Valentino Coppi Modular Monogram

In this project, I set out to redefine my personal monogram, embarking on a search for my visual essence. Rather than simply designing a new logo, I wanted to identify a symbol that distills my identity as a daydreaming visual designer today.

To achieve this, I explored three distinct territories that represent my creative playground: classic letter-based typography, free organic forms, and modular systems. These were not intended as interchangeable options, but as three rigorous directions of inquiry. My goal was to discover which language most authentically represents my vision, balancing technical discipline with the lighthearted, playful spirit that defines my practice. Through this process, I moved beyond mere aesthetics to find the core mark that resonates with my professional journey.

To support an exploration that spans from organic fluidity to geometric rigor, I utilized tools capable of balancing both instinct and precision:

Analog: A grid sketchbook for modular structures and blank paper for free-hand explorations. I used pencils and markers to capture the initial "spark" and define the rhythm of the letterforms.

Digital: Affinity Designer on iPad was key for tracing and refining the initial paper sketches with the Apple Pencil, maintaining a tactile feel. The final technical construction and polish were completed on Affinity Designer (Desktop), ensuring the monogram was perfectly balanced and production-ready.

Before sketching my initials, I began by exploring how to convey specific keywords through pure form. Using "H," "N," and "O" as my foundational shapes, I experimented with how geometry can evoke different emotions and worlds. This exercise was essential to set my creative brain in motion, allowing me to focus strictly on the visual language without the distraction of specific letterforms.

I started by looking for some Following the methodology of Allan Peters, I began by sketching at least 50 raw solutions to unlock functional ideas. For each typographic style, I sought a connection to my passion for world-building. I believe every letter should belong to a story, evoke emotions, and transport the viewer into a world that ultimately tells something about me.

I started with the impressions of broad nib pens, exploring blackletters, conventional forms, and display typography, eventually moving toward more illustrated solutions. Since the letters "V" and "C" do not easily allow for conventional ligatures, I experimented with different ways to lock them together—overlapping them or nesting one within the other to find a unique structural rhythm.

This was the most challenging stage for me. The complete freedom of organic forms felt intimidating. To make it work, I found myself instinctively creating a module and framing specific rules. This realization was a turning point: it highlighted how much I thrive when working within set boundaries (which I can then choose to bend). It has inspired me to push further into rule-breaking in future projects, letting go of the reins to see how far I can go.

Within minutes of exploring grids, I felt at home. While I could have developed countless complex and intriguing visual solutions here, I chose to express my exploratory drive through simplicity. I focused on clean shapes and strategic positioning that could best narrate my modular approach.

I conducted two rounds of selection. The first involved four raw sketches that I shared on Instagram to gather initial community feedback. I then refined these into three distinct final directions: one classic/typographic, one illustrative, and one modular. Ultimately, the modular option proved to be the best representation of my identity, as it aligns most closely with the core of my personal projects.

I moved the project to Affinity Designer (Desktop) to fine-tune every detail. In this stage, I ensured that all modules were perfectly aligned and that the geometric balance was flawless, transitioning the hand-drawn concept into a professional digital asset.

I love using modules to build letterforms because the possibilities are endless.
This monogram can live in isolation for various graphic applications or be expanded into dynamic patterns, maintaining the original sense of movement and energy that defined the initial sketch.