This is the old logo for our local library, which was rumored to close due to lack or use and/ or lack of funding. I was called on by my neighbor (see initial, "part one" story here: http://www.drawger.com/felixsockwell/?article_id=10086 ) to design or come up with a proposal to design it's new ID about 20 months ago. I wasn't quite clear on the reason for a redesign (they made mention of digitizing books but it isnt made clear in the announcement) so I went about it with no brief.
This is the new logo, announced recently on Facebook, of the new ID. The single comment unde the logo was "neat"! Someone please punch me in the face.
The irony of this mark is that it looks, at first glance, to be a bar code. As if you're being charged for something. Funny story: IT'S TRUE! They actually paid for this thing after I offered to give them a free identity and an entire plan on how the ID was to be used as a functional device within a system.
This was the logo as I presented it to the all female board of Librarians. When I showed and explained it, thye all looked across the table at each other as if to gauge one another's thoughts. I got a real sense that the decision to choose another person had already been made and that my time was being wasted. I mean, here's a guy offering to do it free! What a loser!
But here's another irony. When I asked who was paying for it (taxes or private funding) they said it came from "friends of the Maplewood Library". Hmm. Well I know who that is. I'm on the board of the Maplewood Lions, a non-profit that runs the local Maplewood in Motion 5K of which benefits.... wait for it... FRIENDS OF THE MAPLEWOOD MEMORIAL LIBRARY!
Someone please kick me as hard as you can in the balls.
The plan, or rationale for the mark was to communicate, not sell, the Library. And because there are a good deal of people in Maplewood who are multi ethnic I thought the best way to communicate the concept of "Maplewood" and "Library" was to combine the two symbols, using no words.
Its essentially a way-finding device.
When I do free work I usually only show one idea. Here are a few translations of it in BW and color
All logos, to resonate and be good, have to work in blck and white. At least thats what they tell you in school (its not always true but essentially it is). Here is your new Maplewood Memorial Library logo in black and white. If youre a taxpayer, you have not been charged. That's what "friends" are for. End of rant. And onto to real work...
