Farming in the city

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This design was created for Farm Start, a agricultural facility in Metro Toronto on traditional farm land. I used the vernacular of the historical barn on the property as the inspiration for the sign design and gently played with it's traditional architectural elements. A grounding in tradition with a bit of the unconventional, like the facility it represents.

The colours and materials will lend a earthy tactile quality to the sign. The rocks will further ground the design by giving it a visual ballast. The hand piled stone will communicate the connective tradition of working the land by hand. Wild flowers could be planted in amongst the stones complimenting the subtle colour of the sign and creating movement against its static form.

The overall sign is simple yet interesting, a subtle play with shadows and textures. However, it's the decorative top that will bring the sign to life.

This design will harmonize with the gentle quality of the farm's natural entrance while having a strong presence.

Attack of the Killer Bees

Since the beginning of September Creemore has been inundated with bees. They're sluggish and docile but nasty. They're flying in from the country side and swarming the village, indiscriminately stinging young and old. Anything with a bit of sugar in it... well they're like bees on honey.

I made the mistake of mentioning that haven't been stung since I was eight years old. Two hours later I was in the hospital having a stinger removed from the back of my throat. ...I should have known better. One of the more painful experiences I have had in awhile.

I spent the rest of the day in a codeine induced stupor. It made for interesting conversation.

law office logo

After a rest and a pause I'm getting back to work.

A logo I just finished awaiting a response from the client.

This is the raison d'etré that was included with the design package.

The brand identity criteria for the Ross Firm was to project a timeless yet contemporary, professional, established, confident image that is strong and grounded.

Research revealed Goderich ( in particular where the firm is located ) was historically the judicial centre for Huron County, with it’s courthouse in the hub of Goderich’s town center, it’s eight principal roads radiate out in an ordered symmetry emulating the points of a compass.

Not only is the compass design of historical and geographical relevance, it’s a an iconic archetype symbolizing unwavering guidance and reliance in a unfamiliar environment, tried and true. It seemed a natural symbol to represent the firm’s values and mission.

The compass design is a clean contemporary presentation complimenting the classic romanesque type. The angle of the compass needle is mirrored by the angle of the stacked type forming a pyramid, imparting a sense of stability and strength.

The colours are natural, warm and grounded, lending an approachable quality to the brand.

The challenge was to create a design that was fresh and classic, avoiding cliché imagery. The image will project the firm’s message in full colour or black and white from a small format to large. Instantly discernible at a glance, it will be an effective, relevant, tireless marketing tool for years to come.

As a side note, the colour palate in the logo is similar to the historical building that is home to The Ross Firm. It's a small subtle cue that will not be lost on the local market.

Business Card Design

A logo and business card design for a business is typically represented by lotus flowers and ying /yang symbols.

Shiatsu and acpuncture I discovered is about creating a balance in the body and unblocking the body's flow of energy. I also discovered the philosophy of chinese medicine is to treat the root, treat the body.

The concept for the logo was inspired from this philosophy of treating the root for a healthy leaf. The proportion of the leaves to the roots are balanced and the overall gesture represents a gentle flow of energy between the two. The whole image cradles the name/type lending an overall sense of well being. The colours are natural warm and grounded

To Run or not to Run

I lay in bed on a Sunday morning looking across the room at my abandoned running shoes debating if I should remain glued to the bed or muster up the energy to go for a run.

It's been a exhausting few weeks packing up my studio and 29 years of signcrafting.

It wasn't as much the physical demand, as it was the letting go. Each tool was so familiar to me. Over the decades and thousands of hours of use they had become extensions of my hands, companions in honing the craft and overcoming the welcomed challenges that came through the studio. It was like saying goodbye to old friends.

Still, it feels good to turn the page and move on, to face new challenges and head into the unknown. I guess letting go is just part of the process.