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If you only look at the reaction expressed in the local newspaper, one would be led to believe that the recent logo change at the university was the greatest mistake of all time.I don’t believe this to be true, and I do have some perspective on this working for a marketing communications agency, and I believe that the coverage given to the supposed scandal has overlooked some of the key factors that should be considered.

The university’s biggest mistake was to not look to the student body for input on the design of the new logo, as well as failing to issue graphic standards for usage of the logo and the university seal.Apart from this, the university really hasn’t done anything truly horrible against its students or its own reputation, which the coverage also addresses.To find logo design contest information see this resource.

Keep in mind that all institutions benefit from having a cohesive corporate image, and a single standardized logo that can be used with the university seal is a great way to achieve this.In terms of graphic identity programs, there is a rule that states all institutions need to standardize their logo marks as well as instate concise rules about the use of them so they are more recognizable.

The previous logo of the university was puzzling and disjointed, and led to a less than ideal graphic identity.Many people are not aware of the inherent complexities that are involved in proper logo design and execution.With the logo, you are trying to capture the complete essence of the institution, from it’s sciences, to it’s sports, which is a tall order.As someone who designs logos for a living, I’ve had my share of heated discussions concerning new logo designs.

Many people seem to be disgusted with the, supposedly, large sum of $20,000 payed to the logo designer, but this is a fairly standard fee and is nothing in comparison to the amount of money that goes into having all the university’s material reprinted.Typically, new logos which are adapted by big institutions are initially hated by many people, and there’s a reason for these types of reactions.To get a closer look on logo competitions visit this site.

When you change something as emotionally charged as a university’s symbol, you have forgotten how little people like change.Another reason is because people can use the change as a reason to bring up other things they dislike about the institution. Many individuals with little background in art, find it appropriate to second guess, possibly years of work, put in by professional designers and researchers.

The logo itself is going to take some time to grow on people. When a university has gone well over a century with a clear standard only for the seal and a vast array of both logo marks that are unofficial and familiar typefaces, it is naive to expect a quick solution.I’m aware of a fair number of people in businesses who choose to use their old company logos, or logos which they have unofficially throw together themselves, despite reprimands from management.Inconsistent and outlaw usage problems of a company’s logo will continue even when the company can fire those who misuse it.It isn’t the administration’s fault that there has been a hard time getting rid of the old symbols.

Even though the university should have included some of the students’ opinions in the design, in their defense it would have been impossible to make everyone (students, staff, alumni, residents) happy with the end results of the final product.

In order to get the best effect out of logos, they need to be unique, memorable for the institution, and they must convert well to print and other things they may be used on. They should be implemented as an element of a larger program dedicated to unifying the identity of the institution.I believe that the new logo for the university lives up to these requirements, or is well on its way to doing so.I see no way to argue the point that any logo is better than no logo at all.

This entry was posted on Saturday, August 28th, 2010 at 8:53 am and is filed under Garden Design. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.