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TNT MMA Logo Refresh

Senior Graphic Design case study focused on evolving an established gym logo to improve scalability, print performance, and geometric precision while preserving brand recognition.
   10 min read    Audio version below

Project Snapshot

Core Challenge

The existing logo struggled with scalability and print clarity due to complex textures, gradients, and inconsistent geometry.

Outcome

A set of refined vector-based logo variants that preserve brand recognition while improving scalability, geometry, and long-term print flexibility.

Client

TNT MMA Training Center

Fitness

My Role

Senior Graphic Designer (Sole Designer)

Timeline

1 week

Project Type

Brand Evolution

Problem

Issues with logo scalability and application across surfaces.

The original TNT MMA logo carried strong brand recognition and sentimental value within the gym community. However, it was not optimized for technical performance.


Use of display fonts, gradients, and texture effects limited its effectiveness at extreme sizes in both small-scale applications (such as embroidery or compact apparel prints) and large-scale formats (such as signage or wall graphics). Additionally, the geometry lacked refinement, which affected visual polish and premium perception.

Constraints & Realities

Emotional and cultural recognition within the gym's community.

This project required careful balance and restraint.


  • Brand recognition needed to remain intact because of the logo's established presence in context of the gym.
  • Sentimental attachment was strong, and the gym's owner and members associated the existing logo with years of training and identity.
  • Gradual implementation was necessary as gym equipment and merchandise are replaced over time, meaning the refreshed logo would likely coexist alongside the original for an extended period.
  • Scope discipline was necessary as this project was intentionally framed as a refresh, not a full rebrand.

Key Decisions & Leadership

Improve geometry, legibility, and scalability.

Several deliberate decisions guided the refresh:


  • Preserve compositional structural and recognizable silhouette to maintain and protect brand equity.
  • Translate to clean vector geometry to improve proportions and alignment, creating a stronger foundation for scalability.
  • Reduce the visual noise of gradients and textures, and simplify the color improve reproduction across mediums.
  • Replace the original display font with a scale-friendly, durable and legible typeface for consistent performance at both small and large sizes.
  • Intentionally calibrate the new logo for coexistence with the old logo in the gym environment.


The guiding principle was evolution through precision, not reinvention.

Strategy

An evolutionary progression of a well-loved logo.

The strategy centered on technical optimization and aesthetic refinement while preserving identity continuity.


  • Compositional structure was translated into clean, vector geometry through the use of concentric circles containing a triangle and minute improvements to alignment and spacing.
  • Gradients and textures were removed in favor of solid colors within the gym's branding.
  • Arial Black was selected as a structurally strong and scalable font representative of the intensity and discipline of the gym.
  • Though exploration was done, no major deviations were made from the original logo, allowing the new logo to coexist in tandem throughout the gym while instances of the old logo are swapped out over time.


The overall effect is subtle but meaningful. The new logo is more premium, modern, and technically sound without abandoning its roots.

Image Description: A snapshot of the Figma workspace for this project. Each feature has its own titled page down the left side. On the right are several screen flows with iOS on top and Android on bottom. There are 5 colorful mouse cursors labeled from left to right: Kae, Development, Stakeholder 1, Project Manager, Stakeholder 2 to illustrate how these roles collaborated together on this project.

Process & Collaboration

Respectful symbolism founded on community feedback.

Although self-initiated, the project was grounded in real-world brand sensitivity.


Discussions with gym staff helped develop understanding of the original logo's history and pinpoint subtle, yet critical characteristic details. Design analysis of the existing logo elements yielded insight into which pieces carried the strongest brand recognition and what elements would benefit from updates. Special attention was focused on the belt element encircling the logo, a key symbol in the community culture and a signifier of the highest ranked practitioners of this martial art. 


Across most of the logo variations the belt is represented as a black belt with 6 red stripes, as it exists in reality at the highest Brazilian jiu jitsu rank. The exceptions are the 1-color variants where the meaning of the belt is neutralized by reducing to monochrome, and the 2-color red and white variant where the meaning of the belt is neutralized by using red, a non-real belt color. 


Feedback from those familiar with the brand confirmed that the refresh captured the essence of the original logo while elevating its quality.

Outcomes

A future-ready logo with a respectful nod to the past. 

While not yet fully implemented, early reactions to the refreshed logo have been strongly positive. Viewers consistently note that the mark feels cleaner, more modern, and more refined while still clearly representing the gym. 


The updated logo now supports:


  • Scalable reproduction across print, apparel, and other surfaces
  • Simplified color application and geometry
  • Greater long-term flexibility and integration with existing environmental instances of the old logo
  • Respectful representation for the highest level of achievement in the art


This project demonstrates how thoughtful refinement can strengthen a brand’s technical performance without disrupting its identity.

Reflection

A humanistic level of detail and decorum.

This project reinforced the importance of restraint and creative collaboration in brand work. Not every identity requires reinvention and this experience is a good reminder that, as a broader design principle, meaningful improvement comes from precision and clarity, not dramatic change.


This logo demonstrates a level of detail and decorum that is characteristic throughout my entire body work and an enduring pillar to my practice as a designer. The belt element in particular may largely go unnoticed to the untrained eye, but the details carry significant meaning to the distinguished practitioners in this martial art who will recognize the respectful treatment and care. This level of humanistic consideration is very important to me.