Nau Sports - The Ascend Pro
Where Classic Style Meets Modern Performance
Branding
Graphic Design
About Nau Sports
Nau Sports started when a friend of mine—who's a successful entrepreneur got me into the idea of bringing that classic tennis or country club vibe to pickleball. We loved the idea of combining a luxury look with great quality and make it affordable! We noticed the pickleball market was still pretty new, especially since it’s the fastest-growing sport in North America. With his supply chain know-how, my design skills, and our other friend’s marketing expertise, we thought, why not make a real mark in this space? The Ascend Pro paddle is our first step in making that vision a reality.
Brand Vision & Concept
For Nau Sports, we wanted to create something that stood out—a brand with that 'Old Money' vibe, but still cool and approachable for everyone. The color palette was our first step in setting the tone. We chose rich, classic colors that evoke that exclusive, country club feel while remaining natural in the pickleball world. Getting the logo right was tricky, too. We aimed for a high-end look that feels down-to-earth, appealing to both younger players and seasoned enthusiasts.
One of the challenges was finding that sweet spot between elegance and approachability. We didn’t want to overdo the luxury vibe; instead, we aimed to create something that resonates with all ages, allowing players to connect with the brand and feel proud to use our paddles on the court. This whole process has been about making Nau Sports feel fresh, classy, and totally ready for today's pickleball scene, bridging the gap between generations!
Design Process
1. Developing the Visual Identity
Initial Exploration: The design process began with extensive research into the pickleball market and current design trends. I gathered inspiration from both high-end brands and the athletic field to find a balance between elegance and approachability.
Color Palette: I carefully selected a color palette featuring rich, classic hues—deep greens, navy blues, and muted golds—to evoke a sense of luxury while remaining relevant to the sport. This palette aims to attract both younger players looking for a modern aesthetic and seasoned players who appreciate tradition.
Logo Design: The logo was crafted to reflect the brand’s dual identity of sophistication and accessibility. In Adobe Illustrator I utilized classic typography to convey elegance while keeping the design clean and versatile. The logo's restrained palette ensures it stands out against various backgrounds, reinforcing the brand's high-quality perception.
2. Crafting the Paddle
Concept Development: For the paddle, we wanted to focus on creating face designs that really capture our brand's essence. I started by brainstorming concepts that blend that 'Old Money' vibe with a modern twist, ensuring they resonate with both younger players and seasoned enthusiasts.
Face Design: I went through several iterations for the paddle face designs in Adobe Illustrator, using our rich color palette and logo to create something visually striking. The goal was to develop designs that not only look great but also feel distinctive on the court—something players would be proud to show off.
User Testing: Getting feedback from potential users was key. I aimed for a balance between elegance and approachability, making sure the designs feel classy without being overly luxurious. It was all about creating something that players of all ages could connect with and feel proud to use during their games.
3. Packaging and Mockups
Box Design: Using Adobe Photoshop I designed the packaging box to reflect our brand's identity while ensuring it’s functional and eye-catching. The design incorporates elements of our 'Old Money' aesthetic, aiming to create a premium feel right from the unboxing experience.
3D Mockups: To visualize the final product, I created detailed 3D mockups of the packaging using Adobe dimension. This helped me fine-tune the design and ensure everything aligns perfectly with the paddle’s look and feel.
Product Photoshoot: I conducted a product photoshoot to showcase the paddle in the best light. Capturing high-quality images was crucial to highlight the paddle’s features and the elegance, allowing customers to appreciate the details.
Infographics: I also developed infographics that summarize the paddle's specifications and benefits. These visuals simplify the information for potential customers, making it easy for them to see what makes our paddles special and why they should choose Nau Sports.
The Ascend Pro Paddle
InfoGraphics
Instgram Ads
