When I approached the design for the 2010 Leaders Conference host city logo, I knew almost immediately that I wanted to work Chicago’s unique skyline into it. After several failed, “Frankenstein-esque” attempts, I decided to form the letters from the negative space created between the buildings. This worked really well for the “H, I and A” since they have straight or angled lines, however the “C’s G and O” posed a problem. Adding depth and detail to the buildings allowed me to tie those into the curved forms of those letters, with the exception of the “O” which was left hanging out on the end. I decided the best option to tie it in with the rest of the logo was to “link” it with the “G”. I went with a cold color scheme to match the city skyscrapers and added a touch of “grit” and shading.
Author: wpadminmark
Bad day
No, not the old 2005 Daniel Powter song (although it’s been playing in the back of my head since I started this post). I’m sure I was subconsciously inspired by Pixar’s short “Partly Couldy” (the one shown before “UP”) when I had this thought about happy clouds floating along until one storms by in a really bad mood. As he spreads his lack of cheer around, the other clouds just try to stay outta his way. I wonder if Bob Ross ever painted “happy clouds” to go along with his happy trees. (for personal use)
Conference event logos
Every year I create an invitation for a non-profit organization’s national conference (not spec work). The invitation is typically 16-20 pages, 8.5×14 saddle stitched. It includes the typical conference stuff, like a brief write up on the host city or state, event schedule(s), guest speakers, registration forms and special sessions. Each of these special sessions require a logo of sorts. Below are three of logos I created as well one for the host state, Colorado.
SnapTotes
Like all good wives mine drops hints all throughout the year of what they want/need for special occasions. She’s been telling me for months that she needed a new purse. When she didn’t get one for Christmas I was in serious hot water. Although the water quickly cooled when she opened her brand new MacBook. I had escaped the doghouse, but I hadn’t forgotten the purse. I put it on the list for her birthday. Rather than any old boring bag I decided there had to be a company out there creating custom purses suited to each individual. I was sure they’d charge plenty for it as well, but she’s worth it, right? Enter Snaptotes.com. I was immediately impressed with their website. It was clean and user friendly. I selected the bag that best fit her needs, and painlessly uploaded her custom artwork, a comic character named Frisk based on one of our cats. First the front:
and then the back:
I ran into two snags in the ordering process, both of which were my fault. I called their 800 number twice and each person I got was courteous and patiently walked me through the process. Once it was done and paid for, which was shockingly reasonable, I waited with great anticipation for it’s arrival which they calculated at 7 to 10 business days. When it arrived I secretly unwrapped it and was completely blown away. I cannot even begin to describe the quality of their work. The outside is digitally printed on a thick nylon material and sown tightly to the bag. No visible snags, scrapes, loose threads or scuffs. The purse itself is leather while the handles are nylon. I was so impressed I decided to order more. A large wallet:
Again, I was blown away. Excellent craftsmanship and one of the most unique gift ideas I’ve ever found. I can’t recommend this company highly enough. If you’re looking for a unique gift, or you want one for yourself, check out SnapTotes.com. You won’t be disappointed
I wasn’t done. I thought, if you can put anything you want on a bag, how about a watch? Sure enough, there’s www.timissimo.com. Unfortunately site design wise, this ones in need of a face lift. It’s a bit clunky and busy, but it works and I couldn’t believe all of the customizable options. Not only can you put whatever you want on the face but you can choose, the time-markings, watch body and band. Theres multiple options in each of those categories. You can even add customized writing to the back, all included in the price.
(A note on the back, it’s not engraved. It appears heat stamped).
Again, I was completely taken aback by the product, this time more-so than SnapTotes, strickly because of their website. I was not impressed, however all that disappeared after the watch arrived. I would highly recommend them. Super fast, the watch arrived in 7 days, and professional. Needless to say, I was a superhero. My wife said it was the best gift(s) she had ever received, and she was quick to show them off to complete strangers. Unfortunately this has put me in a quandary. How will I top this next year?
Oz Revue Gig Poster
Scot Lienke with the Washington D.C. area band Oz Revue contracted me to design a set of gig posters. He provided me with their logo, a link to their site and a couple photos of the band in action. I noticed that front man “Oz” had a signature hat he wore in all his performances. I chose to build the bands “image” off the hat and color in the bands logo. I wanted the posters to flow and almost “move” like their music which I sampled on their site. At the last minute we added “Soul, funk, blues & rock” to clarify the style of music. I carried the white lines from the top to the bottom and used them to form the words. Space was required at the bottom for writing in the time, date and location. Also featured at Gigposters.com
Koala
For the San Diego Zoo