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Merging three logos into one identity.

What happens when one bank merges with two other financial institutions, but they all need to keep their individuality?

Countless experiments and revisions, for one thing.

In recent years, Sunflower Bank merged with First National 1870 and Guardian Mortgage. Despite being legally linked, each needed to remain recognizable to its current customers.

Even before the merger, there was interest in updating the Sunflower Bank logo. It was designed in the 80s, and by the time I began working with the bank, it had already been revised several times. The options I presented used the existing color scheme and font, eliminated the yellow/red gradient (which was often difficult to print), and removed the blue enclosure. Here’s what I presented, but none of these were used.

Then came the merger. Here are the original three logos from each of the banks.

I pushed for a single identity that could incorporate aspects of each institution, but since the client wanted to maintain the equity built up within each of the names, that idea was rejected. So we needed to find a way to create a blended identity that allowed each bank to maintain its individuality. I won’t go into all the behind-the-scenes information that governed what could and couldn’t be done. Suffice to say, we pursued many different directions, and we progressed in stages. I designed dozens of variations and permutations. Here’s one of the interim versions that was used.

One version of the final design appears below. It checks all the necessary boxes: font consistency, versatility in arrangement, and relative simplicity in design. The logos have to work together and separately, accommodate both horizontal and vertical layouts, and must include the disclosure indicating ownership. Sometimes practicality is the best form of creativity.

Grant through the years.

I’ve been listening to Ron Chernow’s epic biography of U.S. Grant on CD (38 CDs!). While listening, I drew these five portraits of the past President with a variety of pens from this set of plain ol’ Bic ballpoints.

The drawings were mounted on 8″ square wood panels and were displayed at the Sandzen Gallery holiday show.

Published!

Thanks to Jason Ryberg of Spartan Press for including three pieces of my work in his new poetry anthology, Somewhere Between Kansas City and Denver.

There’s a book release party scheduled for August 22 from 6-9pm at SPARK in Downtown Salina. See more info about that here.

January 12 marks the anniversary of John Singer Sargent’s birth. I have always admired his excellent drawing skills coupled with his mastery of paint (left: Madame X).

I was reminded of him in a roundabout way after listening to a story about Steve Mumford, an artist who documented the Iraq War with drawings and paintings. Mumford’s Baghdad Journals are a moving account of the time he spent there. He was inspired by Winslow Homer’s documentation of the American Civil War.

Hearing about Homer reminded me of John Singer Sargent’s work done after spending time at the Western Front in 1918. His large painting, Gassed, was completed during this time. Definitely a master.

Friends, family, and fishing.

I'm often asked to donate work for various causes, and one that I always agree to is the CAPS (Child Advocacy & Parenting Services) Annual Auction. This year the mixed media collage I'm contributing was originally done for a friend of mine who had a grand passion for his grandsons. He fondly related tales of fishing trips and spending time with them at the family farm.

A Dickensian Valentine.

Here’s a self-mailing card (no envelope necessary, it comes with a round white sticker for closing) featuring original design and illustration to send to someone special.

The front of the card shows Cupid aiming his arrow, and the fold-over closing panel says ‘Happy Valentine’s Day.’ Inside Cupid appears again, and the panel on the right lists some qualities of love: patience, kindness, trust, hope, perseverance. Click on the image to see it enlarged.

The message is a lovely poem by Charles Dickens:

Let nothing pass, for every hand

Must find some work to do,

Lose not a chance to waken love —

Be firm and just and true.

So shall a light that cannot fade

Beam on thee from on high,

And angel voices say to thee —

These things shall never die.

A limited number are available. Let me know in the comments below if you're interested.  

Early ice storm

We had an early spring ice storm. The tree limbs are weighted down -- I can't even see my new bird feeders. I didn't leave the house yesterday. Better than not drawing at all, but I was not really paying attention.

Old bronze in gouache

This drawing was done this morning, in less than 30 minutes. The color on this drawing was done with a small travel set of gouache. I need watercolor, and especially a water brush. I've not used one, but I keep hearing artists talk about them. So -- all in all, at least I can tell what this is. The metal (bronze?) is corroded and I tried to capture the green-brown-blue hues of the dirt and patina. 

Complex spices

This drawing was done in three sittings. It was still fun and gratifying to draw. I observed many things about my selection of spices that I didn't know before. 

Freddie and my rototray

    

Love this drawing!

Hand signals

According to Google, this mudra means teaching or instruction. I have another one -- which I might draw tomorrow -- means protection.

Fuzzy details

I can't see details too well when I don't have my glasses on, but I don't want the glasses in the drawing -- is a puzzlement (as the King of Siam would say)! This drawing is a little scary, but I see that it has life and spontaneity that my detailed pencil drawings don't have.

Inspiration from the past

I am moved by the drawings and paintings of Steve Mumford, after listening to a story about him on Studio 360, marking the tenth anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq war. The energy and life in his work made documenting the way of life there is inspiring. Winslow Homer's documentation of WWI motivated Mumford to do the same. Hearing the story reminded me of John Singer Sargent's watercolors done after spending time at the Western Front in 1918. This was probably finished in a studio from sketches done on site.