1. The Foundation: The Golden Ratio & Design Principles
I didn’t just wake up and start designing randomly. I immersed myself in deep research, studying books that have shaped the world's greatest logos. Books like The Golden Ratio: The Divine Beauty of Mathematics by Gary B. Meisner, Logo Design Love by David Airey, Thinking with Type by Ellen Lupton, and Typography Essentials by Ina Saltz.
These books refined my perspective on proportions, balance, and the subtle intricacies that make designs timeless.
The golden ratio— 1.618 —isn’t just a number. It’s found in nature, architecture, and the most iconic designs. So, it became the core of my process.
2. The Grid: More Than Just a Rule of Thirds
At first, I explored the rule of thirds, the basic structure many photographers and designers use to create balance. But then I realized something — true balance isn’t just thirds, it’s the golden ratio.
I tested this theory by analyzing classical artworks like the Mona Lisa and architectural marvels like the Parthenon. The compositions weren’t just randomly placed — they followed this divine proportion. So, I applied the same concept to my design.
3. Breaking Down the Logo: A Deconstruction of Thought
I started with a simple square. But not just any square — I divided it by 1.618, creating a perfect inner square that aligned with the golden ratio. Then, I took it further.
I deconstructed it into smaller subdivisions, exploring both horizontal and vertical placements. What if I flipped the traditional golden ratio on its head? What if I broke the rule while still respecting it?This led to the next breakthrough: playing with optical illusions.
4. The Birth of the “N”
When you look at my logo, you see an "N"—but it’s an illusion. In reality, it’s just two black triangles within squares, carefully positioned to trick the eye into seeing an N. This added an element of surprise and dynamism.But it wasn’t enough. It felt rigid, too predictable. So, I infused movement.
5. Bringing in the Circle: A Dance of Masculine & Feminine Energy
Squares are masculine. They are rigid, structured, unbreakable.Circles are feminine. They are fluid, harmonious, and endless.I wanted both.So, I took the square, duplicated its proportions, and transformed it into concentric circles—again using the golden ratio to scale them. The result? A design that balances strength with flow, stability with playfulness.I then integrated the circle subtly into the corner of my design, adding a final touch that symbolized imperfection—the reminder that perfection isn’t real, but striving for potential is.
6. The J Hidden in Plain Sight
Then came the realization: I was designing an “N”, but I was missing the “J” from Jonathan Navarrete.And that’s when the magic happened. If you remove the bottom triangle, the design naturally forms a J. It wasn’t planned—it emerged organically from the process, like the subconscious guiding the design.It was a eureka moment.
7. The Final Form: Bold Yet Playful
The last challenge? Refining the final details. The original “N” was too stiff, too blocky. So, I introduced curved edges, softening certain corners while maintaining strong edges. The bottom right corner became rounder, balancing out the geometry with an elegant contrast.And of course, the typography had to align. I chose Azo Sans, a typeface inspired by the golden ratio itself, reinforcing the visual harmony.
More Than Just a Logo
— A Statement —
This isn’t just a logo. It’s me—a fusion of logic and creativity, structure and unpredictability, rules and rebellion.
This entire process taught me something profound:
- Design isn’t just about making things look good. It’s about meaning, precision, and storytelling.
- Perfection is an illusion. But striving for excellence? That’s real.
- The golden ratio isn’t just a tool. It’s a philosophy—a way to align yourself with the natural balance of the world.
This is my brand. This is my identity. And this is the journey that brought it to life.
