college-prep identities balance academic gravitas with age-appropriate energy and accessibility.
- Aviation themes provide rich symbolic territory connecting to concepts of:
- Elevation (academic achievement)
- Forward momentum (educational progress)
- Navigation (guided academic journey)
- Perspective (broader educational horizons)
- Shield and crest formats establish academic credibility while providing structured organization for visual elements.
These insights guided our development of a Jets identity that references collegiate traditions while remaining accessible and engaging for elementary students.
Design Development
Core Identity Elements
The Lydia Jackson Jets identity features several strategic components:
- Shield Format: The badge-style framework references academic tradition while providing clear organization for the visual elements.
- Jet Illustration: A stylized jet in dynamic flight position creates immediate connection to the mascot name while symbolizing forward momentum and ascension.
- Collegiate Typography: “JETS” appears in distinctive collegiate-style lettering, creating visual impact while referencing higher education traditions.
- Educational Context: “COLLEGE PREP ACADEMY” anchors the identity in its educational mission, clearly communicating the school’s specialized focus.
- Color System: The vibrant blue, black, and green palette creates distinctive presence while offering versatility across applications. The bright blue provides connection to sky/aviation themes, green adds energy and distinctiveness, and black provides structure and academic weight.
Design Applications
The identity system extends to support various school needs:
Academic Applications
- Honor roll and academic achievement recognition
- College visit and exposure programs
- Classroom identification and wayfinding
- Administrative communications
Spirit Applications
- School events and celebrations
- Athletic programs and physical education
- Student recognition programs
- Community engagement initiatives
College-Prep Elementary Considerations
Several specialized factors influenced our design decisions:
Balance of Aspiration and Accessibility
The system maintains the delicate balance between collegiate aspiration and elementary-appropriate presentation, creating forward-looking identity without appearing overly mature.
Educational Symbolism
Flight patterns, stars, and upward trajectories subtly reinforce concepts of academic achievement and educational advancement.
Developmental Appropriateness
While referencing collegiate traditions, the design maintains visual engagement appropriate for elementary students through dynamic illustration and vibrant color.
District Context
The identity establishes Lydia Jackson’s specialized educational focus while maintaining appropriate connection to the Whittier City School District.
The resulting identity system provides Lydia Jackson College Prep Academy with a distinctive visual presence that effectively communicates their specialized educational mission while engaging elementary students with appropriate energy and accessibility.
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