Case Study: Big Al’s Grill — University Dining Brand Identity

Role: Designer

Project Type:Logo Design / Collegiate Branding / Food Service Identity

Goal: Create a bold, mascot driven logo for a university dining location that feels energetic, recognizable, and aligned with The University of Alabama’s iconic identity.

Project Overview This conceptual logo design for Big Al’s Grill uses the University of Alabama’s beloved elephant mascot to anchor a bold, high contrast identity. The crimson background, white typography, and black outlines reinforce the school’s athletic brand language while creating a fun, approachable mark for a campus dining venue.

Problem University dining brands often feel generic or disconnected from campus culture. The challenge was to create a logo that instantly communicates school pride, feels energetic, and works across signage, menus, merchandise, and digital platforms.

Solution I designed a bold emblem featuring: • The Big Al elephant mascot centered between the words “Big” and “Al’s” • Strong white typography outlined in black for maximum contrast • A black oval containing the word GRILL to anchor the composition • A crimson background that ties directly to Alabama’s athletic identity • A secondary University of Alabama mark for official association The result is a fun, high impact logo that feels both collegiate and culinary.

Before / After • Shifted from product only visuals to full luxury storytelling • Used Cartier’s signature red to anchor brand identity • Added elegant photography to evoke heritage and exclusivity • Crafted copy that feels refined, timeless, and confident • Strengthened brand cohesion through color, tone, and layout

Process I explored collegiate typography, athletic branding cues, and mascot integration to build a logo that feels unmistakably Alabama. The elephant illustration was centered to create symmetry and personality. The crimson background was chosen for instant recognition. The final composition blends school spirit with food service clarity.

Tools Photoshop Illustrator

OutcomeThe final logo delivers a bold, energetic identity for a university dining venue. The combination of mascot imagery, strong color contrast, and collegiate typography creates a memorable brand mark — a standout addition to your microsite’s food service and collegiate branding category.