Vernacula Logo Process

This is some process-work in creating a logo and color scheme for a fictitious language learning software company called Vernacula. The term mixes the words vernacular and Dracula to make an amusing play on the idea of language acquisition.  Unexpectedly the V makes for something of a vampire-fang but doesn’t come off too ghoulish. The color scheme is mature and seems to hold it pretty well to the feeling of academia. This company produces a fictitious piece of software for learning Japanese called Kanabi which combines two japanese words which I will cover at a later time when that logo is further along. This project will incorporate identity design, interactivity using flash and work toward building an experiential design that promotes language acquisition. Stay tuned!

H & R Block Logo 2 – Professional Prep

Here is round two of designing a new logo for H & R Block as a stationary set project. The previous post was for a more curvilinear design that left some people a bit dizzy although it employed some crafty liga-monocre-action! This one is more ‘blocky and tries harder to pull in the feeling that this place is productive for you as a customer in need of financial assistance. The company’s logo seems to have gone relatively unchanged since the 40’s when it used a basic logotype up until the present as they have simply added the green block and “branded” everything around that color. This design expands on the single green and drop out a form to create a kind of speech or thought bubble with the dollar sign within. I hope this says to the viewer ” We Speak Money”.

Professional Prep – H & R Block Identity

Here is a look at my progress in re-designing a logo for H&R Block that will then be paired with other collateral pieces that have yet to be designed.

iEngage Graduate Program Mark Explorations

iengage Mark Explorations

iEngage is a program being developed through the UT  Arlington Office of Graduate Studies to invite graduate students to use their skills and specialties to contribute to their community. I’ve begun developing visual collatoral for this program and will be working on it into the Fall alongside my usual duties which are typically brochures, posters, web sites and other kinds of materials.

Developing logos and marks for educational programs, especially graduate program, brings a special challenge. For one, those we wish to associate with our office are often young but are blossoming professionals as well. This in combination with the expectations of a professional office environment can make a designer quite apprehensive when looking for interesting solutions.  The solutions I’m presenting here are two simple marks without a logotype or text. The first takes a scripty “e”, tilts it on its side and dots it with an i-dot from the same typeface. I’m really excited about this solution!  I feel like it is positive, smart and just darn cute enough to fit snugly into that web 2.0 category that is acceptable to professionals and general users alike.

The second is an older solution that modifies an “e” shape in a different way than the first.  This may be a good example of doing something good but needing to find a better way to do it. I only mention it to talk about the process of designing marks, logos and other types of branding materials. To any aspiring designers: keep your mistakes so that you can look back on your habits and processes to make better decisions in the future. Plus, if you ever see a professional publish their process in books or in a gallery setting, they’ll make you feel right at home with their visual stumbles!