Client: The Sandy and Toddcast
Role: Illustrator · Logo Designer · Motion Designer
Scope: Illustrated host portraits, logo, 30-second animated intro
Year: 2021
Tools: Adobe Illustrator, After Effects
Role: Illustrator · Logo Designer · Motion Designer
Scope: Illustrated host portraits, logo, 30-second animated intro
Year: 2021
Tools: Adobe Illustrator, After Effects
Overview
The Sandy and Toddcast is a podcast hosted by longtime friends Sandy and Todd, who live in different states and meet on air to explore the paranormal, strange history, and the unexplained, with plenty of humor along the way. Todd had followed my artwork for years and hired me to give the show its look before it launched.
The Challenge
Podcast listeners scroll past hundreds of tiny square covers. The show needed artwork that stood out at thumbnail size and made its mix of spooky topics and lighthearted banter clear at a glance, while capturing both hosts’ personalities.
My Approach
A retro mystery-cartoon style. I drew from 1960s mystery cartoons like Scooby-Doo, a natural fit for two friends investigating the unexplained, with a sense of humor.
Hosts as characters. I started with illustrated portraits of Sandy and Todd, refined them, and converted them to vector art so they’d stay sharp from phone screens to video.
Built for audio. The “O” in “Todd” became a microphone, with other mic details throughout, so the logo reads as a podcast immediately.
The Work
Character Development
Sketch of chosen logo
Concepts of logos, drawn from scratch
Animated Intro
30 Second Podcast Intro with main brand line clip created with After Effects CC
The Result
The show has run for 130+ episodes and is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every major platform, with a 5.0 rating from listeners. My artwork has been the face of the show throughout.
I've been a fan of John's work for a long time and FINALLY had the chance to team up with him on a project. I kind of knew what I wanted but kind of wanted his take on it, as well. The finished product is perfect and the journey to get there was enjoyable. Professional and friendly. Thanks, John, for a great logo!
- Todd Michael Dehrings, Co-Host