Graphic designer Evan Gendell has emerged as a prominent voice in Detroit's creative community, crafting brand identities that serve as visual love letters to his hometown's rich cultural texture and entrepreneurial energy. Born and raised in Detroit, Gendell specializes in identity design, custom typography, and animation, working almost exclusively with local clients to create authentic visual narratives rooted in shared experiences of the city.
Gendell's approach to design reflects a deep understanding of Detroit's cultural landscape, drawing inspiration from everything from the city's techno music heritage to its thriving food scene. His work demonstrates how local designers can become integral parts of their community's growth story, creating visual identities that not only serve business needs but also celebrate the unique character of their surroundings.
One of Gendell's standout projects is the visual identity for Spot, a local food pop-up that serves "down-to-earth eats and block party vibes." The designer created a flexible brand mark centered around a large O shape that functions as both a dinner plate and a turntable reference, paying homage to Detroit's pivotal role in techno music history. This dual symbolism captures the essence of Spot's mission to bring community together through food while honoring the city's musical legacy.
The versatile logo was specifically designed to travel easily from location to location, accommodating the pop-up nature of Spot's business model. This practical consideration demonstrates Gendell's ability to balance creative expression with functional design requirements, ensuring that his visual solutions work effectively across various applications and environments.
Another significant project in Gendell's portfolio is the identity for Superbloom, a Detroit-based creative studio specializing in floral design and event planning. For this client, Gendell centered his design approach on what he describes as "the almost cinematic beauty of nature." The resulting identity successfully captures the duality inherent in floral design work.
"The Superbloom identity embodies the presence of both perfect geometry and organic spontaneity in florals," Gendell explains. "Pairing simple geometric flowers with organic, flickering movement encapsulates these two elements of nature." The designer created a grainy, Super 8-esque logo that blooms like a flower fed by sunlight, imbuing the entire brand identity with warmth and natural energy.
The visual treatment for Superbloom reflects Gendell's sophisticated understanding of how to translate abstract concepts into concrete visual elements. By combining structured geometric forms with fluid, organic movement, he created an identity that speaks to both the technical precision required in professional floral design and the natural beauty that serves as its inspiration.
Gendell's motivation extends beyond individual client work to encompass a broader vision of community support and mutual success. "I'm motivated by fellow independent makers and doers where we want to see one another succeed," he states. This philosophy reflects the collaborative spirit that has become characteristic of Detroit's creative renaissance.
The designer observes a particular energy in Detroit that encourages entrepreneurship and creative risk-taking. "You can feel a specific momentum in Detroit that encourages people to start small businesses, because you know your community will be there to support you in whatever way they can to help your vision come to life," Gendell notes. This community-minded approach to business and creativity has created an environment where designers like Gendell can build sustainable practices while contributing to the city's cultural development.
Through both the Spot and Superbloom identities, Gendell presents Detroit as a hub of creativity and growth, countering negative stereotypes often associated with the city. His tactile design work paints a picture of Detroit as a place full of melody, playfulness, and evolution – a city where creative communities thrive and support each other's success.
Gendell's work represents a new generation of designers who are choosing to build their careers in cities like Detroit, contributing to local creative economies while developing distinctive design voices. His success demonstrates how designers can create meaningful work by staying connected to their communities and drawing inspiration from their immediate surroundings, ultimately becoming visual chroniclers of their city's ongoing transformation.
