Black Water Dog is a brand created to represent the photography, music, & creative work of artist Evan Ruby. From analog to digital, Evan’s practice spans multiple mediums, capturing a wide range of expression through his use of experimentation, texture, & emotion. The brand was designed to unify these pursuits under a single identity. One is able to feel adventurous, soulful, & deeply rooted in a love of nature. Inspired by the lyric “Ol’ black Bascom, doesn’t break no mirrors, cold Black Water Dog, make no tears,” the concept reflects both artistic depth & a spirit of independence.
The development of Black Water Dog centered on translating Evan’s artistic essence into a visual system that could flex across all mediums. Rooted in adventure & the outdoors, the brand draws from the moods of backcountry landscapes & the balance between chaos & calm found in creative exploration. Typography, color, & imagery were chosen to reflect a sense of movement & spirit. The goal was to craft an identity that feels personal, expressive, & grounded in having a deep connection to the natural world.
The final Black Water Dog identity captures a restless energy that embodies both the artist & the name. It conveys the idea of loving the process as much as the outcome - an ethos that mirrors Evan’s work all across photography, visual art, & music. Through its balance of honesty & integrity, Black Water Dog stands as an authentic reflection of creative freedom, exploration, & the pursuit of art as experience.
