A logo’s job is to speak for the company it represents, to be its ever-vigilant ambassador. When we decided it was time to refresh our own brand, every designer had something creative to say. Here is an array of concepts, in various iterations, that led us to our current identity.
treasure chest
power swing
A pop-up art installation outside the International Centre for the Arts in Guimarães, Portugal, the art collective Moradavaga added a modern, industrial twist to the swing set. What was used to be a self-contained pleasure of swinging - where the work and reward are equal, Moradavaga has installed a little bit of light, powered solely by the motion of the swings. Creating the perfect blend of power technology and energy efficiency with a favorite childhood pastime.
According to the company’s website:
SWING, is an interactive and playful installation conceived by Moradavaga for the Pop Up Culture program promoted by Guimarães 2012 - European Capital of Culture.
Based on the principle of swinging to produce electricity, SWING is also an ode to the rich industrial heritage of Guimarães, reflected in its mechanical devices and sounds evocative of the ones once produced in the factories of the city.
The base structure, made of re-usable wooden pallets (sponsored by Palsystems), serves as a podium for the swings at the same time that it contains the hidden electrical system. Traditional hemp rope, wooden beams, bicycle chains, wheels, dynamos and lights complete the material palette used in the installation giving it an “old-style” look and a low-tech kind of feel.
introducing…grayson roberts
Budding web developer, circa 1982
Meet Grayson, the newest member of the Foerstel Team, “beamed up” to the City of Trees from the Lone Star state. Web Developer, Family Man, Comedian, Poet, Photographer? The jury is still out on which one is his true calling, but they all come in handy at Foerstel.
Where did you work prior to landing here?
I was the IT Director for a small city in hot, humid, deep South Texas.
Did you always know you wanted to be a web developer?
Umm… who said I wanted to be a web developer?
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
I’d like to try being unemployed. I hear it can be quite relaxing.
What keeps you inspired and coming into work every day?
My wife and kids keep me going. They get kind of cranky when they haven’t eaten for a while.
What is one of the first creative lessons you learned?
Let go. Though I still haven’t mastered that one yet.
What is on your iPod?
“My” iPod has been MIA since the first week I had it in my hand. My wife knows the answer to this question.
Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?
Playing on the floor with my kids in our PJ’s.
What is your favorite quote?
Just one? There are so many! Here is one I like (can this apply to the Internet?)
“You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat.” – Albert Einstein
Name one random thing about yourself that we probably don’t know?
I sometimes dream in code. Seriously.
Do you have any adventures planned?
I never plan them, but with three kids I expect another one will be just around the corner.
What is your favorite thing about Boise?
I have yet to see a cockroach.
What was your last creative pursuit (outside of work)?
Photography.
40 free drawing tutorials
If you enjoy drawing like I do, would like to learn how or just improve your skills, this link provides you with 40 free drawing tutorials covering a multitude of topics and styles. Ain’t the internet grand?
april 12th, 2010 | posted by mark | treasure chest
do you remember…
…the 21st night of September? If you remember that song by Earth, Wind & Fire, then you may even remember some of these “essential” graphic design tools. (I’m really dating myself now.) During our recent move, I found these in the black hole of my desk. I just couldn’t bring myself to throw them away, even though there’s not a chance I’ll ever use them. Well, I confess, I do still use my e-scale occasionally. Ba de ya.
april 9th, 2010 | posted by marie | people + place, treasure chest
the ted conference
I saw a documentary about the TED Conference last night and was amazed and inspired. There is so much in the media and even our personal experiences every day that can cause frustration and negativity. This conference is all about incredibly gifted people using their creativity, imagination and hard work to create positive change for the whole world.
october 5th, 2009 | posted by tom | causes, treasure chest
grist’s guide to green iphone apps
We have a special place in our hearts for Grist because of their sharp wit and fresh voice in environmental reporting. Here is our latest favorite from them, because Grist loves iPhones, we love our iPhones, and we love Grist!
july 6th, 2009 | posted by admin | treasure chest
holes in your font?
There are holes in your font! But that’s a good thing. In the spirit of Earth Day, we feel it would be a good time to let you know that the old beloved font Arial is now available with a lighter carbon footprint! By studding each letter with tiny holes—unnoticeable at 12-point size or below—you will use 20% less ink. Download here.
april 22nd, 2009 | posted by admin | causes, treasure chest
evolution of our logo
A logo’s job is to speak for the company it represents, to be its ever-vigilant ambassador. When we decided it was time to refresh our own brand, every designer had something creative to say. Here is an array of concepts, in various iterations, that led us to our current identity.
march 11th, 2009 | posted by mark | treasure chest
old-school idahoan
As I was digging through old files in preparation for Idahoan’s 50th Anniversary, I ran across some of these old packages I thought I’d share. Vintage at its finest! While I wasn’t around to design the above, I did design the latest, click “more” to check it out.
february 27th, 2009 | posted by linda | treasure chest
