As a part of the Colorado College Campus Master Plan, the Master Communications Plan is well underway, and a vital part of this plan is the design of a new logo—soon, the simple words “Colorado College” will no longer serve as the symbol of identification for Colorado College.
The Master Communications Plan Knowledge Development team has been working closely with Studio/lab to develop a logo that visually communicates the culture and people of Colorado College.
On Tuesday, Oct. 20, two forums were held in Bemis Great Hall, one for staff and faculty and one for students, to present the concepts for the new logo that have been developed so far and give the wider CC community a chance to add their input to the discussion.
Jane Turnis, Vice President for Communications, opened the student presentation. “We hope to tell the CC story more accurately,” she said. “Specifically, we want to focus on the Block Plan, our sense of place, and our people.” She added that this logo will not replace the CC seal or the Tiger Athletics mark.
Marcia Lausen of Studio/lab then gave an in-depth presentation, shedding light on the creative process behind designing the logo and introducing the sample logos her team has developed thus far.
“We have to ask a lot of questions and get to know who you are,” said Lausen. “As we’re working we begin collecting visual inspiration. We ask about you and we listen to the words you’re saying and making a list of these words.”
Words like “block, adventurous, unique, innovative, and rhythmic” appeared on the Lausen’s slides.
Lausen’s team then took these words and the visual images they felt most resonated on CC’s campus, like the blue sky, red dirt, and mountains, and began drafting.
“A logo needs to work very hard,” said Lausen. “We need to think about how it looks without color. What does it look like with your regular seal or the tiger mark? How might it look on letterheads or business cards?”
Three possible logos were presented to faculty, students, and staff and were met with generally positive feedback and excitement. Turnis expressed her delight in seeing the level of engagement the students who attended showed in the process.
Some worries were expressed, however.
“I feel that the tiger and the seal should be updated alongside the logo or else it feels like the logo’s being forced in there because it doesn’t really go with them and they aren’t as modern,” said junior Miles Cooper. Cooper is part of CC’s Integrative Design Group, which works to increase student involvement in Campus design.
A comment sentiment among faculty and staff was the worry that the new logos may be too casual or too trendy and will feel outdated or inappropriate in a few years. However, Lausen expressed confidence in her design team and their ability to account for these possible pitfalls.
The Master Communications Plan Knowledge Development will continue to gather feedback from the campus this week and will choose a logo to recommend to the Board of Trustees next week.
Feedback on the three logos can be given by following the survey link that was emailed to the students, faculty, and staff on Oct. 20 by CC Communications.