Introduction
Since the age of 6, I’ve dreamt of creating my own clothing company to print my very own designs.
Exhilo is the name of the clothing brand I launched and have maintained since 2016 (while still in college).
Exhilo represents and encourages a creative lifestyle and the grand pursuit of creative excellence. Don't just make something. Make something with meaning that you truly believe in. Exhilo is short for the Latin phrase "Creatio Ex Nihilo," which means "Creation from nothing."
I also wrote a blog post on how to start a clothing brand (read over 399 times via Google Analytics).
01 — Attributes and Moodboards
Speaking powerfully without bombarding the canvas.
Less is more.
I wanted to pursue a minimalistic aesthetic when it came to building the brand identity of Exhilo Apparel and created several moodboards. I didn’t want the designs to overwhelm others when seeing the designs. I began brainstorming clever designs that hinted towards deeper meanings inspiring the purpose of life and all creation.
02 — Logo & Sketches
The Character of Exhilo
The Exhilo brand identity is comprised of sharp and tightly grouped shapes. Exhilo is heavily influenced by the Bible. The words in the Bible are “sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). Dominated by sharp shapes, rectangles, squares, less rounded corners, just like a sword.
03 — Typography
04 — Production
To further create a unique brand experience for Exhilo, I chose to place special attention on the tiny details. Hem tags with logos, sizing tags, care labels, and packaging all have unique designs I created using Adobe Illustrator and sent over to manufacturers to sew and/or print.
05 — Lookbook
06 — Website
The primary goal for the website was to minimize the amount of steps it takes for a customer to purchase an item on the website.
Frequent shop buttons are found on the homepage, leading to the full products list, and a large add to cart button on the product page.
