MY ROLE
Graphic & Apparel Designer
Social Content Strategy
Motion Graphics
DATE
January 2020-Present
SKILLS & TOOLS
Photoshop
Illustrator
After Effects
Meta Business Suite
Image Copy
Story Telling
Brand Identity
Al Dente
Al Dente Apparel, more commonly known as Al Dente Cycling, is a Cincinnati-based custom cycling and running apparel brand that creates high-quality, performance-driven gear with fresh, distinctive designs. The company partners with teams, clubs and events throughout the Midwest, and its products are carried by select bike shops, making it easy for riders to get apparel that combines functionality with a clean, modern look and flexible ordering options.
OVERVIEW
My Role
For Al Dente Cycling, I created and continue to evolve the brand identity for both the apparel company and its associated race team. The branding is designed not only for internal purposes, promoting the Al Dente name and race team, but also to work seamlessly with client branding when developing custom kits. I manage both organic and paid social media to keep the brand visible and relevant, design apparel and detailed tech packs that translate concepts into production-ready pieces, and handle product photography to showcase the finished gear. By approaching every touchpoint with this dual focus, I ensure Al Dente presents a consistent, professional image while making it easy for teams and events to see their own identity reflected in the products we create together.
BRAND IDENTITY
Al Dente
I created the logos for both Al Dente Cycling and the Al Dente race team, along with brand guidelines that work for internal use and for partnerships with other brands, events and stores to create their merchandise. The identity was built to be flexible and collaborative so it could stand on its own while blending seamlessly with partner branding.
Al Dente began as a group of former collegiate cyclists who wanted a team after graduation but found few options in the region. We set out to build something fresh and professional without being too serious. By sourcing our own factory to make kits exactly the way we wanted, we funded the team and grew that effort into a regional business producing custom apparel for numerous events and teams.
Those origins shaped the brand’s values and visual language. Al Dente is about people who are stoked on bikes, committed to their craft, and never forgetting that it is all in the name of fun. The branding reflects this balance of professionalism and playfulness, combining clean, modern design with bold, approachable touches that resonate with the community we set out to serve.
SOCIAL
Al Dente
Al Dente’s brand identity carries directly into its social media presence. The same clean, modern look used on apparel and print shows up in our feeds, but we also make space to keep things fun and connected to our cycling community. Through what we post we aim to maintain close ties with riders and partners while reinforcing the brand’s values of quality, creativity and approachability.
Our posts range from new product launches and completed collaborations to event announcements, ambassador partnerships, race recaps and race roster reveals. I design all of these pieces to follow our visual guidelines, adding motion to keep the feed lively and using my own photos from local events to spark engagement from the audiences closest to us. This mix of consistent branding, movement and authentic imagery keeps Al Dente’s social channels looking polished while still feeling personal and community-driven.
APPAREL DESIGN
Al Dente
Apparel and Merch Design
I develop the garments as well as the graphics and branding that bring them to life. This includes Al Dente’s own products and custom merchandise for clients, teams and events. Each piece is created to carry a clean, modern aesthetic while meeting performance standards for riders and creating a distinctive look for the client.
Tech Packs
I prepare detailed tech packs that turn design concepts into production-ready specifications. These documents outline materials, colors, patterns and construction details so factories can produce exactly what is envisioned. I refine and expand our apparel offerings using feedback from team riders, ambassadors and clients to improve fit, function and style.
Product Photography
I produce product photography that showcases each finished piece at a high standard. Clean, consistent images present the apparel clearly on the website and social channels, while lifestyle shots from events and rides show the gear in action. This mix of studio-style and real-world images strengthens the brand’s credibility and keeps content fresh and engaging.
