# Sanctification branding concepts

Three independent bitmap identity explorations directed by **Astra Medium** (gpt-6-astra, medium reasoning). The built-in image generation tool uses a separate image model; its exact model identifier was not exposed. Generated artwork contains no lettering. Logo lettering was typeset deterministically in the repository's P052 Bold and Sanctification P052 Medium fonts.

Open [index.html](./index.html) for actual 16/32/64 px previews on light and dark surfaces, and [comparison.png](./comparison.png) for a labeled overview. View the HTML at 100% browser zoom; a scaled comparison-sheet image cannot establish actual-size legibility.

## Directions and recommendation

1. **Lighted Window** — a cross forms the leadwork of a lancet window. The most direct connection to the stained-glass card language; calm and architectural. Strong logo direction, but the tall shape occupies less of a square favicon and its cross is relatively thin at 16 px.
2. **Renewing Flame** — rising glass shapes express growth in Christ and movement toward holiness. The most expressive symbol. The generated cross cutout has rough, irregular alpha edges; narrow flame tips and negative-space cross need a deliberate redraw before production. Cream behind the cream inner flame also weakens the cross, especially at small sizes.
3. **Rose of Grace** — a compact four-petal rose window around a cream cross. **Recommended starting point for a unified logo and favicon:** its square footprint and bold central cross use the small canvas best. The petal/cross embellishments and gold pockets should be simplified when drawing a production master. Its ecclesiastical form is more ornamental and less distinctive than the flame; no trademark research was performed.

## Deliverables

- `sources/`: untouched original PNG copies (1254 × 1254 RGBA), one per independent prompt.
- Each numbered concept folder: transparent `mark-512.png`; cream-backed rounded `icon-tile-512.png`; `logo-light.png` and `logo-dark.png` (1300 × 280); actual 16/32/64 px favicon PNGs; same-size raw transparent mark diagnostics; and a multi-resolution `favicon-exploration.ico`.
- `comparison.png`: labeled three-direction review.
- `index.html`: local review page with exact-size images on white and deep teal.
- `metadata.json`: exact prompts, originating generated paths, model assignment and tool mode.
- `build-review.cjs`: reproducible ImageMagick assembly. Uses repository font paths and source copies; no generated lettering.

## Decisions and limits

These are raster concepts, **not SVG/vector originals, approved production favicons, or installed app branding**. No existing logo, favicon, app code, card illustration, or production mask was replaced. Card rarity, card aspect ratios, and layered-printing rules were intentionally outside this branding exploration.

The source images were requested as flat, text-free, transparent marks. They have real alpha, but also mild generated color shading and imperfect contours. The rose adds more small cross ornament than requested; the flame's cutout is imperfect. These deviations remain visible and are not silently repaired. Generated colors approximate the requested palette; deterministic backgrounds and lettering use exact deep teal `#263f50` and cream `#f4ead4`.

Preview processing trims transparent margins, fits each mark into a 432 px square, and centers it on 512 px. Cream rounded tiles are an intentional brand-container treatment that protects dark outlines on dark UI; the raw transparent previews reveal that the teal outlines lose contrast directly on a teal background. Small icons use Lanczos downsampling, without custom pixel hinting or per-size redrawing. This honestly reveals what survives reduction. Large lockups use shared P052; the descriptor is "TRADING CARD GAME". Minimum sizes and spacing are exploratory.

A chosen direction still needs a clean vector redraw, optical correction at 16/32 px, theme variants if transparent use is required, and final human approval. Sources and prompts provide an auditable basis for that work.

## Validation

All three originals were inspected after generation. The finished comparison is visually reviewed for distinct silhouettes, typography, theme contrast, and clipping. PNG dimensions/alpha and ICO size entries are checked mechanically, and source-copy SHA-256 hashes are recorded in `validation.json`. Native-size PNGs and HTML expose limitations rather than extrapolating favicon success from large artwork.

To rebuild derived review files from preserved local sources:

```sh
node sanctification/spikes/branding-concepts-astra-medium/build-review.cjs
```

Requires ImageMagick `magick` and Node.js; original built-in outputs are retained at their generated paths as well as in `sources/`.