I have an assignment to design a logo for a children’s program at one of the malls here in Atlanta. After 20 years of volunteering for my church, my children’s preschool, elementary, middle and high schools, I have designed more logos using kids’ icons that you can shake a stick at. It’s hopeless to think I can come up with anything new. Silhouettes of kids, crayon drawings, building blocks, kites, kids’ hand prints, finger paint-type fonts. Done ‘em all.

I’ve put off designing this logo for a week. I cheated and looked through years of jobs hoping to find one that another client hadn’t bought. I’ve flipped through all my design magazines praying an idea would spark. Nothing.

This morning I get an email with this in the subject line: “I am starting to get worried??????? you ok?” You see, this is the nicest, most patient client I have. We’ve worked together for almost ten years. When she puts the pressure on, she does it in such a kind way.

Now under the gun, I need for the adrenalin to kick in. Instead I decide to walk. ANYTHING other than face the job at hand.

I’m not halfway down the block when I pass a house painted in dark gray hues. At the front door I see where a young child has painted a ‘lovely’ mural on the brick…luckily using chalk. My mind starts working.

I see a dandelion. Oh, that might be interesting. A little red wagon…a pink plastic dollhouse. Then I see a couple of beer cans and am reminded that THAT visual would only apply to teen-aged children. On I go.

Three blocks later I pass a yard with a great piece of rusted metal yard art in the shape of a beautiful little pinwheel. It’s just spinning a mile a minute in this cool spring breeze. There’s my logo. Full of motion, color, energy – just like a child. It’s just PERFECT.

conceptual sketches

To be creative, sometimes we simply need to get away from our desks and take a walk. I can only imagine what I will see on my walk in New York.
#######################
PS:

Think I’ll slip this item in on the invoice and see if I get a rise outta the accounting department, you know, those left-brain folks. Ya dare me?

Design    xx hours
Walk        1 hour
Revisions    xx hour

Be sure to hit “LIKE” on my NYC Facebook page