A handmade ski with laser-precise design
The birth of a product
Craftsmanship meets identity
Based on a self-made ski that I was allowed to produce as part of a workshop at the Thurner ski factory , I would like to show in seven chapters how a well-thought-out branding kit not only gives a product visual depth, but can also create strategic added value even for B2B companies.
The ski serves as a symbol for any form of lifestyle-oriented promotional or employee gift – an object that automatically becomes an ambassador for your company through design and brand identity.
Design begins with attitude
The DNA of a branding kit
The ski becomes a brand through its branding kit. Colors, typography, and illustrations tell a clear story and convey values. This visual system works not only on the product itself, but also on packaging, digital media, and gifts – consistently, flexibly, and emotionally charged. In this way, an object becomes a brand ambassador with a message.
Form follows function
Graphic design for complex surfaces
Skis, with their long and relatively narrow shape, present unique branding challenges. A flexible branding kit is essential for clear and consistent brand communication – especially on moving objects. The combination of icon and wordmark plays a central role: both function independently but exist in harmonious design. This creates maximum branding impact, which unfolds confidently even on complex surfaces.
Scalability in focus
From skis to napkins
A strong branding kit works not only on the product itself, but also on advertising materials, packaging, gifts, and buildings. It is designed to be flexibly adaptable to a wide variety of formats and materials – from high-quality wooden skis to short-lived paper napkins.
The clear separation and harmonious interplay of icon and wordmark ensure maximum brand recognition. Crucially, the aesthetic quality and design precision of the elements determine whether a brand stands for quality – or gets lost in the visual noise of other brands.
Lifestyle as a guiding principle
Why aesthetics is more than decoration
A branding kit unfolds its full potential when it conveys more than just a logo. The addition of graphic elements – such as the expedition turtle on the Ski-Doo in this case – communicates emotion and a lifestyle. Especially with high-quality products, design becomes an expression of attitude, style, and identity. Lifestyle-oriented branding creates a strong emotional connection and transforms an object into an experience that resonates deeply with the target audience.
Consistency builds trust
The power of visual repetition
Strong branding thrives on repetition. Consistent use of icons, wordmarks, and graphic elements creates visual reliability. This consistency builds trust. The goal is not only to recognize the brand but also to remember it intuitively – without overwhelming or boring the viewer.
From one-off piece to brand
A product as an ambassador
Although this ski is a unique piece, it becomes a vehicle for a brand idea, suggesting a deeper meaning. Through the targeted interplay of design, storytelling, and branding, an object with values, style, and attitude is created. The product's impact extends far beyond its functional purpose. Thus, a unique item becomes a brand ambassador, evoking emotions, sparking conversations, and making a company's identity visible.
A unique experience
