Not all projects go final. Such is the case with the logo at left. This design for the Community Alliance for Preservation represented the organization’s mission: “…to enhance Rockingham County’s rural character, urban spaces and natural and cultural resources.” The tree showed rural and natural character, the fence pointed to man-made structures. After a few rounds of revisions, this logo was ready to serve the organization for years to come.

Wrong. Members of the organization decided they wanted to use their existing logo instead. Though all involved were gracious and paid me for my time, the quirky green logo remains buried in a past projects folder on my server. There is no business card or letterhead home for this one, or even a misguided application on a Powerpoint slide.

Still, the fate of the logo must not be mourned. I design for my clients, not myself. Sometimes factors beyond the quality of the design determine a project’s final outcome. Maybe the president’s niece designed the existing logo, or 2,000 T-shirts were printed with the current logo before the redesign began. I may never know the reason why some projects don’t get final approval.

My goal is always to serve my clients. Sometimes that means bringing a project to completion, but sometimes it means letting one go.

I still like this little green guy, don’t you?

The Problem:
Present conservation consulting projects and services in a well organized and aesthetically pleasing website.

The Solution:
Expanding upon the clients’ desire for a navigation bar header and contact information footer, Natural accents, such as leaves and stones, placed on photos draw attention to the photography. Generous margins and linespacing facilitate legibility and give the site an open feel. An off-white background color, added at the suggestion of another designer, softens the linear elements of the site and keeps with the natural theme.

Client Response:
“Thank you…a ton for making me look so good.”