"Graphic Design: Mascot Creation for the 'Ault/Pierce Fire Department'"

THE PROJECT: You have been working on creating vector illustrations in Adobe Illustrator for a number of weeks now and all students should be fairly adept at the use of Illustrator drawing tools.

Now, you have the chance to create a REAL LOGO for a real life association. The Ault/Pierce Fire Department is looking for a someone to create a new patch logo for their Fire Department that shows the Deparment's connections to the Ault/Pierce community.

REWARDS AND AWARDS:

The WINNING DESIGNER will receive 150 dollars in cash and a 20 minute ride in the Greeley MedaVac Helicopter. This contest is open to the public, but our Graphic Design students would certainly have a leg up on most entries.

The CURRENT LOGO:

A few things to note about this current logo. First, it features the words "Ault/ Pierce" and Fire/Rescue." Another version also says "Est. 1904." I would recommend that you make sure that these words show up on YOUR logo design, as well. You also see the MALTESE CROSS. This is the basis of most Fire Department logos and is an ancient symbol of Protection and a badge of honor for those who give their lives to save others. I would HIGHLY recommend that your design also feature this symbol, as well. Here is a GENERIC VERSION of the cross, which includes the Hook and Ladder and Hydrant graphics:

FIRE DEPARTMENT PATCH EXAMPLES:

Here is a collection of such mascots that the Fire Department is giving as INSPIRATIONAL EXAMPLES on their website. Notice that in almost all of these patch logos the MALTESE CROSS is featured as a background element. In many cases, the "Hook and Ladder" and "Hydrant" graphics are also featured. Your logo design should probably be similar. Also notice that many of these mascots are shown wearing FIREMAN'S HELMETS. A number of these mascots also feature FIRE AXES, FLAMES or HOSES in their designs, as well.

Here are the SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS regarding the creation of the logo:

  • The logo needs to be created on a 12" x 12" canvas is ILLUSTRATOR, using VECTOR GRAPHICS TOOLS such as those we have been using in the GREEN MONSTER and CARTOON ILLUSTRATION project.
  • Your logo should feature the MALTESE CROSS and the words AULT/PIERCE FIRE DEPARTMENT and EST. 1904. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that this text be in a standard, legible font.
  • The department would like to have a visual association with the Ault/Pierce area and the surrounding environment. I highly recommend that your design this. I would also include a FIREMAN'S HELMET in your design, as well.
  • To create your logo, you will likely need to combine a number of graphics- a Maltese Cross, local graphics a Helmet, etc. Do this to the best of your ability, using the skills learned in recent projects. Due to the nature of this assignment and the prize offered, it is expected that the student will submit only ALL ORIGINAL WORK.

CREATION and SUBMISSION OF THE LOGO: Graphic Design students will have until March 15th to submit their logos to the Ault Pierce Fire Department.

GRADING: All students will be expected to complete a PATCH LOGO design for this project. This will be a 100 point assignment and will be graded as follows: Demonstration of FULL EFFORT to complete the project as assigned= 100 points, ANYTHING ELSE= ZERO points. Finalists for this project will have their LOWEST SEMESTER GRADE from the gradebook turned into an A .