Comments on: Logo of the month #8

By: Julie Burton

Julie Burton — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 21:41:58 +0000

Compared to the old Presbyterian seal, this one is quite artful and powerful. Besides the elements mentioned here, there are other images people have seen. For example, the Dove reminds some of John Calvin’s “T.U.L.I.P” theology. The three arms in the center remind some of the outstretched arms of the pastor giving the blessing/benediction. The flames represent Moses and the Burning Bush and also the fire of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The Cup in the center doubles for the baptismal font. This image “brands” the Presbyterian Church (USA) from other Presbyterian churches so that we know each other. In my town there are two Presbyterian Churches; having this image on my church is very important, especially for visitors looking for the PCUSA church and not the independent one. A logo is supposed to provide identity, and I think this one does it very well.

By: anair

anair — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 19:49:39 +0000

The PCA (I think 2nd biggest American Presbyterian denomination) is currently looking for a design for their Logo. They have been for a while. I wonder what it’ll come out as. How should it try and differentiate it’s image from other Presbyterian logos?

By: David Airey

David Airey — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:15:25 +0000

I don’t, Mei. Sorry I can’t be of more help, and good luck with your bulletin design project.

By: Mei

Mei — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:11:21 +0000

Hi, I have recently designed a logo for my church and there is another branch of this church coming up and I stepped in to help design the church bulletin. I have read all of your blog posts and found 2 articles relevant to design brief but am wondering if you know another design brief tailored for church?

By: Kristine

Kristine — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 12:51:47 +0000

This logo Fit’s the purpose, it’s thoughtful and keeps the mind moving as well as focused on what it represents. Overall this logo is interesting. Simple yet complex.

By: David Airey

David Airey — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:39:41 +0000

Kent, Sonja,

Thanks for your take on the logo. I’ve definitely been thinking twice about this ‘logo of the month’ inclusion.

By: Sonja

Sonja — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 15:15:17 +0000

I so agree with Kent. I too thought that ‘logo of the month’ was irony. The first message that came to mind was ‘Thou shalt burn in hell!’ Then I read the explanation and recognised that it was indeed a very clever jigsaw puzzle of religious symbols. While I admire the brilliant thinking behind the design, unfortunately in my mind the many symbolisms coagulate into something uninviting.

Then again, the Presbyterian Church is not Hillsong…

By: Kent

Kent — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:04:14 +0000

The very first thing that came into my mind when i saw this was that you were being ironic of something as you named it the logo of the month.

Why in the world should a bold, extremely american and messy ku klux klan logo be the best logo of the month?
So i clicked it and saw the manual for it, got a little impressed by all the meanings crammed in to it but still wondered about the flames, the cross and the pitchfork – as well as the misleading corporate blue, the static impression of all the elements smacked together (without internal hierarchy, making it confusing and again misleading)

The overall feeling of this is a pictogram that wants to tell me how to behave or else i will be burned on a stake. Be afraid. Feel our power. We’re Proud White Christian Americans…

Short said, it feels like a private clan or sect who wants to roar out their message to the world, miserably failing when screaming it all out at the same pitch in a hundred different languages. And it is way too corporate in my humble opinion… Very very American.

Kent’s last blog post…Hugo Boss

By: Orlando

Orlando — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:13:46 +0000

I love this logo…it represent so many things once you break it down…I’m a Presbyterian and a graphic designer and I’ve worked with this logo in all the work I’ve done for my church and i never get bored of it…in fact i designed one that takes some of the principles of this logo for my church…

By: David Airey

David Airey — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:37:32 +0000

You know, the more discussion that follows, the less convinced I become. I can completely understand the negative connotations from the flaming cross, and it’s something I hadn’t initially considered. Thanks again for making me think!