jolly bodies
LITTLE ROCK, AR
From our very first meeting, we knew this was going to be a fun project. Lee Ann and Burke Jolly are the contagiously enthusiastic owners of Jolly Bodies Fitness, a science-backed cardio and strength training gym based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
After a few years of working their 9-5 jobs and moonlighting as fitness instructors, they realized that the fitness industry in general was missing some important ingredients: knowledge, innovation, and fun. What started as a Facebook support group for anyone seeking education and community quickly grew into a 550-sqft in-person and online gym in their garage, which they called their JB Lab. Ready to make the next big step, Lee Ann and Burke reached out to us to help with updating their visual brand identity and rolling out the new look into a full interior and exterior signage package. They were in the process of opening their first brick-and-mortar site and wanted our help reimagining their visual identity and rolling out the new look into a full interior and exterior signage package.
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Our mission is, ‘Do Good Work for Good People.’ Lee Ann and Burke Jolly are definitely good. And working with them was the best! No idea was too wild. They were receptive to just about everything we presented and trusted us through the entire process. The only thing that limited our creativity was the physical space… and sometimes budget. But never them. The amount of creative support and excitement we received from them only fueled us to pour more time, energy, and magic into the brand and the space.
We found ourselves enamored with this project simply because of what they do, which is insanely fun. Every day, Jolly Bodies transforms their gym spaces into wildly immersive environments through image projection, fog and snow machines, costumes, and more. They even figured out how they can pump a very specific scent from one of the happiest places on earth into the lobby.
The signage package is relatively tame in terms of the quantity of signs and graphics. A nearly 20-foot illuminated exterior sign delivers a different daytime and evening experience. Two lava-lamp-smooth color-changing gradient illuminated interior signs, one 220-sqft printed vinyl wall graphic, and some small plotted vinyl text over a doorway. But what has made the biggest impact and the most appearances on social media is the “instagrammable moment” in the lobby made from 31 locker doors painted six different colors, chopped, trimmed, and arranged in a herringbone-inspired pattern. The colors, scale, and the special touches are really what pull it all together to deliver a truly unique and memorable experience.
While we had fun exploring new and exciting design and sign solutions, this project presented new and sometimes frustrating challenges. Achieving the desired undulating lava-lamp-like color gradient effect for the interior signs required extensive experimentation and collaboration with LED programmers. Finding experienced local sign installers who could handle the complex installation of the signage elements also presented a significant hurdle. Additionally, construction delays in the overall space impacted the project timeline, necessitating careful planning, coordination, and finesse.
Despite these challenges, the project was an absolute success. Lee Ann and Burke Jolly were thrilled with the final results, and the positive response from their guests and members has been overwhelming. The studio's vibrant and engaging atmosphere is constantly captured in photos and videos on publications and social media.
This project provided valuable insights into what truly sets us apart from the traditional branding agency and a sign shop. Our ability to listen to and understand the vision and translate it into a cohesive and impactful brand identity, and apply it to a physical space, underscores the power of imagination, innovation, and technology to create a unique and memorable space. Furthermore, our good work was made great by the careful coordination and clear communication of our project management team to ensure a successful outcome.
Expertise
Building Architectural Signage
Interior Architectural Signage
ADA Signage
Integrated Wayfinding
Architectural Graphics
AWARDS
2024 TSA Design - Miscellaneous Signage