Here you can see the process on how the diamond idea was realized. My first thoughts were focused on what Nashville is known for, music and western style.
While adding in letter accents like lines, diamond, and dots, I started focusing heavily on the diamond shape, realizing that it looked like the keyframe icon in After Effects. Thinking that I had a good idea, I quickly moved on to working in Illustrator.
As you can see, early on I had the idea for a reverse fluid simulation. I also was playing with the idea of a guitar pick shaped badge.
Here are the various simulations done with Cinema 4D and X-Particles.
Once in Illustrator, I was able to precisely execute my sketched ideas to create the mark.
I knew I would need to work through hundreds of typefaces to nail down the wordmark. I wanted a san serif font, but also some rounded edges. The font I landed on is called Kumo and is from Adobe CC fonts.
I also played with the idea of a seal, which I think could be appropriate in some settings.
I would like to finish laying down the foundation for the branding of the group. Approved colors, typography, and texture have not been established. These colors were just something I didn't put much thought into. I'm just kind of waiting for approval from regulars in the group, looking to work together on it.