COGSEC

I designed visual branding and collateral for COGSEC, a conference focused on field practitioners studying and countering online disinformation, propaganda, and influence operations, hosted by the Center for Media Engagement at University of Texas at Austin’s Moody College of Communication and held virtually on March 4–5, 2021.

Logo & Variants

The primary logo for COGSEC depicts a Northern mockingbird, the state bird of Texas, rendered in a pixelated style to imply technology without making it the dominant visual aesthetic. I also created three alternate logos of a nine-banded armadillo, a Western diamondback rattlesnake, and a Mexican free-tailed bat. All animals are local or native to the Austin, Texas area, and all practice curious defense and manipulation tactics, such as physical or vocal mimicry, camouflage, echolocation jamming, and more, alluding to the conference focus.

Visual imagery

The general visual direction for COGSEC was inspired by naturalist field guides, referencing the conference's focus on field practitioners; we also lightly nod to the iconic O'Reilly books. I sourced vintage naturalist illustrations from the Biodiversity Heritage Library for conference-related visual collateral. Like the logos, the animals used in these images are all associated with mimicry, camouflage, or a related adaptation. The orange hue is from the University of Texas brand palette.

Souvenirs

Though COGSEC took place virtually during a global pandemic, we produced a small edition of iron-on patches, zipper pull medallions, and baseball caps, as a thank you gift to conference speakers and attendees. Custom printing by L.W. Bristol Classics.