Goodest – Dog Appreciation
April Illustration
Brand Strategy
Role: Illustrator, Visual Designer, Pattern Designer
Tools Used: Adobe Illustrator
✦ Overview
To celebrate Dog Appreciation Month, I created a custom illustration series inspired by my own dog, affectionately named Goodest. This project was a heartfelt exploration of character illustration, branding through visual storytelling, and the joy that pets bring into our lives. From the expressive personality of the dog to the stylized linework, every detail was designed to honor the spirit of canine companionship.
✦ Project Concept
The idea behind Goodest was to create a lovable, stylized version of my dog that could exist across different formats—from merchandise to digital media. I focused on developing a clean, vector-based illustration that captured his signature look and personality: curious, loyal, and just a little bit goofy.
In addition to the core illustration, I designed a repeating pattern using elements from the artwork. The pattern could be applied to fabric, wallpaper, or stationery, making the project both artistic and functional. This helped me explore how illustration can evolve into a cohesive design system.
✦ Illustration Evolution
The inspiration for Goodest started with something simple: a candid photo of my dog doing what he does best—being effortlessly charming. I knew I wanted to capture his playful spirit, but instead of a hyper-realistic portrait, I leaned into stylized illustration to emphasize his personality in a more expressive, graphic way.
Ideation Process
✧ Sketch Phase
The early phase involved lots of sketching—playing with different head shapes, eye styles, and proportions until I found a version that felt just right. I experimented with over-exaggerated features (like bigger eyes and floppy ears) to make the character instantly recognizable and endearing. I also tested different expressions to make sure the final illustration felt alive and joyful.
✧ Vector Development
Once the sketch direction was finalized, I recreated the illustration in Adobe Illustrator, refining the lines and experimenting with a bold, minimal color palette. I focused on creating clean, scalable vector shapes with intentional line variation to add depth without overcomplicating the design. Small visual details—like his nose tilt or subtle eyebrow curves—were fine-tuned to reflect the real-life quirks that make him unique.
✧ Expanding the Design
After finalizing the main illustration, I saw an opportunity to expand the project into a pattern design. Using elements from the original illustration, I created a repeating layout that could work across packaging, fabric, or promotional materials. This evolution from a single graphic to a full system taught me how one character can live across multiple formats when designed with flexibility in mind.
✦ Design Objectives
Character Development: Create a signature character that balances realism with playful design
Celebrate Personal Narrative: Honor the emotional bond between humans and pets through illustration
Apply Across Assets: Develop a pattern from the core design that can be adapted for print and digital use
Refine Technique: Use Adobe Illustrator to explore clean, scalable vector work with thoughtful color use and line variation
✦ Outcome
The final result is a fun and heartfelt illustration that showcases both technical skill and personal expression. Whether used as a pattern, a print, or a branding asset, Goodest is a tribute to the pets who brighten our lives. This project also allowed me to push my illustrative style while creating something that felt emotionally authentic and professionally adaptable.
