Salt City Insurance
- Logo Development
- Brand Identity
- Graphic Design
What is Salt City Insurance?
Salt City Insurance is a newly established insurance agency offering Property & Casualty Insurance as well as Life, Accident, and Health Insurance. Based locally in Syracuse, NY, Salt City Insurance takes pride in matching clients with the right coverage tailored to their individual needs. Their mission is not only to keep rates competitive but also to deliver a personalized, one-on-one customer experience that sets them apart from larger, less personal agencies.
The Scope
We were brought in to create a custom logo design that would establish a strong visual identity for this brand-new business. The client’s goal was to reflect the historic charm and character of Syracuse, NY—specifically through visual elements that would evoke a sense of place and tradition. Following the logo development, we were also tasked with designing business cards that would serve as a tangible representation of the brand and help Salt City Insurance stand out in a crowded market.
The Challenge
As with many startups, one of the initial hurdles was clarifying the direction and personality of the brand. While we were technically hired to “create a logo,” we understood that this project would require far more than just designing a mark. At Split14 Creative, we see logos as a foundational piece of a brand’s identity. The visual choices made here would influence the tone, perception, and positioning of Salt City Insurance for years to come. Helping a new business define who they are—visually and emotionally—was both the challenge and the opportunity.
The Logo
Given the client’s interest in integrating Syracuse’s historic aesthetic, we began the process by exploring a wide range of visual concepts. Our initial presentation included several logo directions inspired by vintage design styles, original architectural sketches of Clinton Square, art deco motifs, and classic signage elements. This broad approach allowed the client to explore and react to different styles, ultimately clarifying what resonated most with them.
The client expressed a desire for the logo to feel established and trustworthy—despite being a new company—while also celebrating their Syracuse roots. Through iterative design sessions, we distilled key elements from their favorite concepts and combined them to create a final logo that communicates professionalism, local pride, and timeless appeal.
The Business Card
With the logo finalized, we moved on to one of the brand’s most critical physical touchpoints: the business card. Early in the process, the client had shared historical hand-drawn illustrations of Clinton Square—images that captured the heart and history of downtown Syracuse. We saw an opportunity to blend past and present by incorporating one of these illustrations as the background of the business card.
On the front, we layered the logo as a vintage-style hanging sign, evoking a sense of legacy and local character. On the back, we kept things clean and modern, featuring all essential contact information paired with a subtle nod to the icon from the logo. To elevate the final product and add a premium feel, we printed the cards on 38 pt. Trifecta Blue stock with a velvet finish—bringing a luxurious tactile experience to the final deliverable.
The Result
From a blank slate to a fully realized brand identity, we helped Salt City Insurance launch with confidence. By weaving in historical visual elements with a modern brand structure, we created a visual identity that honors Syracuse’s past while positioning the company as a trusted and professional agency for the future. We’re proud to have guided our client through this foundational stage and helped bring their brand vision to life.
