1st Step Contracting
Scope: Identity Design, Messaging
With more than 25 years of experience in the field, 1st Step Contracting ensures a quality and detailed-oriented product with every project they touch. They always strive for excellence and approach each project individually to guarantee the customer’s best interest is upheld. Based in the St. Louis metropolitan area, 1st Step is surrounded by big-name competition in both the residential and commercial markets.
The Problem:
Without an online presence, 1st Step was years behind the competition in terms of reach. This, paired with the saturated contracting market of St. Louis, required an unconventional approach to avoid getting lost in the mix.
The Solution:
The new identity system visually and verbally communicates 1st Step’s mission to its clients. Primarily working in the residential space, this redesign sought to set 1st Step apart from its competition and appeal to their residential clientele.
Icon
The identity system revolves around the icon, representing both a staircase and an abstract “S”. The minimalist mark is a symbol of progression and improvement, speaking to the company’s mission to go above and beyond for every client. The rounded-off stairs present a design style not yet seen in the contracting space. With the majority of designs in the industry featuring sharp corners and complex logo marks, the stair icon brings something new and different to the table. Inspired by the clean and straightforward approach to design made popular by corporations like Nike and Apple, 1st Step’s new identity system ensures clear brand communication for all applications.
Palette
The palette chosen for this redesign utilizes a navy blue base, a symbol of strength, confidence, and dependability. The grey, light blue, and green accents symbolize peace, understanding, and security, qualities they carry into every project.
Wordmark
The wordmark for 1st Step Contracting uses a customized slab-serif typeface. Paying homage to designs of the industry its in while mirroring the feel of the icon with its rounded edges, this mark balances a friendly feel and a balanced, professional look.
Typeface
The Bio Sans typeface was the perfect pairing for the primary lockup used in this redesign. Sturdy, geometric, and simple, this typeface shines in multiple weights, perfect for all brand applications.
Tagline
Incorporating imagery that aligns with the company’s name, this tagline is built to inspire potential clients to see their dreams become a reality.
