mean machineExperiential Design, 2026
Photoshop, Illustrator, Firefly, Figma
As an art director at Layton Design Studio, my team and I partnered with UGA Athletics and BMW to design the official car livery for the 2026–2027 Mean Machine. The Mean Machine is a key part of UGA Athletics culture, paraded at high-stakes football games and used as a photo opportunity for fans.
(past livery designs)
(collegiate livery design)
We kicked off the project with a collaborative client meeting with a representative from UGA Athletics Marketing and BMW, where we reviewed past livery designs and discussed their goal for this year’s design. They wanted the car to feel aggressive and authentically reflect the energy of UGA sports.
(initial sketches; digital collage)
As a team, we began by sketching 30 unique directions, which were then narrowed down to three refined concepts: Collegiate, All-over Print, and Beware of Dawg. We then divided into smaller groups, each focusing on one concept. I was part of the Collegiate group.
(credit: georgia football)
(credit: james solomon)
(credit: logan beard)
The vision for this concept was inspired by the tone and aesthetic of UGA Football’s social media presence. The design incorporated torn paper textures and tape, hand-drawn football plays, and expressive typography. Phrases like “How ’Bout Them Dawgs,” “Hunker Down,” and “Make Noise” were integrated, drawing directly from Instagram and chanted during football games.
Additionally, we proposed an interactive element by leaving space on the hood for player signatures, creating an opportunity for a signing event that could be shared on social media to increase fan engagement.
(collegiate car livery design)
Lastly, as a team, we finalized the three concepts together which were shared on UGA Athletics socials and BMW website, allowing fans to vote on their favorite design which will be the official car wrap of the 2026–2027 Mean Machine.
(credit: georgia athletics)
This project taught me to design with a fan-first mindset, putting myself in their shoes and finding ways to engage beyond the visual through interactive experiences. Go Dawgs!