The Return of The West: Above Snakes
A bold, identity-driven rebranding that captures the spirit of independence and gritty, Western-inspired aesthetic. This project focuses on building a resilient brand voice through typography and custom iconography.
The Story
Western-inspired fashion is having a major moment right now, but let’s be honest: it’s incredibly easy to fall back on the same tired, dusty clichés. Above Snakes started as a deliberate challenge to break that cycle, reinterpreting those classic, rugged influences through a fresh, streetwear-focused lens. The project draws its name from the phrase "above snakes," a nod to the idea of resilience and rising above the noise. I wanted to capture that inherent grit while keeping the final result polished and modern. My goal was to build a brand identity that felt just as at home on a heavy-weight, oversized hoodie as it did on a crisp, professional business card.
The Foundation
I designed this identity with extreme flexibility in mind from day one. I built a scalable logo system using clean, bold geometry that stays sharp and recognizable no matter where it lives, whether that is on tiny, intricate woven clothing tags or massive, high-impact retail graphics. By layering in custom geometric patterns and a tight, intentional typographic system, the identity quickly evolved from a single logo into a full-blown, robust visual language that feels perfectly cohesive across every single customer touchpoint.
Design Decisions
One of the biggest moves in this project was side-stepping the standard Western color palette. Instead of relying on the expected dusty browns and muted neutrals, I introduced a vibrant palette of desert greens, punchy oranges, and soft, unexpected pinks. It feels much more elevated and forward-thinking, especially when contrasted with clean, minimal layouts and plenty of intentional white space. It creates that perfect, delicate balance between honoring heritage-inspired roots and keeping the final aesthetic refined and contemporary.
The Final Look
The result is a complete, well-rounded brand ecosystem featuring a flexible logo suite, custom graphics, stationery, and apparel that functions as a truly cohesive collection. More than just checking off a list of assets, this project forced me to think deeply about how a brand actually lives and breathes in the real world. Every single piece is designed to tell the same story, reinforcing the brand's core identity no matter where it lands or how it is consumed.
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The Heart Behind The Portfolio
I’m Cassidy Torraville, a graphic designer specializing in branding, packaging, print, and game UI. But if you strip away the software and the file formats, I’m a storyteller. I approach design with a simple belief: visuals should do more than just look good—they should make you feel something. Inspired by immersive environments and rich, unexpected aesthetics, I build work that is purposeful, engaging, and built to last.
My toolkit centers around Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Figma, which I use to transform raw concepts into living identities. I sharpened my craft studying Graphic Design at Fanshawe College and collaborating with industry professionals through the RGD Mentorship Program. Those spaces taught me how to think strategically, defend my design choices, and thrive in fast-moving, collaborative environments.
I leave a piece of myself in everything I create. That personal investment is what allows me to connect deeply with my work and, in turn, helps my designs connect authentically with audiences. I’m always looking for new creative challenges, unexpected collaborations, and opportunities to grow.
Let’s build something memorable.
