Variety through Logos

Variety through Logos :: 3/8/15

It was a lot of fun to put this image together. I will most likely print a few out as posters. This is a representation of the last few years worth of logo work in various formats and with various contexts. Most of the logos selected are taken from current and newer projects, and some are as old as 6 years ago. I choose from a pool of about 70 images that I would consider to be logos. Maybe you have a different definition for what a logo is though. Some of these designs were started and completed in 4 hours and others took 6 weeks with 20 hours of revisions. Some of the designs have been used for one single purpose and others have multiple applications. What they all have in common is variety and a display of evolution. When I view the work this way it helps me re-see that. I also see the common threads of styles that I have developed over time as well as the newer ones that have derived out of older skill sets. It also shows me that creativity does not have competition, only endless variety.

This is one of the main things that I love so much about being a graphic designer and ultimately, an artist. Can I say those words in the same sentence? Not everyone will agree, but either way in the creative process, decisions are going to be made and results will be produced. I happily ride the fine line of both terms “artist & graphic designer” (by choice) Heck, when you throw the word “educator” into the mix and the year “2015” it seems like a nice formula for redefinition. So with this in mind I would like to share with you what has worked for me as a synthesized artist, graphic designer and art educator for the last 10 years.

1. First and foremost, feeling and knowing what you want and being who you are. You cant be anyone other than yourself so don’t try to be anyone else, its a waste of time and energy. We are all unique fragments of this amazing variety called humanity. Mark your mark as YOU.

2. Don’t take anyone’s word as absolute truth for anything with out experiencing it for yourself. What works for some does not work for others, so listen and observe more, that right, open your eyes, ears and mind and be present with your highest form of awareness. Observe. Be Mindful.

3. Learn how to feel more. Thats right, get in touch with how you feel emotionally in all aspects of your life. This might include learning meditation and even going to see a therapist to help you get in touch with yourself. Does it “feel natural” for you to work as a graphic designer during the day and then be a sculptor of marble in the evening? If so, then DO IT. Feelings determine more than you know!

4. Make lists and visit them often. Write things down, or type them, just get them out of your head space! I use the notes feature on my iPhone, its fast and easy to write and check in on. Do you want to be a full time applied artist? Do you want to be a full time digital artist? Do you want to be a part time logo designer and mobil application developer who also gives private lessons with software? FINE. In fact, thats great, Either way, decide and go in that direction full of feeling. Keeping lists of your ideas, desires, dreams and goals is a great way to stick to keeping mindful about them as they appear!

5. Plan to learn, and learn more and then synthesize those skills to learn even more. I cant think of a time in the history of humanity that information on just about anything we want to learn about was so accessible, at almost any moment of everyday. In fact, I bet this is in its infancy, so never ever think that you know too much or are too over or under qualified. Stay open to keep learning.

6. Share with others. Yes, this means you have to actually talk and connect with to people, communicate and share emotions in person. Perhaps some of this can be done over text, instant messages, social media and e-mail, but get together physically with human beings and share your experiences, especially the positive ones. No matter how much things go digital, we are still physical and that needs to be unified in harmony with technology.

7. Re-read this blog post, fill in what I forgot that you most wanted to hear and do the exercise below.

Want to try an exercise? Using illustrator or inDesign (or go old school style and use color copies or reduced transparencies) lay out a grid of 25 equal squares similar to the image above. (The whole poster above is 38″ square) Fill the squares with a series of your own works and images that best communicate the diverse projects, jobs, art, designs, images, styles and techniques that you have experienced over the last 5-7 years. Arrange them in chronological order by date or project diversity if you wish. What will you discover? More than you “think” you will at this moment,

and then of course, animate them!