United We Brand - Rebranding Our States (unitedwebrand.us)
over 9 years ago from Alex Sailer, Designer @Focus Lab
over 9 years ago from Alex Sailer, Designer @Focus Lab
You know, the problem with this is that a brand is more than just a pretty icon. I get that this was for fun, but it disappointed me to see a colorado "logo" that said nothing about my state.
It did not use the official state colors, nor the more ubiquitous green from our license plates (not our plants!), the typography is stark and its art deco influence speaks nothing to the classical inspiration of our capital area's architecture, and the eye feels like big brother is watching when we are one of the most libertarian states in the union.
Just saying, this is "like" bait, which is fine, but own it. :)
I realize it's not a state, but what an oversight to not brand Washington, DC...
I was just about to say the same thing
Thanks for the feedback Laura/Alex. It was a tough decision not to include DC but we felt it was the right one. Not to mention we are all big fans of the current flag.
Did you have any ideas in mind for DC?
I'm curious why you considered this an important decision, and the right one. Are you implying that you were not fans of the rest of the flags?
DC's flag/symbol (taken from Washington's family crest, which dates back hundreds of years to England) are absolutely perfect as they are.
i'm guessing these guys have never been to new jersey.
Fun project!
I lived in Wyoming for a few years when I was a kid. I personally think something about the terrain or industries of the state would be more accurate than the Human Rights Campaign logo for their flag.
Fun idea for a project, but it didn't click with me.
Though the current flags aren't always as aesthetically pleasing, they are packed with symbolism and history that feels overlooked (or at least muted) in this project.
For example, Maryland's flag is the amalgamation of the Calvert and Crossland family coat of arms. In the rebrand, the coat of arms are eschewed and we're left with the motto, year and the Crossland family's cross. It ends up resembling the Crossland banner, the flag used by Maryland secessionists during American Civil War, more than the current flag.
Those stroke weights though!
It's hard to find anything cohesive throughout the entire project…cool idea though?
I appreciate the honest feedback. This project was something our entire team did as a fun side project to celebrate flag day tomorrow. We wanted it to feel like a true collaborative effort by letting each designer's style shine through. We used the same color palette throughout to help unify the project.
reminds me of http://statemottosproject.com/
Neat idea, I agree with Tyson about the stroke weights. Another note is that logo's aren't brands, logo's have to do with identity.
Why does Colorado have an illuminati pyramid in the Rockies?
From the Colorado page:
"The official motto of the State of Colorado is “Nil Sine Numine,” which translates to “Nothing without providence.” The new flag features an icon combining three mountains with the All-Seeing Eye (or Eye of Providence), referencing the motto."
Thanks!
Though now that I see the red variation I think it looks more like a logo for Mordor.
Very well done site, and the project is ambitious.
I think it would have been a bit more interesting to make the flags as they are more visually consistent – it seems most, as myself, felt the branding decisions were a tad surface level, and looking across the logos, there isn't much unifying them.
Not much better a way of representing the States in the Union than by allowing them their historical flags while driving consistency into visuals IMO.
Regardless, a cool project!
This reminds me of this project: http://www.citid.net/
I'd love to hear the rationale behind the New Mexico icon. As a designer originally from the state, the Zia symbol holds a special place in my heart and I would never want to change it.
As a Kansan, I have to note that you've got the latin backwards from how it's used on the flag - 'Ad Astra Per Aspera'.
Thanks for the heads up Caleb. Fixed.
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