This blanket was designed as a special holiday gift for the families of the USS Jefferson City (SSN 759), a Los Angeles-class submarine based in Guam. I worked closely with the program director, who had a lot of passion for the project and a rough sketch outlining her vision. Despite being in different time zones, we communicated regularly over email to bring her ideas to life.

She wanted to include several meaningful elements: the submarine itself (SSN 759), the phrase “Regulators Mount Up,” a turtle to represent Guam, and the island’s distinct shape formed by a latte stone, an iconic symbol of Chamorro culture. I created a series of rough digital sketches incorporating these pieces in different compositions, exploring ways to balance symbolism with visual cohesion.

Through a few rounds of feedback and revision, we arrived at a final layout that blended all of her ideas in a way that felt personal, unified, and visually strong. The finished design was beautifully produced by Binghamton Knitting Co, and delivered just in time for the holidays, bringing a sense of pride and comfort to the families connected to the USS Jefferson City.