STICKER DESIGN 2026
David’s Annual Triathlon (DAT)
David’s Annual Triathlon (DAT) is a sticker designed for Dr. David Lane’s scalable triathlon, which started in Arizona.
David is passionate about wellness, humor, and meaningful connections. In 2021, he started David’s Annual Triathlon, which takes place on his birthday. David invites his friends and family to join him in challenging themselves to three different physical activities of their choice. The participants will do their activities in intervals of David's age that year. The 2026 5th annual DAT took place on David’s 60th birthday, making it the 60th edition, so participants did their activities in increments of 60 (e.g., 60 seconds, minutes, yards, steps, jumps, etc).
DAT is intended to be adjustable and accessible to all ranges of athletic ability; even his parents in their eighties participate!
Project Problem
David requested a custom sticker design revision for the DAT that would be easy to print, minimalistic, and simple to revise for future DAT years. He asked for it to resemble a traditional triathlon oval bumper sticker design, with a playful touch, and include the following content: DAT, 5th Annual, 2026, and Sixty.
Solution
After considerable discussion, iteration, and revision, the custom sticker I designed effectively satisfied David's requests.
The choice to include the abbreviated title, “DAT,” as the focal point rather than the full title “David’s Annual Triathlon,” was made to foster curiosity and friendly conversation. Someone would ask, “What's DAT?” cultivating clever humor and keeping the DAT culture playful.
The text saying “5th Annual” and “2026” is included on the rim of the sticker to take advantage of the oval shape and allow for easy revision in future annual DATs.
The 5th annual DAT had the theme of 60, so “Sixty” was included on the sticker to make it unique to the 2026 DAT. The “Sixty” text was placed in the center of the sticker below the “DAT” abbreviation to optimize space and legibility and minimize adjustments needed for future DAT editions.
This sticker resembles a traditional triathlon oval bumper sticker, using an oval shape, minimal design, and rim elements.
A playful touch is present in the choice of typefaces, which are heavy and strong, but still round, soft, and welcoming.
With the client's input and approval, I decided on a black and white, 3 x 2 inch, oval cut sticker design for efficiency of high-quality production.
Process
Early sketches explored multiple sticker shapes, styles, and combinations for the 60th edition.
Different typefaces, styles, hierarchies, and combinations were explored through iterations and drafts.
Edit drafts so that the backgrounds are white
